sportscotland supports shinty development
Friday 29 May 2009
sportscotland today announced an investment package of £110,000 to support the development of the sport of shinty through the Camanachd Association.
Shinty is indigenous to Scotland and while it was traditionally a Highland sport, there are now clubs across the UK from Lewis to London. The funding announced today will allow the Camanachd Association to continue to grow the sport at grassroots level, with plans to take the sport into more primary and secondary schools in Scotland.
Louise Martin CBE, Chair, sportscotland said; “Shinty plays an important part in the history and culture of Scottish sport and that has never been more evident than in this, the year of Homecoming.
“sportscotland’s investment of £110,000 will allow the Camanachd Association to continue to develop the sport and to provide more young Scots with the opportunity to experience this skilful and exciting sport now and in the future.”
Sports Minister Shona Robison backed the investment saying: “This funding will help ensure that shinty continues to grow in communities across Scotland. I am particularly encouraged to hear that more schools will be showcasing the sport. This Government is committed to encouraging children to be active and healthy and I would like to see as many young people as possible getting involved in our traditional Scottish game”.
The year of Homecoming will see shinty's premier event, the 102nd Camanachd Cup Final, come home to the Argyll town of Oban. For the 35 clubs from communities across Scotland, the Camanachd Cup Final is the pinnacle of the sporting pathway to which all players aspire.
The Camanachd Association is working hard to ensure that pathways and opportunities are in place to allow clubs to develop and nurture young players. Programmes such as the highly successful First Shinty programme for beginners, National Development Camp and subsequent development squads are all having a positive impact on the game
In addition to the investment, sportscotland is working closely with The Camanachd Association to provide guidance and support with regards to the organisation’s development. Garry Reid, former Youth Development Manager with The Camanachd Association, recently began a new role within sportscotland as a partnership manager and will continue to support the sport in his new capacity.
Welcoming the investment from sportscotland, Duncan Cameron, President of the Camanachd Association said: “The Camanachd Association welcomes the continued support from sportscotland. We have developed a partnership over many years and the financial support from sportscotland is the foundation on which we develop our game.”
The Camanachd Association’s plans to raise the profile of the sport were given a welcome boost last month when BBC Scotland confirmed it will continue to carry live coverage of shinty’s biggest games for the next four seasons and the recent three year agreement for BBC ALBA to broadcast a further five finals.
- In 2007/08 sportscotland invested over £11.5 million in 59 sports governing bodies.
- The £110,000 investment in the Camanachd Association is made up of £100,000 of sportscotland funding from the Scottish Government and £10,000 from the sportscotland Lottery Fund.
- The U17 squad tour to Ireland takes place from 4 – 8 July 2009.