A Sporting Chance – open schools to community access

Sport is one of the keys to life-long health, happiness and mental well-being.

So, what is stopping Scottish communities accessing local, inclusive and affordable facilities on their doorstep?

Join the panel to discuss local authority pressures and grass-roots solutions that could open doors to healthier communities.

Supported by the Cross-Party Group on Sport

Chair: Jeremy Balfour MSP, Deputy Co-Convener, Cross Party Group on Sport 

Panellists: 

Gillian Lithgow has been a youth work practitioner and manager for 30 years. As the Depute CEO and National Programmes Director of YouthLink Scotland, Gillian is responsible for the contract management of the No Knives Better Lives programme, Action on Sectarianism, Action on Prejudice, the Youth Work & Schools Partnership programme and several national youth work funding programmes.

Steve Walsh is a former senior military officer who has executive level experience in private, public and third sector organisations. Steve is Chief Executive of High Life Highland, and a member of the Community Leisure UK Executive and a board member of both the Developing the Young Workforce and the Highland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association.

Blane Dodds is Tennis Scotland Chief Executive and formerly ranked as the nation’s No. 2 tennis player. Blane has been responsible for overseeing a soaring growth of club memberships and funding to support year-round indoor participation as the governing body strives to deliver an invaluable legacy for future generations of Scottish players.

Kayleigh Haggo is the six-time RR2 Frame Running World record holder and 100m World and European Champion, the BC1/2 Scottish Boccia Champion 2022, and the Active Schools and Inspire South Ayrshire programme coordinator for South Ayrshire Council, as well as Disability sport inclusion tutor for Scottish Disability Sport.