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BASKETBALL SCOTLAND LEAD THE WAY IN SPORTS EQUITY
basketballscotland,
alongside the Scottish Equestrian Association and Triathlon Scotland have
become the first three Scottish governing bodies of sport to be awarded the
Foundation level of the Equity Standard: A Framework for Sport.
Following almost a year of dedicated work
in the field of equity, the three governing bodies submitted their portfolios
of evidence to the very first UK Assessment Panel in April, at which the
panellists agreed that all three should be awarded Foundation level.
The
fact that only six other organisations in the entire UK achieved Foundation
level at this first panel makes the achievement even greater.
Jill
Bennett, Ethics Manager at sportscotland, said: "I am delighted to congratulate
the Scottish Equestrian Association, Triathlon Scotland and basketballscotland
on achieving the Foundation level of the Equity Standard. This is a significant
achievement, and clearly demonstrates the commitment of these organisations to
providing sporting opportunities to all members of Scottish society, regardless
of their background or ability.
"These
three organisations should be very proud of the fact that they are the first in
Scotland - and indeed, some of the first in the entire UK - to successfully
achieve this. The hard work and dedication of those who led this work is to be
commended."
The
Equity Standard was launched in November 2004, and is a joint initiative
between the four home country Sports Councils and UK Sport. It aims to support
the work of the sports sector by providing a framework for sports organisations
to help them to engage with people from all backgrounds, break down barriers to
participation, and promote more equitable practices in their sports.
The
ultimate aim of the Equity Standard is to get more people from
under-represented or disengaged groups in society involved in sporting activity
at all levels. The Standard focuses in particular on eliminating barriers
currently faced by groups including women and girls, those from minority ethnic
backgrounds and those with disabilities.
To
achieve Foundation level of the Standard, organisations must be able to
demonstrate that they are committed to equity. Practically, this involves
taking action, including the publication and communication of an equity policy,
setting accountability for equity at a senior level, and taking steps to better
understand the equity position and profile of the organisation.
The
aims of the Equity Standard support the overall strategic visions of Sport 21
2003-2007, the National Strategy for Sport in Scotland, one of which is for
Scotland to be a country where sport is more widely available to all. Sport 21
is firmly founded on equitable values and principles, and clearly states that
characteristics such as age, gender, disability, faith and ethnic origin should
be no barrier to access to sport.
sportscotland
is currently supporting twelve Scottish governing bodies that are piloting the
implementation of the Equity Standard, and has also now submitted its own
Foundation level portfolio for assessment at the June panel.
Scottish
Equestrian Association, Triathlon Scotland and basketballscotland will now
work towards achievement of the next stage of the Equity Standard, the
Preliminary level.
Julia
Bracewell, Chair of sportscotland, said: "Our congratulations go to the
Scottish Equestrian Association, Triathlon Scotland and basketballscotland
for being the first sporting governing bodies in Scotland to achieve the
Foundation level of the Equity Standard.
"We
know that many people face discrimination and barriers to participation in
sport. If we can break down those barriers and ensure everyone enjoys equal
opportunities to take part in sport, we will see an increase in participants,
volunteers, coaches, administrators, officials, club members and spectators
across sport at all levels. It is fantastic to see these three governing bodies
leading the way in sports equity in Scotland."
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