MSPs get sports review ball rolling

MSPS are to launch a major inquiry into the impact of sport on local communities.

The Scottish Parliament’s health and sport committee today announced plans to tour community sport facilities across Scotland, but said they first wanted to hear from organisations and individuals about their experiences.

Committee convener, Labour MSP Duncan McNeil 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.”

The committee is calling for views on the role of volunteers and what support they need, how local sports clubs help achieve healthier lives and the accessibility, affordability and quality of sport facilities.

The committee plans to start by touring the Glasgow 2014 site in August, then visiting community sports facilities in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee.