Out and About in the Highlands premiere short film in Inverness showcasing benefits hundreds have had from Leap Sports project – whose future funding is uncertain
Leap Sports Scotland have premiered a short film showcasing the work they have been doing in the north of Scotland over the last few years.
The LGBTQ+ sports charity run various projects around the country, and looked to establish one in the Highlands coming out of Covid.
That would become known as Out and About in the Highlands, running social walks, taster sessions and introductory programmes aimed at getting more people physically active.
To mark the work they have done, a short film has been produced featuring clips of just some of the activities that have been put on, as well as interviews with group participants and testimonies from those who have benefitted.
A premiere was held at Eden Court earlier this week, as part of an event that also included panel discussions with the people behind the project and community members discussing their own experiences of being LGBTQ+ in sport. Invites were also extended to representatives from parties such as the NHS and Highland Council.
It also marked the end of the current phase of the project, which has completed its research element. The findings have gone towards creating a community action plan, which can be used by clubs, facilities and governing bodies to make their spaces more inclusive.
However, despite the benefits that Out and About have brought to hundreds of people, funding for the Highland project is currently due to come to an end in March, leaving its long-term future uncertain.
Leap Sports’ participation and engagement manager Munro Stevenson commented: “Over the past three years we have really seen the project develop, support and strengthen the LGBTIQ+ community in the Highlands through physical activity and sport.
“From what was a slow start we are now working with 300 participants annually, have a network of volunteers and independent LGBTIQ+ groups delivering activity across the region.
“There are still areas that need some focus, including working with the wider sports sector to make their spaces more accessible to the community, particularly in more remote areas. We hope the publication of the community accessibility plan will go a long way to further address this.
“What I hope the legacy of the project will be is a stronger LGBTIQ+ sports community in the Highlands to advocate for themselves and for a sports sector better equipped to support them.
“We also hope we can continue to progress our work in the Highlands and through the project remain a tool for support to ensure this legacy is realised.”
