Scottish Conservatives launch Sporting Trust
29/01/2010
Scottish Conservatives launch Sporting Trust as new figures show SNP Government is failing to meet key PE target
Scottish Conservatives have launched a major new initiative to increase sports and PE facilities for our school children as new data reveals the SNP Scottish Government is failing to meet its target of 2 hours PE per week.
Scottish Conservatives are determined to address this issue and Scottish rugby legend Gavin Hastings will act as an ambassador for a new ‘Sporting Trust’. This will be set up for ‘the encouragement of the development of Sport in schools and for school aged children’.
Gavin Hastings says:
“I am proud to be an ambassador for this initiative.
“With the Olympics in our own back yard and the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014 all our children must have the chance to be inspired and they must have the facilities. If not, then we are not doing them justice and missing a huge opportunity.
“Children can only be the best they can be. Some will be inspired to be a Chris Hoy or an Andy Murray or an Yvonne Murray, others just able to run round the block without getting out of breath.
“But we must give every kid an opportunity. The Scottish Government have stated they want 2 hours of PE but that is clearly not happening. It’s not too much to ask.
“There are enormous health benefits from PE, and taking kids out for an hour can be good for the rest of the curriculum – they will work better in class.
“I am pleased to champion this cause. The Trust removes the political angles, gives people a chance to donate and help. Businesses and entrepreneurs should get involved.
“I will play my part in eliciting money, and I encourage others to do so too.”
Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Minister for Children, Schools & Skills, says:
“The SNP Government set a target of a minimum of 2 hours PE per week for every pupil. Nearly three years into a four year pledge, our research has shown that this promise is far from being fulfilled. It is our children who lose out.
“Exercise is not just good for the body but for the mind as well. Time spent outside the classroom can boost performance in class as well. That is why the Conservatives are putting sport and PE back at the top of the agenda. We can announce today that we are setting up a new Sporting Trust to give a funding boost to school sport.
“With the British Olympics now just 2 years away and Glasgow's Commonwealth Games on the horizon there has never been a better time to inspire the youth of today to take the opportunities which could benefit them for the rest of their lives.
Jeremy Hunt MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, says:
"This is a great initiative by the Scottish Conservatives. It is fantastic to see one of Scotland's sporting greats, Gavin Hastings, lending his time and support. If the Conservatives win the British General Election, I want to see more Lottery money reaching the causes it was set up to help. That is why we would slash costs, scrap the Lottery Commission and ban distributors from spending money on lobbying.
“If the Conservatives win the British General Election our plans will see the Lottery returned to its roots. We want it to fund great projects in the arts, sport, heritage and charity sectors including ones like this fantastic Sports Trust. This focus will help deliver an even better return for Lottery players across the country.”