Hansard

Tapadh leibh, Oifigeir Riaghlaidh—thank you, Presiding Officer. I thank Mr Whittle for bringing this important motion to the chamber and all members for their contributions this morning. I have had the great privilege of serving as the minister for sport since May 2021, and I have witnessed at first hand the powerful positive influence that sport and physical activity have across Scotland. They improve physical and mental health, strengthen communities, boost resilience and confidence, enrich lives and open doors to new opportunities.

Sport is unquestionably a force for good, with the power to change lives. One of my earliest visits as sport minister was to Street Soccer Scotland’s change centre in Dundee, which demonstrates the life-changing impact that sport can have. I later visited the street 45 programme in Edinburgh, which supports women who have experienced significant challenges in their lives. In both places, I met participants whose journeys were nothing short of inspirational and who spoke openly about how sport had supported them through homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges and social isolation. For many people, sport provides purpose, structure and belonging. When young people experience regular and enjoyable physical activity early in life, they are much more likely to stay active in adulthood. Physical literacy, confidence and the simple joy of movement are all built in childhood.

That is why our delivery of the commitment in this parliamentary session to make the active schools programme free to all pupils was crucial. The programme operates across every local authority and provides accessible opportunities before, during and after school. In my time as minister, I have had the privilege of visiting active school programmes and meeting recipients of Sport Scotland’s school sports awards. I have been consistently impressed by the incredible teachers and coaches who create such opportunities, as well as by the young people who so clearly and confidently articulate how sport has enriched their lives. In 2023, I recall visiting St Cuthbert’s Roman Catholic primary school to present it with a gold award. The local cricket club was working alongside the school’s active schools programme, helping to engage pupils in a way that reflected the interests and heritage of the local south Asian community.

Children form ideas about what is achievable based on what they see around them. If young people see someone of their gender, ethnicity, body type or ability represented in sport, it can become a catalyst for aspiration, confidence and participation. Our belief in the importance of sport and physical activity for children and young people is demonstrated by the £20 million investment in this year’s summer of sport programme. That will provide inclusive opportunities for children and young people to get active and stay active, and to improve their lives, with a particular focus on reducing barriers to participation and on addressing poverty‑related inequality. As we look forward to our exciting summer of sport, we know that it has the power to unite people and inspire the nation.

If I could digress just for a second, I do not think that the Scottish Parliament rugby team inspired a nation, but, my goodness, there are not many places where I might be found on the same team as Brian Whittle, Jamie Halcro Johnston and Fin Carson. Sport has the power to bring together people with very—very—differing views, and we are all the better for having had those opportunities.

We have seen how Scotland has been uplifted by the men’s national football team successfully qualifying for the football world cup, and we will all be behind them this summer. They are not the only ones. The Scottish women’s cricket team has qualified for the very first time for the women’s T20 world cup this summer. Our Scottish women’s hockey team has qualified for the hockey world cup for the first time since 2002. I wish them all the very best. Their achievements will inspire young people across Scotland to get involved, leading to healthier and more active communities.

That sense of inspiration is also reflected through Scottish women and girls in sport week, which is always a highlight of my year. Meeting so many inspirational women and girls has reinforced the importance of creating safe, supportive and inclusive environments, where they feel confident to take part without fear of judgment.

Increasing rates of participation has been a priority for the Government, and access to facilities and community clubs is central to achieving it. Since 2007, sportscotland has invested more than £214 million in improving sports facilities nationwide. In Mr Whittle’s constituency, investment has supported improvements at Annan rugby club and Portpatrick Dunskey Golf Club, and it has enabled the creation of a new hub for the Stranraer Water Sports Association.

Those projects highlight our commitment to expanding access to high-quality facilities and encouraging active, healthy communities. From a preventative standpoint, we recognise the evidence that even modest increases in activity levels can help prevent illness, reduce pressure on health services and contribute to healthier, longer lives. That is why our physical activity for health framework takes a whole-systems approach to embedding movement in everyday life.

Equally important is the positive impact of physical activity on mental health. Across Scotland, people of all ages use sport to manage stress, build self-esteem and stay connected. Walking groups, community football, swimming, running clubs and dance classes all help people to maintain wellbeing and social connection.

Just last week I visited Hollandbush Golf Club for the launch of the Golf in Society programme, which is making a profound difference to mental health and wellbeing for people facing challenges later in life. By combining gentle physical activity with meaningful social interaction, the programme shows how inclusive, community-based sport can enhance quality of life for older people and their carers. Across all ages and backgrounds, sport remains a powerful force that strengthens communities and improves lives.

I finish by acknowledging the thousands of volunteers, coaches, parents, teachers and community leaders across Scotland who dedicate their time, energy and passion to supporting others. Without them, people would not benefit from all that sport provides.

I again thank Brian Whittle for lodging the motion and for providing me with this opportunity to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to ensuring that everyone can experience the life-changing benefits of sport and physical activity. That commitment is demonstrated by the £40 million of increased investment that was announced in this year’s budget. When we invest in sport, we invest in health, in wellbeing, in community and in Scotland’s future.