This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scots urged to support Sport Relief
08/07/2004
First Minister Jack McConnell today urged Scots to support the Sport Relief events that are taking place across the country this Saturday.
The First Minister was speaking in Easterhouse as he met groups of young footballers at the area's Stepford Road Sports complex. Working with the Sport Relief funded Family Action in Rogerfield and Easterhouse (FARE) project, the young people are using sport to unite the community and to provide an alternative to antisocial behaviour.
He said:
"The work that is going on here in Easterhouse shows exactly what can be achieved when the energies of our young people are channelled into sport. It shows that lives can be changed and communities brought together. It shows that sport can give our young people the confidence and the determination to succeed.
"Sport Relief may be a relatively new event, but it is one that is already making a huge difference to communities across the country. That is why I would urge all Scots to get behind the initiative and do what they can to support it."
Gilly Green, Head of UK Grants for Sport Relief added:
"FARE is one of the many projects we fund across the UK using sport to engage young people living in divided and disadvantaged communities. We are delighted that Scotland and the First Minister are supporting this year's Sport Relief campaign'.
Sport Relief was set up by Comic Relief and BBC SPORT to tackle poverty and disadvantage, both in the UK and internationally. It was first held in 2002, raising some £14 million. Full details about Sport Relief can be found at www.sportrelief.com
Established in 1989, FARE was initially the answer to the community problems of the local people, generated at a public meeting in the area. Residents acknowledged the need for improved support in the Greater Easterhouse area and the formation of FARE came as a result. The project aims to enhance the lives of the inhabitants or Rogerfield and Easterhouse through the provision of a range of services.
A registered charity, FARE's stated aim is to "enhance the lives of the inhabitants of Rogerfield and Easterhouse". Having moved into new premises in 1997, FARE has undergone rapid expansion in recent years in terms of public use and service provision.
The Stepford Road Sports complex was opened on 12 August 1999. The project received a Lottery Sports Fund award from sportscotland of £502,128.