Community sport gets £500,000 cash boost from Big Lottery Fund

Games: 2014 event to be held in Glasgow.

A major cash boost for community sport will allow more Scots to get involved with the 2014 Commonwealth Games, according to the Big Lottery Fund.

The fund has awarded an extra £500,000 to be allocated between grassroots sporting initiatives across Scotland.

The money represents a 50% increase on current annual budgets and brings the total investment under the 2014 Communities banner to almost £3m.

Jackie Killeen, Scotland Director, Big Lottery Fund said: "We have a simple goal to ensure a Commonwealth Games legacy for all of Scotland, which lasts beyond the ten day sporting spectacular.

"We know from this Olympic and Paralympic summer that everyone has been inspired to go out and get active and 2014 Communities funding will allow more people to do exactly that."

Olympic 200m freestyle finalist and 2010 Commonwealth Games 200m freestyle gold medal winner Robbie Renwick added: "After being a part of this fantastic summer of sport I know it's really important clubs and teams across Scotland have the financial back-up to make sure all the new people who have been inspired to get involved with sport can do just that.

"Not everyone will have the chance to win a gold medal but thanks to 2014 Communities and this extra funding more people can get up and share the chance to try something new."

The fund will invest a total of £5.8m of National lottery money into grassroots sports over its duration. Individual grants can be anything from £300 to £2000.

Paul Zealey, Head of Engagement and Legacy at Glasgow 2014 said: "Glasgow 2014 offers opportunities for all of Scotland to be inspired by and benefit from the Commonwealth Games.

"With this support from the Big Lottery Fund, communities can take action to take up sport, dance or other physical activity, and become more involved in volunteering."

People who read this story also read