Action urged to boost 2014 Games' health legacy

Published on Saturday 3 January 2009 19:20

MORE action is needed to ensure that the 2014 Commonwealth Games help Scotland cure its reputation as the sick man of Europe, it was claimed last night.

Using the legacy of the Glasgow Games to create a healthier Scotland has been cited as the main benefit of the country hosting the event for the first time since 1986.

But health experts say not enough is being done to channel the publicity generated into addressing the inequalities that have cursed Scotland with some of the worst rates for heart disease, strokes and life expectancy in Europe.

For example, a boy living in the east end of Glasgow can expect to live 28 years less than a youngster brought up in neighbouring East Dunbartonshire.

The concerns were outlined in a Government document, Glasgow 2014 – Delivering a Lasting Legacy for Scotland, published last week.

The document welcomed ministers' keenness to use the Games to improve Scotland's health, but raised concerns that tackling health inequalities was not mentioned as a key objective.

The document, which analysed 169 responses to a consultation exercise, drew attention to points made by NHS Health Scotland, the organisation set up to promote healthier lifestyles. It argued that more priority ought to be given to improving the health of those in deprived communities and it

was "sceptical" that the success of sporting role models would spur on youngsters to adopt a healthier lifestyle, arguing that parents setting a good example would prove more effective.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "The majority of respondents supported the use of the Games to promote physical activity and healthier lifestyles, and we intend to use the unparalleled opportunity of the Games to help achieve these objectives."