Tag: party leaders

Scotland’s political leaders join Cerebra’s Relay Your Way to champion inclusive sport

The nationwide Relay Your Way campaign reached the heart of Scotland today with a powerful show of unity, inclusion, and support as leaders of all the main Scottish political parties – including First Minister John Swinney – took part in a special relay stage in Edinburgh.

Hosted in the Scottish Parliament grounds, the event marked a milestone in Relay Your Way, a 2,500km relay celebrating accessibility and inclusion in sport for children with disabilities.

The First Minister was joined by cross-party representatives and children from Oaklands School and Pilrig Park School, alongside representatives from Scottish Disability Sport. Together, they took part in a mini relay event designed to highlight the importance of removing barriers to participation in physical activity.

Jess Camburn-Rahmani, CEO of Cerebra, the charity behind the relay, said: “Cerebra is incredibly proud to be celebrating the power of sport to bring people of all abilities together with Relay Your Way and lead this nationwide movement for inclusion and change.

“Participation in sport should be equally available to everyone, and this relay is a powerful statement that no child should ever feel left out.

“It was also tremendously encouraging to see the enthusiasm and support from Scotland’s political leaders at the launch. Their commitment to championing inclusive sport is vital in helping to create real, lasting change.

“Whether you take part, cheer from the sidelines, or donate, you’ll be helping to create a world where all young people are fully included, supported, and celebrated. We wish the best of luck to everyone taking part.”

With over 10,000 participants expected to take part, the relay shines a spotlight on the three in four disabled children in the UK are not able to fully participate in PE and school sport*. Which is why Cerebra created Relay Your Way, so that no child has to ask: “can I take part?”

The Relay Your Way baton, designed by the Cerebra Innovation Centre to be easily carried by wheelchair users, adapted surfers, and frame runners, will be passed between participants over 301 stages to the finish line at Parallel, Windsor, on July 6.

For more information and to follow the journey live, visit: www.relayyourway.org 

Party leaders discuss climate ambitions for Scotland

First Minister chairs cross-party meeting on net zero

First Minister Humza Yousaf chaired a cross-party discussion on Scotland’s climate change ambitions at Holyrood yesterday.

Inviting party leaders to discuss how we can all address the climate crisis, the First Minister highlighted the Parliament’s shared goal of securing a future that is fair and just for all.

He urges all parties to lead and promote behaviour change from everyone in society.

Chris Stark, Chief Executive of the independent UK Climate Change Committee (CCC), presented information on where Scotland is in its journey to net zero.

Speaking ahead of yesterday’s meeting, the First Minister said: “Tackling the climate and nature crises is the collective fight of our lifetime, with implications for generations to come.

“The discussion will focus both on the challenges and opportunities we face in reaching net zero. We collectively made a commitment to deliver on net zero when Parliament backed the Act on a cross-party basis.

“There must be a recognition from across the political divide that we require bold action to tackle the scale of the climate crisis, and meet our ambitions on net zero.

“In addition to our Climate Change Plan, we are developing the first set of Just Transition Plans to set out how these changes impact different parts of society and how we can promote a fair path to a net zero and climate resilient Scotland.

“We will continue to implement net zero policies and deliver funding to where it is needed the most – with the highest impact.

“From today’s meeting, I am hopeful that we can continue to work together to implement net zero policies – thereby helping to create a better and more sustainable planet for us all.”

Work together to stop No Deal Brexit, SCVO urges party leaders

THIRD SECTOR CHIEF WARNS OF ‘PERFECT STORM’

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has issued an open letter to all UK Parliament party leaders demanding action to stop a no-deal exit from the European Union. Continue reading Work together to stop No Deal Brexit, SCVO urges party leaders