HOMELESS World Cup founder and The Big Issue co-founder Mel Young has been appointed as the new chairman of sportscotland.
Vice-chairman for the last three years and a member of the agency’s board for seven, Young will take over from Louise Martin on Wednesday, June 1.
The Scottish government’s minister for sport, health improvement and mental health, Jamie Hepburn, who announced the appointment, said Young had a background in using sport to drive social change and improve lives.
Young said he was excited to take on the role and praised Martin’s achievements.
Hepburn said: “Mel is not only passionate about sport, he also has a proven track record in harnessing the power of sport and physical activity to bring about positive changes in society.
“He understands that by encour- aging people to take part in sport, we can help to improve people’s lives, particularly if they come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“Mel brings a wealth of experience both through his present role as vice-chairman on the sportscotland board and through his considerable expertise as a social entrepreneur.
“I look forward to working with him on our shared vision of an Active Scotland where more people are more active, more often and developing the sporting system in Scotland to ensure that it is truly a world-class system for all.”
Hepburn added: “I’d also like to thank Louise Martin for her contribution over the last eight years, and wish her all the best for the future.”
Young said: “I am really excited about starting this new role. Sport- scotland’s partnerships with local authorities, governing bodies of sport, clubs and other organisations, coupled with Scottish government and National Lottery investment, has produced a very impressive system right across community, club, and performance sport.
“My experience as sportscotland’s vice-chairman and a board member has given me a strong understanding of the power of sport and its capacity to improve people’s lives not only by making us healthier and more active, but also by developing social skills, encouraging inclusivity, and providing inspiration.
“Louise Martin, is an incredibly influential figure in Scottish sport who has done a terrific job over the previous eight years, and I look forward to helping sportscotland and the sector maintain momentum as we build a world-class system for all.”
Martin said: “I am really pleased that Mel has been appointed to become sportscotland’s next chairman. He has been heavily involved in an exciting period for Scottish sport, which encompassed the London Olympics and Glasgow Commonwealth Games, and his understanding of Scottish sport’s system and partnership approach will prove invaluable to him.
“I wish Mel every success and look forward to helping him settle in and collaborating with him in my role as president of the Commonwealth Games Federation.”
Young is a globally recognised social entrepreneur who co-founded The Big Issue in Scotland in 1993, the International Network of Street Papers (INSP) in 1995, and the Social Entrepreneurs Network Scotland (Senscot) in 1999.
He is also a fellow of the Schwab Foundation of the World Economic Forum and a senior Ashoka fellow – both international organisations that bring together leading social entrepreneurs.
Young is also a non-executive director on the board of Glasgow Life. His sportscotland appointment will be for four years, running until the end of May 2020.
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