Wimbledon champion says anything he learns to improve his own health from becoming digital health ambassador will only improve his performance on court
Andy Murray has teamed up with one of Scotland’s leading innovation centres which works with the third sector on projects to improve people’s health through digital technology.
The world number two ranked player is to become international digital health and wellness ambassador for Scotland’s Digital Health and Care Institute (DHI).
As part of the five year partnership he will run and judge an annual competition that challenges colleges and schools to solve a major health problem and says anything he learns will only improve his performance on the court.
The DHI brings together people and organisations in the charity, public, technology, design and academic sectors to develop new ideas for digital technology that will improve health and care services.
Its ambition is to address needs in Scotland and support companies to export proven technologies internationally, creating jobs and investment locally and helping other countries to solve similar health challenges.
Anything that can improve my own health will only improve my performance on court
It currently has a portfolio of over 100 projects worth over £4 million which includes the involvement of 25 third sector organisations.
Murray, who is well known for his use of technology and data to improve his performance, says that maintaining his own health throughout the long tennis season is key to his success.
His role of ambassador will see him promote DHI’s work with international digital health entrepreneurs and investors. He will promote skills, educational and career opportunities in this emerging market for young people and will have a philanthropic involvement.
He also plans to work with the NHS across the UK on campaigns addressing childhood obesity.
“My partnership with the Digital Health and Care Institute has come about because I am really interested in how digital technologies can improve health,” he said.
“I obviously have a personal interest in that area because anything that can improve my own health will only improve my performance on court.
“The work that DHI are doing is changing lives and solving some really important health and care challenges, at home and abroad, and I am proud to be supporting their work.”
Justene Ewing, chief executive at DHI, said: “As a Scot with an international perspective and global recognition, we’re delighted that Andy sees the opportunity in supporting DHI’s aims of enabling dynamic and fast-paced transformation programmes for entrepreneurs to collaborate with the NHS in Scotland, third sector organisations, universities and citizens.
“We’re extremely excited to have Andy on our team and really look forward to building a strong relationship with him. His ongoing and increasingly active support for entrepreneurialism and innovation is a great asset.
“It’s inspiring to have someone of Andy’s profile and calibre committing to a partnership with us to promote digital health in Scotland, with all the potential benefits it can provide to the health and wellbeing of people at home and abroad.”
