Finnie calls for sports summit

11.05.51am GMT Mon 21st Dec 2009

Liberal Democrat Sports spokesperson Ross Finnie MSP has pledged to hold a summit meeting in the New Year with representatives from Scotland’s sporting organisations, local authorities and young people to look at the best way of getting more young people into sport.

Official figures show that for over 50% of 16-24 year olds, the biggest reason for not taking part in sport was disinterest. The figures also show that children who were encouraged into sport are twice as likely to participate in sport as adults.

Commenting, Mr Finnie said:

“These figures are clear that sporty children are twice as likely to grow into sporty adults. Keeping active is a major part of staying healthy and tackling the obesity epidemic.

“Disinterest is the most common reason for young people not participating in sport and this needs to be sorted out.

“Holding a summit with councils, young people and sports organisations would be one way of finding out how to get more young people interested in sport. It could be as simple as making sure that varied sporting facilities are available across the country.”

Ends.