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Playingsport canboost wellbeing
Footballer Leanne Crichton and former Team GB and Team Scotland basketball star Kieron Achara are encouraging people in North Lanarkshire to #Trysomethingnew as part of a national campaign aimed at helping people take care of their physical and mental wellbeing.
The challenge, which has been launched as part of the‘feel Your Personal Best’campaign from sportscotland and SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) – aims to help everyone to feel the benefits of physical activity and sport.
The Feel Your Personal Best campaign’s launch earlier this year follows publication of new research which revealed that 54% of Scots who were active throughout the pandemic said that taking part in a new sport or activity has had a positive impact on their mental health.
Current Motherwell Women and former Scotland international, Crichton, who started her career with Cumbernauld Cosmos, said:“the pandemic has been tough for everyone so it’s now more important than ever that we do what can to take care of our mental and physical wellbeing.
“Getting out there and trying something new is a great way to do that and I am looking forward to seeing people across the country get behind this campaign.”
Basketball legend Kieron Achara added:“we all know the importance of good mental health so it is great to see SAMH and sportscotland working collaboratively to encourage people to be more active.
“Go out and try something new, it doesn’t have to be something you perceive to be difficult or challenging, the most important thing is that people get out there and try.”
Members of the sportscotland Young People’s Sport Panel (YPSP) are also backing the campaign and will each be taking on a new challenge to #Trysomething New.
The YPSP is currently in its fifth two-year cycle and the 20-strong group have already started work to ensure the voice of young people is part of the sporting conversation across Scotland.
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, said:“it has been a very difficult 18 months due to the pandemic but with restrictions continuing to ease now is the perfect opportunity for people to get out there and try something new.
“Keeping the body and mind active is crucial to our health and this campaign will encourage people to get out there and be active.
Chief Executive of SAMH, Billy Watson, added:“trying a new sport or activity might seem daunting; but the benefits are vast – being active can reduce stress, boost self-esteem and confidence, and help you to connect with others.”