£800,000 Fund Launched to Encourage Exercise among Least Active Scots

The Scottish Government has established a fund of £800,000 to encourage exercise among the country's least active residents. This initiative, launched after the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, aims to reach the 21% of Scots who are classed as physically inactive, engaging in less than 30 minutes of physical activity three or four times a week. The fund will be run by Spirit of 2012, an independent trust and Commonwealth Games legacy partner, awarding grants of up to £70,000 to projects promoting physical activity in local communities.

Key Takeaways:

• The Legacy 2014 Physical Activity Fund has been established with an £800,000 budget to encourage exercise among the least active Scots, defined as those engaging in less than 30 minutes of physical activity three or four times a week.
• Around 21% of people in Scotland are considered physically inactive, with groups at risk including people with a disability or long-term health condition, the elderly, teenage girls, and some ethnic minority groups.
• The fund will be run by Spirit of 2012, awarding grants of up to £70,000 to projects promoting physical activity in local communities.
• The Scottish Government-backed initiative is part of the legacy of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, aiming to encourage long-term changes in physical activity levels.
• Sport Minister Jamie Hepburn emphasized the need for a culture change, highlighting that physical activity can improve health and that projects can help people make lifestyle changes.
• Debbie Lye, chief executive of Spirit of 2012, noted that the Commonwealth Games can be a catalyst for change, emphasizing the importance of supporting projects that promote physical activity and well-being.

Statistics:

• 21% of people in Scotland are considered physically inactive.
• £800,000 has been allocated for the Legacy 2014 Physical Activity Fund to encourage exercise among the least active Scots.
• Grants of up to £70,000 will be awarded to projects promoting physical activity in local communities.
• The initiative is part of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games legacy, aiming to encourage long-term changes in physical activity levels.

Sources:

• Paul Ward, Press Association Scotland AN [pounds sterling]800,000 fund has been established to encourage exercise among the least active people in Scotland.
• Scottish Government
• Spirit of 2012