The impact of sport in our communities to be the focus of a major inquiry by MSPs

02.07.2012

The role of sport in our communities, a key strand of the legacy of Glasgow 2014, will be the subject of a major inquiry by the Health and Sport Committee. MSPs plan to tour community sport facilities across Scotland but first want to hear from organisations and individuals about their experiences.

Convener of the Health and Sport Committee Duncan McNeil MSP said:

“Both London 2012 and Glasgow 2014 are two significant sporting events that will highlight the extraordinary ability of athletes across the world. The Scottish Government has rightly outlined the legacy to our communities that they hope will result from Glasgow 2014.

“But against a backdrop of high levels of physical inactivity, this inquiry will examine the role of sport at a grassroots level and its impact on preventing health problems. MSPs want to hear from people across Scotland to inform the inquiry and help the Committee determine if sporting facilities are both available and accessible.”

Deputy Convener of the Health and Sport Committee Bob Doris MSP said:

“This inquiry will focus on people, participation, and places. Many local sports clubs need the contribution of local volunteers – how we maximise their contribution will be a crucial part of this inquiry.

“The Committee will also look at the importance of places of sport in terms of availability, affordability and quality. Finally the inquiry will consider participation, and the benefit of clubs and facilities to communities.”   

The Committee is calling for views on the following issues:

•  The contribution of people – focusing on the role of volunteers – and looking at how to ensure they have the opportunities and support necessary to contribute to sport at a local level (for example, quality of coaching, fostering a culture of volunteer-ism, and all aspects of support, including employer attitudes);
• The benefit of local sports clubs both to the preventative health agenda and their communities;
• The  importance of places for sport, in terms of availability, accessibility,  affordability, and the quality of facilities.

Background

Members of the Health and Sport Committee plan to start their inquiry by touring the Glasgow 2014 site in August and then plan to visit community sports facilities in Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh. 

The deadline for submissions is 17 August 2012.