Community & Leisure - News
Consultation on the Proposed “Active Lives” Strategy for Shetland
(Physical Activity, Sport and Facilities)
2009 to 2014
Introduction
Sport, leisure and physical activities play a significant role in the lives of many people in Shetland. This assertion is supported by the extensive coverage of sport and leisure activities in the local media every week, and by the high levels of activity seen throughout the Islands.
In Shetland we are fortunate that over the last two decades there has been a significant financial investment in sport and recreational facilities, to cater for the needs of our community.
The creation of an “Active Lives” strategy and the actions that will follow, seeks to build on this legacy in order to create a healthier and more active population for the future, where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Background
In 2003 the Scottish Executive published a strategic document, “Let’s Make Scotland More Active”, which presented a case that in Scotland, we are sitting on a health “time bomb” of cardiovascular disease, cancer and obesity. This was a wake up call to all sections of the Scottish community to work on improving the quality and quantity of activity for everybody. Six years on there have been a number of national initiatives (eg Active Schools, Play at Home) and a number of Shetland activities (eg the NatWest Island Games in Shetland in 2005, Midnight Football, Inter-County Competitions, Cycle Sportifs etc) which have contributed to encouraging activity. But there is still more to do if we are to achieve the national target of all adults doing at least 30 minutes, and children doing 1 hour, of moderate activity on at least five days per week.
This consultation is an invitation to you or your organisation to contribute to the discussion and to join the partnership in devising a way forward for Shetland over the next few years.
The contribution of Activity
People who are physically active are more likely to be mentally fitter and more positive members of the community, they may live longer, more productive and better quality lives. But there are still a large number of people who are not active enough to maintain good health. A concerted community effort is needed to help provide some of the solutions. Increased participation is a desirable objective for the whole Shetland population. This particularly applies to young people, both those in school and also those leaving education and entering work. It also has particular relevance for those adults who may enjoy be active but who are currently inactive.
What is Activity?
It includes - walking, taking the dog out, gardening, taking the children/grandchildren to the playpark and playing with them there, Cycling, taking part in a sport or game for fun, playing sports competitively, dance, yoga, hill walking, water sports (including sailing), visiting the gym. The important thing to remember is that it should be frequent and for a reasonable time (30 minutes for an adult and 1 hour for children, on at least 5 days per week).
The contribution of Sport
Sport is acknowledged to be a major provider of activity opportunities for a large proportion of the population. But there are still a large number of people who do not take part in Sport for a variety of reasons.
Increased participation is a desirable objective for the whole Shetland population. This particularly applies to young people, both those in school and also those leaving education and entering work. It also has particular relevance for those adults who may enjoy playing but are not necessarily interested in competitions.
It is also important not to lose sight of the role that competition plays in encouraging many people to become and stay active. Competition also contributes to improved performance. This has a particular relevance with the forthcoming 2012 Olympics in London and the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
To achieve these objectives sports men and women need the opportunity to develop their organisation and to further the progression of their sport.
Your contribution
Please consider and submit answers online using one of the following weblinks::
Online Survey Questionnaire for Sports Groups
[also available as a printable PDF file (121Kb) here]
Online Survey Questionnaire for Individuals
[also available as a printable PDF file (120Kb) here]
Online Survey Questionnaire for Organisations
[also available as a printable PDF file (107Kb) here]
If you would like a member of the strategy group to attend a meeting with your organisation, to discuss the questionnaire, then please contact the Council's Sport and Leisure Service on 01595 744006 or send an e-mail to: community.development@shetland.gov.uk
This piece of work is hugely important for the future of Shetland so please complete the questionnaire and help to shape a healthier, and more active future for Shetland.
As well as this means of consultation it is also possible for you to comment as an individual, or attend a public meeting that will be happening during June 2009. For more information on consultation opportunities please see the Council Website or contact the Sport and Leisure Service 01595 744006.
All responses need to be received either online or by post by Monday 29th June 2009.
Members of the Strategy Group:
Cllr Rick Nickerson
Hazel Sutherland (Chair)- Executive Director Department of Education and Social Care, S.I.C.
Maggie Dunne – Environmental Services Manager, S.I.C.
Neil Watt – Sport and Leisure Services Manager, S.I.C.
James Cuthbert – Quality Improvement Officer, Schools Service, S.I.C
Bob Kerr – Sports Development Officer, S.I.C.
Philip Ashley-Smith – Active Schools Manager, S.I.C
James Johnston – General Manager, Shetland Recreational Trust
Diane Leyland – Health and Fitness Manager, Shetland Recreational Trust
Elsbeth Clarke – Health Improvement Advisor, NHS Shetland