Athletics Trust Scotland launches ‘Transforming Lives’ project

Wednesday 24th August 2022

Above: Samantha Kinghorn speaks at the Transforming Lives launch

Athletics Trust Scotland has launched its first project to improve the health and wellbeing of communities in Scotland.

Called ‘Transforming Lives’, the project by Athletics Trust Scotland (ATS), aims to capitalise on record levels of participation in running and athletics and the success of home grown athletes like Eilish McColgan, Laura Muir, Samantha Kinghorn and Jake Wightman.

The Trust is backed by Eilidh Doyle, Scotland’s most decorated track and field athlete, and Paralympic champion Jo Butterfield. Both are Trustees.

It will focus on increasing involvement in running and athletics in areas of higher deprivation and within underrepresented groups in Scotland.

ATS hopes to secure funding of £500,000 over five years to employ local participation leaders in areas of higher deprivation.

The Transforming Lives project will also fund ‘start-up kits’ for local running and athletics groups in priority areas and provide equipment, development of volunteer coaches and a fund to help talented athletes reach their full potential.

Tell Athletics Trust Scotland your ‘Transforming Lives’ story – and help our sport

ATS hopes to access grant, corporate and legacy funding support, and the charity has been encouraged by interest from everyday runners to support its mission.

‘Scotland is producing outstanding elite athletes and tens of thousands of everyday runners are enjoying clubs, Parkruns and events across the country, benefiting their physical and mental health,’ said Graeme Jack, Trustee and Chair Elect.

‘Running and athletics culture is exceptionally supportive and I’ve got no doubt the community will embrace the need to further improve diversity and inclusion by creating opportunities for people to participate where this doesn’t currently exist.

‘We’ve been very encouraged by the support we’ve received for our plans and we look forward to working with grant providers, corporate partners and everyday runners and athletes who’ve had a lifetime of benefit from their own participation and are motivated to help others.’

FROM AN OVERWEIGHT CHAINSMOKER TO A RECORD BREAKER!

Read below Mark Gallacher's #transforminglives story after having more than a 20 year hiatus from

?? https://t.co/gYmJ18u5UH @GraemeWFJack @CambuslangH @vanhaddock @scotathletics @jogscotland @EilidhDoyle pic.twitter.com/R5lcBMsWgM

— Athletics Trust Scotland (@AthTrustScot) August 19, 2022