Awards scheme to promote sports

Applicants will have to show how their project improves physical activity

A £40,000 grants scheme aimed at widening access to sports in Scotland's largest city is due to be launched.

The Glasgow Community Awards, sponsored by Barclays Wealth, will make four grants available - two for £15,000 and two for £5,000.

Applicants must show that their project can make a positive, long-term impact on improving physical activity within their community.

Winners of the awards will be announced in January 2009.

Rupert Dickinson, from Barclays Stockbrokers, said: "With all the excitement and anticipation in the lead up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games, we decided the focus of our first Community Awards scheme in Scotland should be sport.

"We're hoping to attract applications which cover a range of sporting fields, and the judges will be looking for ideas which stand out as being focused on encouraging more people within the community to get active.

"I'm sure there are some great voluntary projects out there which could use a funding boost to continue their good work, and we'd encourage people to pick up an application form."

Application forms for the awards scheme can be obtained from Barclays branches in Glasgow and over the internet. The deadline for entries is 28 November, 2008.