The recent medal haul by Britain in the European Athletics Championships has heightened UK anticipation of London hosting the Olympics in 2012 and Glasgow the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
As more youngsters look to get into the sport, LDC's involvement with Scottish Athletics continues to support athletics at grass roots level – and encourage and nurture young talent.
Four more Scottish Clubs are now part of LDC's Club First Sponsorship programme which aims to help as many promising young Scottish athletes as possible get a sound introduction to the sport and have the opportunity to maximise their ability.
Kilmarnock Harriers and Athletic Club, Aberdeen AAC, Arbroath and District AC and, from the very top of the British Isles, Orkney AC are the new participants.
They join four original participants in the scheme – Giffnock North AAC, Kilbarchan AAC, Edinburgh AC and Central AC – and like them are benefiting from a sponsorship which will initially support club recruitment, coach education and competitions with a view to encouraging all aspects of the progression of the sport from grass roots level.
Scottish Athletics is the governing body for athletics in Scotland. There are approximately 150 athletics clubs across the country with an estimated total membership of around 12,000. The clubs vary in size from small informal clubs with a handful of members to long-established clubs whose membership exceeds 400. Some clubs specialise in particular disciplines whilst others cater for all aspects of athletics.
LDC is committed to working alongside Scottish Athletics to develop athletics in Scotland. Through the financial support going to each of the clubs LDC hopes to help more people to become involved in athletics, provide the best possible opportunities for those involved to gain enjoyment. We hope to help all athletes maximise their potential and support those with talent to succeed at UK, Commonwealth, European and World level.
James Rodger, who heads up LDC's Scottish operation, said: "We are delighted to extend our Club First programme so soon after the initial launch.
"By offering the sponsorship to four more clubs, we not only assist the development of more young athletes but also ensure that assistance is spread over a far wider area of the country."
And that support is fully appreciated, as one of the newer recipients explains.
Arbroath & District AC's Club Chairman Winston Webber says "We are very thankful for LDC's support. It has prompted us to look at how we can develop and progress as a club. We've really taken ideas and encouragement to heart"