by Gary Kirkpatrick

Sport and physical activity in East Ayrshire could be set for a massive boost after receiving a significant financial windfall from a national sporting initiative.

The Changing Lives Through Sport and Physical Activity (CLTSPA) fund helps change the lives of others while encouraging social inclusion and a healthier Scotland, with East Ayrshire one of many areas who have the opportunity to benefit from this.

The initiative was born out of the legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games through Spirit of 2012, while also in partnership with the Scottish Government, sportscotland and the Robertson Trust, Scotland’s largest funding provider.

It aims to support community sport clubs and physical activity programmes in promoting a healthy lifestyle and a sense of positivity surrounding sport and exercise.

The share of the potential £1 million fund forms part of a wider programme worth £1.8 million which seeks to address individual and community needs through sport and physical activity and also to support them to become and stay active.

Local sporting clubs and initiatives who meet a prescribed criteria and deliver on the four CLTSPA themes – sport for inclusion, sport for skills, sport for health and wellbeing and sport for communities – may be able to access a grant fund ranging from £30,000 to a maximum of £70,000 available across two years.

Stewart Harris, chief executive of sportscotland, was pleased to welcome the fund and the potential impact it could have for community-based sport in Scotland.

He said: “The positive power of sport and physical activity can be seen every day in communities across the country thanks to the fantastic work of community sport hubs, clubs and the wider sporting system.

“It is clear from this work that sport and physical activity is having a significant impact on the lives of those taking part.

“But it is not just about participation, it is also about improving health and wellbeing and increasing wider opportunities, and we are determined to build on that.

“This fund and the wider Changing Lives Through Sport and Physical Activity programme is an important step on that journey, as we strive to build a more inclusive and healthier nation.”

Further information regarding the CLTSPA fund and details how to apply can be found at the Spirit of 2012 website www.spiritof2012.org.uk/CLTSPA.

Image credit: sportscotland