Highlighting ways in which people across Scotland can benefit from the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the £10m Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund is now open for applications for grants of up to £100,000 to build or improve sport and recreation facilities.
Offering grants from £10,000 and £100,000, the fund will help communities create or upgrade local facilities designed to get people more active, such as building new bike or skate parks, outdoor adventure facilities, or walking routes.
The Active Places Fund is just one of many initiatives being delivered as part of the Scottish Government’s Legacy 2014 programme to ensure the Commonwealth Games delivers a positive and lasting legacy for people across Scotland.
One person involved in helping create a legacy from the 2014 Games is Willie Young, whom everyone in Argyll and Bute knows as Community Sport Lead Manager for Argyll and Bute Council.
Willie has been involved in running numerous events designed to get local people active through the annual Games for Scotland programme, run by EventScotland.
Speaking about his experience, Willie says: ‘This is our Games and I think people across Scotland will relate to the Games coming to Glasgow, particularly following such a successful Olympics in London. World-class events such as this have a real power to motivate people to get active and I believe they should be promoted at every opportunity.
‘Over 800 people got involved in our Challenge 1,000 programme to mark the 1,000 countdown to the Games and everyone really got into the spirit of it.’
Launching the campaign today [23rd October 2012], Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison says: ‘The Commonwealth Games will be the biggest multi-sports event Scotland has ever hosted and provides a unique opportunity to create a positive and lasting legacy for Scotland.
‘The Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund will help communities across Scotland improve their facilities and will appeal to Scots young and old to get more active. I want as many people as possible to benefit and to be inspired by the Commonwealth Games to adopt healthier, more active lives.
‘Of course, a lasting legacy from the Games is not just about getting more people active. It’s also about creating a stronger Scotland in terms of our economy, culture and community. We want to see Scottish business win contracts and prosper, young people gain jobs and experience, our international reputation enhanced, and our communities celebrating the Games.’
More information about the Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund and guidance on applications is here on the SportScotland website.
Information on how you can be part of the Games legacy is here on the Legacy 2014 website.
