Scotland Can Build On Recent Sporting Success

SNP President Ian Hudghton MEP today (Tuesday) welcomed a vote in the European Parliament recognising the importance of sport and physical education in schools across the EU.

The vote on a report on the role of sport in education highlighted the benefits of sports in terms of health and fitness, social inclusion and community cohesion.  Mr Hudghton noted recent Scottish sporting successes - including Glasgow's securing of the 2014 Commonwealth Games - and expressed a desire that Scotland translate the recent successes into a long-term strategy to improve the nation's health and fitness.

Mr Hudghton commented:

"The European Parliament today recognised the importance of giving our youngsters a fit and healthy start to life.  Sport and physical education in schools brings obvious benefits in improving people's health.  It also however has a positive impact on society as a whole, both at the local community level and at the wider national level.

"Scotland's poor health record is well documented.  However recent sporting successes - from the national football team's ranking to Glasgow's Commonwealth Games success - have really captured the mood of the nation.  It is to be hoped that the current feel good factor can be translated into a longer term boost for sport from which the whole nation can benefit.

"The Commonwealth Games are another seven years away.  That gives the country seven years to build on the recent victories.  In this period we can begin to shake off Scotland's "sick man" tag - and make Scotland a byword for sporting success."