Sports Council Funding
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Education, Sport and Children’s Services have agreed to continue funding for the two local Sports Councils through devolving £13k to the Lewis and Harris Sports Council and £8.5k to the Uist and barra Sports Council.
The Sports Councils operate a grant aid programme for their memberships.
The Sports Councils also work with the Western Isles Development Trust to distribute the £60,000 fund donated by Transocean following the oil rig incident near Dalbeg in 2016.
Chairman of the Committee, Cllr Angus McCormack said: "Sport is a vital and enjoyable way for people to exercise and improve health and well-being. I am pleased that the Committee has agreed to continue funding which is clearly much in demand."
The range of support provided through the two Sports Councils has allowed individuals and clubs to attend coaching courses, participate in events from grassroots to elite competition level, purchase equipment and host events.
Calum Morrison, Chairman of the Uist & Barra Sports Council, said: "This support is invaluable and assists people of all ages in our communities to have more and better opportunities to be active. We are also grateful to the ongoing support from the numerous local businesses who continue to support sport and activity throughout the Outer Hebrides."
Some examples of what sports council grants have been used to support are:
Equipment grant for Uist Coastal Rowing Club - £800
Coach Education grant for Barra Watersports - £600
Excellence grant for Harris Gun Club (2 junior members representing Scotland) – £400
Sports Event grant for Western Isles Pony Club (holiday camps) - £450