Letter: Time to give our kids a sporting chance

Whatever the colour of the party election pledges, it has never been more important for Scotland's politicians to recognise the need to give this nation's kids a sporting chance.

As a parent and sports coach, I understand the benefits that a healthy attitude to food, drink and exercise offers children and adults - whatever one's sporting ambitions.

So after more than 40 years in sport, it's with dismay I continue to read that almost 50 per cent of Scotland's primary age children still fail to enjoy regular access to physical education (PE), while an Edinburgh University study recently reported only 15 per cent of 7,000 children (11, 13 and 15 year-olds) surveyed undertook regular exercise. I'm told that only one in three teenage girls continues in organised sport beyond 16, which goes some way to explaining the shortage of female sports coaches.

Only 33 per cent of young people eat fruit and vegetables daily. Combine all of that with the alarming drop-out rate by youths from sport and it is clear that urgent remedial action is required if Scotland's aspirations - on and off the sports field - are not to drown in a diet of chip fat served up with an unhealthy dollop of youth and parental indifference to exercise.

While political parties announce health care reforms, free prescription charges etc, surely many health problems could be avoided if we maximised our efforts to encourage a healthier nation - and stopped finding excuses.

What astounds me is that practical solutions can be found but these must be driven through by political, educational and parental will. Strong leaders must recognise the need for a serious review of the obstacles, including whatever prevents Scotland's primary aged kids enjoying at least two hours of PE a week.

I would like to see a minimum of four hours specialist primary school PE education every week. That's a lesson a day. It's in our early years that we develop the co-ordination skills to help our enjoyment of - and ability in - a multitude of sports. This develops the all important character trait of self-confidence.

From years of coaching, I appreciate that kids value the sense of belonging and pride that comes from being part of a club or team. Every parent knows that encouraging a child to follow a routine can do wonders for discipline. In their teenage years, membership of a sports club or a school team can be the catalyst for developing healthy interests and social links.

I am acutely aware that the responsibility for encouraging children to eat properly, exercise regularly and nurture a "can do" attitude must not be left to teachers. The impact of parental influence on encouraging self-belief, offering sound counsel on life choices and instilling positive values cannot be under-estimated.

At some point in their lives, most kids will dream of success on the world sporting stage.Very few will make it onto the podium, but if we can create the right opportunities, including after-school sport, an endless supply of positive encouragement and praising of effort rather than success, they can at least aspire to be the best they can be.

Fortunately, there are signs of positive action with local authorities, local sport clubs and schools working together to develop opportunities that encourage people to be active. I know of at least one inspirational programme, Champions in Schools, that encourages school-aged children to adopt a healthier approach to sport, nutrition and life.

School and community sport facilities are being improved or built - including the impressive Sir Chris Hoy velodrome taking shape in Glasgow's East End. All very welcome, as long as timetabling and entry charges don't prevent kids from using them.

It's against this background that politicians love to trumpet the national pride and prestige that the 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games will bring. They have a point but there has to be a legacy to hosting these events. That legacy has to start now.

Positive action by politicians, sport and health professionals, educationalists and parents that will help Scotland's younger generations get and stay involved in physical activity. By doing so, they can deliver real health and social benefits of which we can all be proud.

Judy Murray

Dunblane

Perthshire