Highlands has potential to become hub of sporting excellence, says Scottish Government minister for public health, women’s health and sport Maree Todd
Maree Todd, Scottish Government Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport, believes the Highlands have the potential to become a Scottish center of sporting excellence.
The MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross was speaking at a Scottish Gymnastics event in Inverness as the governing body unveiled a new vision to ensure the sport is open and safe for all.
Todd was there to speak to representatives of the governing body, attend meetings of the Inverness Gymnastics Club and even get a brief lesson from Commonwealth Games medalist Louise Christie.
But what particularly impressed the minister was the passion that radiated through everyone involved.
Accessibility can be a barrier to taking part in the sport in the Highlands as youth sometimes have to travel many miles to get to clubs or training centres.
However, clubs across a range of sports continue to thrive despite these potential restrictions and with Highland athletes generally making their mark on a global stage, Todd would like to see opportunities continue to develop.
If so, she believes the Highlands could become a strong region for Scottish sport.
“It’s absolutely phenomenal – I think the Highlands are the center of the universe so I’m delighted everyone has come here,” Todd said of the Scottish Gymnastics event.
“Children and youth travel from far and wide to take part, and gymnastics has phenomenal participation and success rates. This is a sport that thrives in the Highlands and if it thrives in the Highlands it can thrive anywhere.
“Of course there are some native sports, so we have clay courts in a lot of villages. We have badminton courts in almost every parish in Scotland, so there’s an opportunity to take part everywhere – all you have to do is get on and do it.
“I think there is a real opportunity for the Highlands to become a center of sporting excellence.
“I used to play rugby for Inverness Craig Dunain but I have to commend Highland for what they’ve done to build this sport – they have clubs across the Highlands feeding into this center of excellence.
“The Commonwealth Games were so inspiring for that too. We’re an inspirational bunch of people, and if we put our head and body into it, we can do anything.”