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What is the sportscotland institute of sport?
The sportscotland institute of sport was set up in October 1998 to support the training and development of Scotland's top sportspeople. The Institute provides athletes with individual training programmes and other services which aid their progression to the highest levels of international sport.
What services are available to athletes?
Our expert services include coaching, sports medicine, sports science, strength and conditioning, and performance lifestyle. The Institute does not provide monetary funding to athletes.
Where is the Institute based?
The Institute head quarters are based in Stirling; however there are six Area Institutes which have also been set up. They are:
- Central Scotland
- East of Scotland
- Grampian
- Highland
- Tayside and Fife
- West of Scotland
The performance network ensures Scottish athletes have access to the very best support, wherever they are based. In addition, the Institute provides support to Scottish athletes training outside the UK, as far a field as Australia.
How many athletes does the Institute support?
The Institute network currently supports around 700 athletes; however every year the Institute reviews the list of supported athletes with the relevant Sports Governing Bodies, so the number will fluctuate.
How does the Institute choose its athletes/members?
Athletes and sports are identified and chosen by the Institute, in conjunction with the relevent SGB, based on their ability and potential to perform on the world stage.
Who runs the Institute on a daily basis?
The director of High Peformance for sportscotland, Mike Whittingham is responsible for the daily running of the sportscotland institute of sport . As the high performance arm of sportscotland, the Institute, is governed by the sportscotland board of trustees.
How is the sportscotland institute of sport funded?
The sportscotland institute of sport is the high performance arm of sportscotland. We are publicly funded with a budget around £5 million a year - our potential impact is priceless.
What sports does the Institute support?
The Institute provides varying levels of support to a large number of sports including:
- Archery
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Boxing
- Canoeing
- Curling
- Cycling
- Diving
- Football
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Hockey
- Ice dancing
- Judo
- Rowing
- Rugby
- Sailing
- Snowsport
- Squash
- Swimming
- Target shooting
- Tennis
- Triathlon
- Weightlifting
- Wheelchair curling.
Have their been any success stories?
Absolutely. To date Institute supported athletes have achieved an impressive 13 world champions, 5 Olympic Gold medals, 6 Olympic Silver medals, 13 Gold, 16 Silver and 12 Bronze Paralympic medals, 13 Gold, 13 Silver and 17 Bronze Commonwealth Games medals, 10 European Champions, one European tour professional, 1 British Lion, 1 Wimbledon Champion, several hockey and rugby players capped for GB as well as a host of junior titles.
What is the next big milestone for the sportscotland institute of sport?
All of our sports have world championship events which provide key targets. However, the next big milestone is the Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010. London 2012 is also very much on our radar, and of course the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014. The sportscotland institute of sport is 100% behind the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and hopes to be a significant contributor to its success.
