We’re cheering our team all the way

THE Olympic games are only days away and the excitement is building. Across the uK clubs and communities are preparing to cheer on the athletes, including 52 Scots, who have been selected to represent Team gB in Tokyo. This is the largest contingent of Scottish athletes to be selected for Team gB for an overseas games, and there is an entire system behind every one of them. For many years we have been working with our partners to build a world-class system in Scotland from grassroots right up to the highest levels of sport. By strengthening connections between school, club and community and performance sport, pathways are developing to allow people to progress in their chosen sport.

Performance athletes do not magically appear, it takes a whole support system of families, communities, coaches, volunteers, clubs, schools and sports scientists to create a Laura Muir or a Duncan Scott. What is exciting to see is that so many of our stars are now home grown. Thanks to strategic investment of Scottish government and national Lottery funding in facilities, coaching and sport science, they can train in their local communities, inspiring the next generation along the way. it is also fantastic to see the number of female athletes who have been selected for Team gB. For the first time ever, more female than male athletes will compete at the games. We know how important it is for girls and young women to see themselves reflected in the role models that we celebrate, and this team has inspirational women in abundance. This will be a games like no other. The athletes, coaches and support staff have faced significant disruption to their preparations for Tokyo, but they have risen to the challenge and are ready to deliver on the world stage. We cannot wait for the games to begin.