South Scotland MSP Martin Whitfield has joined colleagues in pledging to be a champion for Scottish sport in the new parliamentary session.

During the election campaign, the Scottish Sports Association asked all candidates to sign up to its pledge to “be a Scottish sporting champion in Parliament and in our communities, to celebrate the benefits of sport and physical activity and to challenge barriers in participation”.

Mr Whitfield has now reiterated his commitment to supporting and promoting sport in the new parliament and across the South Scotland region.

He is also eager to hear from clubs, volunteers or others involved in sport and physical activity about any problems they are facing or issues they would like to see raised in parliament.

Speaking about his pledge, Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“Sport is so important to communities and individuals across Scotland, contributing to almost every aspect of society especially physical and mental wellbeing. That’s why I’m pleased to have backed the Scottish Sports Association’s pledge to champion Scottish sport, celebrate its benefits and help to reduce barriers to allow everyone to take part.

“Covid restrictions have interrupted opportunities for participating in sport and physical activity over the last 14 months. It will be vital for government to support sport at all levels to recover in the months and years ahead and ensure that we don’t lose out on the benefits it brings.

“I will certainly do everything I can to support this in parliament and across the South of Scotland and am keen to hear from local clubs, volunteers or anyone else with an interest in promoting sport and physical activity in our communities.”