New Legacy 2014 Fund Opens For Application

23rd October 2012

The �10 million Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund, part of the Scottish Government's Commonwealth Games Legacy 2014 programme, will give communities across Scotland more and better places to be active.

Grants between �10,000 and �100,000 are now available to help build or upgrade local facilities such as new bike or skate parks, outdoor adventure facilities, walking routes, or new projects within school estates.

Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport Shona Robison was today at the refurbished Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh, built for the 1970 Commonwealth Games and which will host the 2014 diving competition, to meet organisations, businesses and Youth Legacy Ambassadors already involved in delivering the wide range of Legacy 2014 programmes.

She said: "The Commonwealth Games will be the biggest multi-sports event Scotland has ever hosted and provides a unique opportunity to create a positive and lasting legacy for Scotland.

"The Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund will help communities across Scotland improve their facilities and will appeal to Scots young and old to get more active. I want as many people as possible to benefit and to be inspired by the Commonwealth Games to adopt healthier, more active lives.

"Of course, a lasting legacy from the Games is not just about getting more people active. It's also about creating a stronger Scotland in terms of our economy, culture and community. We want to see Scottish business win contracts and prosper, young people gain jobs and experience, our international reputation enhanced, and our communities celebrating the Games."

Commonwealth and Olympic swimming champion David Wilkie, who attended today's launch, added:"Having taken part in the Commonwealth Games in 1970 on home turf, I can honestly say the impact of such a huge event happening in Scotland cannot be underestimated. This is a really exciting time for sport and I personally believe the Games coming to Glasgow in 2014 will have wide reaching benefits for the country as a whole.

"We've seen how London 2012 successfully inspired an increased interest in sport, and we need to harness the same energy in Scotland to ensure future generations are inspired and have access to sporting facilities to help them meet their potential.

"The Royal Commonwealth Pool is just one example of the type of sporting facility that such major events bring. Opened in 1970, it will be used again as a diving venue in 2014, and many families and sporting enthusiasts have benefitted from having such a world-class facility on their doorstep. This is a real example of a lasting legacy and I hope people are inspired, and more importantly, get involved with the opportunities being created as a result of the Games coming to Scotland."

sportscotland are managing the Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund and an application form and guidance notes are available from the sportscotland website www.sportscotland.org.uk. The first round of applications should be submitted by 1 February 2013.

See also www.legacy2014.co.uk/