|
A funding investment of £275,000 to increase participation in basketball and retain talented young players was announced today. The annual investment in basketballscotland will benefit the sport at every level from grassroots participation to high performance. Creating a sustainable pathway from the first introduction to the sport, to competing at an Olympic Games, is a real challenge for any sport. The funding announced today will assist basketballscotland to achieve this by establishing Regional Talent Development Programmes throughout the country, to provide talented young athletes with every opportunity to fulfill their potential. Sports Minister Stewart Maxwell said: "I am delighted to announce this funding for Scottish basketball, which will be used to increase participation and retain our most talented players. "Having just seen some of the world's best at first hand, it would also be terrific if the Government's support in time helps produce more Scottish players with the talent to grace basketball courts at international level." With more youngsters being introduced to basketball through Active Schools, demand for the sport is high. The funding announced today will support the development of the sport's infrastructure to cope with the demand and provide opportunities for young people to participate, whatever their ability. Stewart Harris, Chief Executive sportscotland said:
"basketballscotland has adopted an innovative approach to develop the sport and we are delighted that our investment will assist them in meeting their objectives. A key driver for basketball is providing more opportunities for young people to take part in the sport, an ambition we share as we continue our efforts to increase participation and improve performance in sport in Scotland." Kevin Pringle, Chief Executive of basketballscotland, welcomed the investment: "The sportscotland investment is critical in our ongoing work to develop basketball in Scotland. It's an exciting time for our sport, with Active Schools driving participation up and the prospect of a GB team, including Scottish athletes, competing at the 2012 Olympic Games, there is huge potential. The funding allows us to continue to establish the infrastructure that will provide opportunities for every player to develop to their potential." Edinburgh will play host to the FIBA European Championships next month when eight men's teams, including Scotland, will compete in the C Division of this major event. In 2007 sportscotland invested over £10 million in 54 sports governing bodies. The £316,947 investment in basketballscotland is made up of £120,000 from the sportscotland Lottery Fund and £155,000 of sportscotland funding from the Scottish Government. Active Schools is a term given to all schools in Scotland that provide their pupils with sufficient opportunities to get active to the extent that it makes a positive contribution to their health. Active Schools is a key component of the Scottish Government's drive to get Scotland more active; a commitment outlined in the National Physical Activity Strategy, Let's Make Scotland More Active. The fundamental aim of the Active Schools Network is to offer all children and young people the opportunities and motivation to adopt active, healthy lifestyles, now and into adulthood. Active Schools Managers and Coordinators are responsible for developing and supporting an infrastructure for Active Schools within the school and wider community. They do this by recruiting, supporting and sustaining a network of volunteers, coaches, leaders and teachers who in turn deliver physical activity and sport before, during and after school and in the wider community. Scotland will host the FIBA European Championships (Men's C Division) at Edinburgh Universities Centre for Sport and Exercise, Edinburgh from June 17-22. Competing nations are: (Group A) Azerbaijan, Gibraltar, Moldova and San Marino, (Group B) Andorra, Malta, Scotland and Wales. Basketball is both an Olympic and Commonwealth Games sport. www.scotland.gov.uk |
