London 2012 Olympics: Scottish athletes inspire the next generation

By STEPHEN McGINTY
Published on 06/08/2012 02:27

SCOTTISH athletes at the Olympics are inspiring the next generation of Scots to go for gold, according to the Sport Minister Shona Robison.

The minister said the Scottish Government was grasping economic opportunities provided by the competition to work with partners to persuade the hundreds of businesses who have visited Scotland House, their facility in London, to invest in the country.

Ms Robison has been in 
London supporting Scottish 
athletes all week and said yesterday: “I have been lucky enough to see some outstanding Team GB performances and see Scottish athletes bring in medals day after day.

“These Olympics have been a success story for Scottish sport with a medal haul so far of four golds, two silvers and a bronze by Scottish athletes and Andy Murray will add to that tally with two medals today.

“Already the number of Scottish medals achieved over the whole of the Beijing Olympics in 2008 has been bettered.

“And from what I have seen in the reaction of the crowds and the images making the news, these golden moments are firing even more young minds to be the best they can be in their sports.

“We are building a world-class sporting infrastructure in Scotland, and alongside quality teaching and coaching for young people of all ages and abilities, we want to keep that passion as we look ahead to the next week of the Olympics and on to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.”

Ms Robison also confirmed that 500 businessmen and women, representing 331 businesses and investment bodies, have participated in networking events at Scotland House, the Scottish Government’s showcase to the world in London, since it opened on 27 July.

Ms Robison continued: “This Government is working its hardest to promote Scotland.”