Despite huge optimism volunteering and participation was not ignited by the 2014 Commonwealth Games
Glasgow’s much heralded 2014 Commonwealth Games did not encourage more people to take part in sport.
An interim report by the Scottish Parliament Health and Sport Committee found legacy targets set by the games’ organisers haven’t been met.
MSPs’ said that therefore the Scottish Government was unlikely to meet its targets in increasing participation.
The inquiry visited to Community Sports Hubs around Scotland and found the support for volunteering during the games has not led to an increase in community volunteering, which it said was ”essential” for community sports programmes and clubs.
They found that participation in amateur sports and community clubs did not increase on the back of the games, despite huge optimism the third sector would play a leading role in maintaining the games’ legacy.
Between 2014 and 2015 when awareness of the games was at its highest, the numbers who met activity recommendations fell for both boys and girls.
And for adults there were minor changes but a big drop among 25 to 34 year olds.
It also found women were twice as likely not to take part in sport with family and caring commitments given as reasons why not.
Committee convener Neil Findlay said: "The committee has seen some excellent work being undertaken by enthusiastic volunteers in communities across the country but it is clear that there's still more that needs to be done to increase levels of participation in sport and physical activity.
"It is disappointing that the tremendous enthusiasm of volunteers in supporting the commonwealth games has not been converted into a legacy of ongoing participation in voluntary activity, especially in sport.
"The Scottish Government may wish to look to the Young Leaders programme in the Highlands as an example that could be rolled out across the country.
"It's also disappointing to learn that there are still issues around accessing the school estate and that this valuable resource is not being utilised to its full potential."
