Dundee is leading the way in its efforts to promote exercise among residents, according to a national sporting body.
SportScotland chief executive Stewart Harris described the city’s ambitions as “exemplary” at the launch of what is the country’s first local Physical Activity Strategy.
The ambitious plans aim to help everyone connected to the city lead healthier and more active lives and is a partnership between the council and a number of other agencies.
Speaking at the launch event at Baxter Park, chief executive of SportScotland, Stewart Harris, said: “Dundee really is a great example.
“There is very clearly a physical activity plan in place here. We use Dundee as an exemplar when speaking about the right way to do this.
“You can see the leadership here is really up for it and keen to make it a success.
“We strive to ensure sport is at the heart of society in Scotland and makes a lasting and positive impact on people and communities.
“The priorities set out in the strategy can help the people of Dundee become more active and lead a healthy lifestyle. The next step now will be to see the results.”
Made up of four parts — sports and recreation, play, active living, and dance — the strategy comes after the Scottish Government launched a national drive to improve activity rates.
The government says lack of physical activity contributes to nearly 2,500 deaths in Scotland and costs the NHS around £91 million per year.
Councillor John Alexander added: “Dundee is undergoing a real physical regeneration with brick and mortars but we need to make sure we take care of the social side too.
“We don’t shy away from the realities here in that there’s poverty, deprivation and health issues.
“Physical activity is a way of trying to address these inequalities and one of the things we can do is to provide fantastic sporting and fitness opportunities for people.”
The strategy has been developed in partnership with Leisure & Culture Dundee, Dundee City Council, NHS Tayside, Abertay University, Dundee Academy of Sport, University of Dundee, Dundee Dance Partnership, sportscotland and Play Scotland.
To find out more, visit
http://www.leisureandculturedundee.com/dundee-physical-activity-strategy
