Glasgow 2014 inspired a nation, and four initiatives that continue to use that momentum to change lives through sport have been named as finalists for the Games Legacy Award at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards on Thursday 21 September.

The East Lothian Rwanda Partnership, Active East Scottish Sport Futures, Judo Girls Rock and the Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland were selected from dozens of nominations from all over the country and will go head to head for the top award, sponsored by City Legacy Homes and the Scottish Government’s Legacy 2014 initiative, at a glittering ceremony at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

With its beginnings in the Glasgow 2014 ‘Support a Second Team’ programme, East Lothian and Rwanda have continued their partnership to much success. The past twelve months has seen a collaboration between East Lothian Council and Scottish National Governing Bodies for Athletics, Beach Volleyball, Rugby 7’s and Swimming, creating an opportunity for Rwandan High Performance coaches and athletes to access coach education and coaching input and to facilitate and encourage future interaction and partnership working between Rwanda and Scotland in the respective sports.

Based in the East End of Glasgow, Scottish Sports Futures (SSF) is a catalyst in supporting young people to progress onto positive destinations. Utilising the power of sport as a positive way to motivate, SSF deliver innovative programmes that change the future for Scotland’s most disadvantaged youth. Over 27,500 volunteer hours have been given since the programme launched in 2013, with a significant number of participants moving on to further training, employment and higher education.

Following on from the success of the Scottish Judo Team at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, Judo Scotland launched the Judo Girls Rock programme, designed to engage young girls in participating in sport and develop female coaches and volunteers. Thanks to the success of Judo Girls Rock in the West of Scotland, this programme will be launched nationally towards the end of 2017, providing a true national legacy from Glasgow 2014.

With 55 groups now in operation, the Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland brings together local 13-24 year olds and older people living with long term conditions such as dementia. Through sporting reminiscence and physical activities they aim to improve well-being and reduce loneliness and social isolation. Before starting the project 84% of the older group did no physical activity, while a recent evaluation showed increased confidence and skills among the younger participants.

Congratulating the three finalists, Paul Bush OBE, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “Glasgow 2014 was a huge success for Scotland, not just on the field of play with a record medal tally for Team Scotland’s athletes, but in the passion felt for and sheer

scale of our biggest-ever sporting festival. It’s fantastic to see so many organisiations using that legacy to make a difference through sport and our four finalists should be rightly proud of all they have achieved. I look forward to celebrating with them at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards on 21 September.”

Sponsoring this award for the second year is Legacy 2014, a Scottish Government initiative working to secure a lasting legacy for Scotland from hosting the XX Commonwealth Games. Across Scotland there are over 60 Legacy 2014 national programmes investing in new or upgraded facilities; generating skills, training and employment opportunities; building infrastructure for regeneration and community development; helping people to get more active; inspiring learning and leadership in young people; and making new global and cultural connections.

The award-winning Legacy 2014 website www.legacy2014.scot tells the legacy story, the contribution of those delivering a lasting legacy and those people and communities benefiting across Scotland.

Andy Sinclair, Head of Legacy said: “We are delighted to be able to sponsor the Games Legacy Award again this year. The fantastic legacy from the 2014 Glasgow Games did not happen by accident, it was a concerted effort by legacy partners not just in the east end of Glasgow, but across the whole country. Congratulations to all the finalists who continue to deliver lasting benefits to their local communities three years on from the Games.”

Joining Legacy 2014 in sponsoring this category is City Legacy Homes – a consortium of four Glasgow companies, CCG, Cruden, Mactaggart & Mickel and WH Malcolm, who developed the Athletes’ Village for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

John Gallacher, Director of City Legacy Homes said:

“The Athletes’ Village has provided a lasting legacy for the East End of Glasgow and it’s been a privilege to play our part in one of the greatest projects that Scotland has ever delivered.  We are thrilled to sponsor the Games Legacy Award and we congratulate all the finalists on their amazing accomplishments.”

Winners across all award categories will be crowned at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards in a star-studded celebration of Scottish sport on 21 September at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.