Scottish Government
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New funding for Active Legacy of 2014 Games
Aims to reach most inactive groups
A new fund to further encourage physical activity among Scotland’s least active people has been launched as part of the legacy of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The £800,000 Legacy 2014 Physical Activity Fund will aim to reach those people who are classed as physically inactive – meaning they do less than 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
Around 21 per cent of people in Scotland currently fit that category. Groups most at risk of being inactive include those with a disability or long term health condition, older people, teenage girls and some ethnic minority groups. Being physically inactive can lead to increased risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. It also has a clear negative impact on wellbeing and mental health.
The Fund is funded by the Scottish Government and will be managed by Spirit of 2012, an independent trust and Legacy 2014 partner. Under the scheme, grants up to £70,000 will be available for projects that work to encourage physical activity in local communities.
Grants are open to existing projects that are linked to a community planning partnership and can demonstrate they are already making a difference to activity levels at a local level. Projects will be supported between September 2015 and September 2016. Further information on eligibility can be found at Spirit of 2012 website.
This week sees the first anniversary of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. One year on there are more than 50 national legacy projects reaching and benefiting communities across Scotland.
Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, said yesterday: “We have always been determined to ensure that the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will leave a lasting legacy. One of the key parts of that is putting in place long term changes that will encourage Scotland to be more physically active. Today’s announcement adds to the investment and programmes we have put in place.
“We need a culture change where more people understand that being physically active is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and can take action to be more active in their daily lives.
“The Legacy 2014 Physical Activity Fund is about helping people that are putting their health at risk by not exercising enough. We know there are projects that can give people more confidence and knowledge to make these important lifestyle changes, and we’re keen to support this work.”
Debbie Lye, Chief Executive of Spirit of 2012, said:
“Events are not a magic wand. Yet, with the right support and investment, they can be the spark to generate change. Once the lights go down on the closing ceremony the real work starts. The XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last year were a momentous milestone in the history of a brilliant city, and now it’s time to help the legacy live on. We were delighted to be asked to work in partnership with the Scottish Government to increase levels of physical activity, promoting wellbeing across Scotland.”
Background:
Grants are only open to projects that are part of a Physical Activity Strategy group of a Community Planning Partnership (CPP). These are partnerships that bring public agencies together with the community to plan and deliver services. Applications must be endorsed by the relevant CPP with only one application from each CPP accepted.
Spirit of 2012
Spirit of 2012 is an independent trust established with a £47m endowment from the Big Lottery Fund.
Spirit invests in events as catalysts for change for people and communities across the UK. It promotes wellbeing, social cohesion and challenge limiting perceptions of disability by funding partners that provide opportunities in sport and physical activity, arts and culture, volunteering and social action.
People empowered to get out, be involved and feel better #InvestingInHappiness
To learn more about Spirit and the work they do, visit www.spiritof2012trust.org.uk or get in touch with Head of Communications, Penny East, penny.east@spiritof2012trust.org.uk 020 3701 7400
