Councillors at last week's Culture and Communities Committee agreed funding to support organisations to run competitive sports events that promote physical activity and participation.
The funding has been awarded through the Council’s Sports Events Grants Fund, which aims to support groups to create and deliver sporting competitions that encourage people of all ages and abilities to get active.
The programme will deliver a positive impact on communities by bringing local people together as participants or spectators at events ranging from fun, grassroots competitions to higher-level competitive tournaments.
This will directly support the Council’s Physical Activity and Sport Strategy for Edinburgh 2024-2034, which seeks to reduce health inequalities and address unequal participation rates, particularly among people from disadvantaged groups.
This year’s funding has been awarded to a range of organisations, including:
- Autism Football Association – Scottish Cup 2026
- Demonburgh Junior Roller Derby SCIO – Junior Roller Derby Event
- Portobello Running Club – Portobello Beach Race
- Edinburgh Diving Club - Edinburgh Diving Competition
- Pickleball Scotland - Scottish Open 2026
Other successful applicants will deliver a diverse programme of activities, reflecting the wide range of sporting interests across Edinburgh’s communities.
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said:
Sport and physical activity play a vital role in improving people’s health and wellbeing, as well as strengthening communities.
This funding will help local organisations deliver exciting and inclusive events that encourage people to get active, try new sports and feel part of something positive.
I’m particularly pleased that many of the supported projects focus on widening participation and reducing barriers for those who might otherwise miss out.