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03 THE VISION
Reaching Higher focuses on the promotion, delivery, playing and enjoyment of sport. Key to this is developing a culture where sport is valued for the pleasure and quality it brings to people's lives and for the pride and recognition it brings to our nation.
We want a country where our sports organisations work in partnership towards a common goal and where our coaches, volunteers and sports administrators are well trained and their contribution is respected and valued. We must reinvigorate our efforts in delivering the Sport 21 vision of a Scotland where:
- sport is more widely enjoyed and available;
- sporting talent is recognised and nurtured;
- world class performance is achieved and sustained.
This means:
- everyone having access to affordable, high quality community sport facilities and advice and guidance;
- children enjoying sport in and out of school and staying involved throughout their lives;
- individuals being able to move from sport to sport according to their changing lives, ability and capacity;
- talent being recognised early and developed to its full potential;
- a world-wide reputation as a successful sporting nation; and
- a world class reputation for hosting a range of sporting events.
This is a vision for everyone in Scotland regardless of age, sex, disability, social background, race, religion or sexual orientation. There should be no barriers to participating in sport or to developing and achieving an individual's potential. Key agencies must give consideration to equity and ensure they identify and break down barriers. We must build a Scotland where opportunity, quality and success are expected and delivered.
While Reaching Higher is primarily about the improvement and development of Scottish sport, it must be recognised that sport has the potential to contribute to and complement work in a range of other areas. These include:
- physical wellbeing, including tackling obesity;
- mental wellbeing, contributing to improved self esteem and confidence;
- building strong, vibrant and cohesive communities;
- closing the opportunity gap and increasing participation amongst the most disadvantaged groups;
- providing diversionary activities particularly in the most disadvantaged communities;
- supporting rural communities by providing a forum for social interaction and in attracting visitors;
- promoting sustainable forms of transport such as cycling and walking;
- promoting volunteering; and
- enhancing the economy and tourism opportunities.
Investment in sport can achieve this vision of wide ranging benefits for individuals and communities. For all of us it means Reaching Higher.
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