Community sport inquiry witnesses announced

20.09.2012

The final set of witnesses that will give evidence to the Health and Sport Committee’s inquiry into community sport at the grass roots level, will include tennis coach Judy Murray and former Olympic medallist Liz McColgan.

Convener of the Health and Sport Committee Duncan McNeil MSP said:

“This inquiry couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment – with the Olympics capturing public imagination and with momentum building in advance of the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

“This inquiry presents the Committee with a unique opportunity to look again at Scotland’s relationship with sport and to establish if barriers exist that prevent our communities engaging with sport at the grassroots level.”  

Deputy Convener Bob Doris MSP said:

“Our Committee has received over 50 written responses from organisations across Scotland, which is an indication of the strength of feeling that this inquiry has generated.

“This presents an opportunity for the Committee to get expert views on how to ensure that there can be a strong link between promoting elite sporting success and wider participation in sport more generally. Our final witnesses will also help to determine the health, social and other benefits from participating in sport.”

The following witnesses will appear in front of the Committee

Tuesday 25 September
Panel one:

• Alistair Gray, Executive Chairman, Winning Scotland Foundation;
• John Lee, Policy Officer, Volunteer Development Scotland;
• Liz McColgan, athletics coach and former 10,000 metre world champion;
• Gavin McLeod, Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Disability Sport;
• Judy Murray, British tennis coach, captain of the Great Britain Fed Cup Team, and Set4Sport founder;
• Alex Richardson, former Scottish weightlifting champion, Chief Executive, Gladiator Programme

Panel two:

• Ceris Anderson, Knowledge Manager, Street Games;
• Jane Blanchard, Chair Lochaber Sports Association;
• Diane Cameron, Social Enterprise and Sport Co-ordinator, Senscot;
• Gordon Crawford, Head of Sport, Active Stirling;
• John Heraghty, Scotland Manager, sported;
• Mark McGeachie, Project Officer, The Robertson Trust.

Tuesday 2 October
Panel one:

• Equalities Network;
• Charlie Raeburn, sports consultant
• University of Aberdeen;
• University of Edinburgh;
• University of Stirling;
• Youth Scotland.;

Panel two:

• Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport
• Dr Andrew Murray, Scottish Government’s Physical Activity Champion
• Donnie Jack, Deputy Director for Sport & Physical Activity, Scottish Government

Background

The Health and Sport Committee launched an inquiry on the topic of support for community sport on 2 July 2012.

The inquiry will address the following themes—

• The contribution of people – focusing on the role of volunteers – and looking at how to ensure they have the opportunities and support necessary to best contribute to sport at a local level; 
• The benefit of local sports clubs both to (i) the preventative health agenda and (ii) their communities;
• The importance of places for sport, in terms of availability, accessibility,  affordability, and the quality of facilities.

For members of the public wishing to attend the Committee’s next meeting on the 25 September, please contact Visitor Services on 0131 348 5200.