This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Funding for sports facilities
14/04/2004
Over £9 million in lottery funding has been awarded to
improve PE and sporting facilities across Scotland.
Sixteen local authorities will benefit from the New
Opportunities for PE & Sport programme.
The projects range from the creation of new floodlit
sport pitches and athletics tracks to modernising school
gyms and revamping outdoor adventure facilities.
Speaking at the Blairvadach Outdoor Centre near
Helensburgh, where over £0.5 million will be invested in
new and improved facilities, Sports Minister Frank McAveety
said:
"I am delighted with today's announcement. The
Executive is committed to ensuring that children and young
people have more opportunities to take part in a wide range
of activities in a variety of settings. It's vital that we
encourage our young people in particular to adopt a
healthier, more active lifestyle.
"The activities available here at Blairvadach, in such a
beautiful setting, can only help in our efforts to ensure
that young people gain the benefits to their physical and
mental well-being that an active lifestyle brings.
"In my own schooldays I had the opportunity to visit
Blairvadach and other such centres, and the benefits both
to my schoolwork and to my preparation for life were
invaluable."
New Opportunities Fund Scotland Board Member, David
Campbell, added:
"Many people across Scotland still lack the opportunity
to participate in sport and outdoor activities, the New
Opportunities for PE & Sport programme has been
designed to help redress this balance.
"Today's funding is aimed at building and revamping
sports and PE facilities which will give people of all ages
the chance to take part in regular exercise, whatever their
circumstances. For young people in particular this funding
marks the beginning of a healthier, more active lifestyle
and the opportunity to develop their sporting talents."