This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Sporting win for Aberdeen
29/01/2004
Five to 16 year-olds in Aberdeen are set to benefit from
a £1 million injection into sports and outdoor
activities.
The New Opportunities Fund - the biggest of the National
Lottery distributors - today announced the latest round of
funding.
Welcoming the award, Minister for Tourism, Culture
and Sport Frank McAveety said: "Sport and activity make a
tremendous contribution to healthy and positive lifestyles
for our young people. The New Opportunities for PE and
Sport programme is making an important contribution to
giving youngsters across Scotland the best possible start
in life.
"The grants being announced today will help ensure
that school children in Aberdeen will get an opportunity to
take part in sport and outdoor activity in fun and
innovative ways, while developing their natural talents and
abilities. This award will make a valuable contribution in
meeting targets set out in Sport 21."
Across the city young people of all ages and
backgrounds will have the chance to take part in out of
school hours sport and activities including dance,
skateboarding, ten pin bowling as well as golf, football,
tennis and athletics.
Today's announcement is the last piece in the funding
jigsaw and means that over £33 million has been committed
from the New Opportunities for PE and Sport programme to
fund activities in Scotland for young people since March
2003.
At the heart of the New Opportunities for PE and
Sport programme is a commitment to nurture the sporting
talents and abilities of Scotland's children. Many of the
projects in Aberdeen City are today being funded for the
first time. In Aberdeen two of the projects have been
specifically created to promote positive behaviour by
helping young people find an alternative to a life of crime
though sport
David Campbell New Opportunities Fund Board member
for Scotland said: "Today's award to Aberdeen City Council
will ensure that children across the city from all
backgrounds are able to enjoy a healthier and more active
lifestyle. We are delighted to see the city council working
in partnership with so many local organisations to really
give young people every chance to increase their physical
activity and health.
"At it's core this programme is about bring sport and
physical activity outdoor pursuits to all. I'm especially
pleased to see that young people who may be in danger of
choosing the wrong path through anti social behaviour will
be targeted through the active steps strand."