THE decision by UK Sport to refuse the appeals by seven sports regarding the withdrawal of funding (“Call for probe into funding for sports as the axe falls”, must surely require us to ask "exactly what is the purpose of sport?"

To the Government it is all about propaganda. UK Sport hands out the funding on the basis of who can win medals or championships. This has directed funding towards sports such as rowing, cycling and equestrian, which guarantees there are far fewer opponents as most countries do not have the financial capability to be competitive in them. This also means that an excessive percentage of funds available are given to a very few competitors and very little to mass participation sports. The reason for this, according to the chief executive of UK Sport, is to "inspire the nation". Given the inability of the vast majority of the population to afford to participate in these niche sports I assume she desires to inspire them to be mere spectators.

Sport in all its forms should first and foremost be about participation. An involved and active population is a far healthier entity than one that is reduced to spectating either at an event or sitting in front of a television. Researchers recently found that a tennis-playing 70-year-old has the same lung capacity and efficiency as a 30-year-old non-participating spectator. It does not matter whether it is playing football for an office team, rugby for the 4th XV, participating in aerobics or dance, playing badminton in a church hall, the possibilities are endless but only if the facilities are funded. The benefits for the individual and the nation's health are immense.

Surely it is time that we held politicians, both local and national, accountable for their abject failure to ensure that our population has the opportunity to participate in the sport of their choice at the ability level of their choice. Let us start by demanding that school pupils have time within the timetable allocated for meaningful physical education. With this future generations will be not only healthier but it has been shown also higher achievers with significantly increased self-esteem. Surely that would inspire the nation.

David Stubley,

22 Templeton Crescent, Prestwick.

I NOTE your report on the Cowdenbeath footballer Dean Brett (“Brett awaits his fate after admitting to gambling on nearly 6,500 games”, Herald Sport, February 21). The player has allegedly broken SFA rules re gambling restrictions. More relevant is that he appears to have a gambling addiction. His needs are more deserving of counselling than punishment, when indeed his footballing future is in serious jeopardy.

Final ruling in the case will doubtless be determined at Hampden Park where conspicuously the name William Hill is emblazoned. There is a certain degree of irony if not hypocrisy that the employer accepts a national bookmaker's support but condemns the actions of employees in utilising its patron's outlets.

Allan C Steele,

22 Forres Avenue, Giffnock.

MALKY Mackay, SFA performance director, has great plans; Project Brave, a performance strategy to reverse the decline in Scottish football. (“Mackay hails SFA’s brave new world”, Herald, Sport, February 21). He is leaving no stone unturned by contacting all 42 clubs.

In my opinion it will not make one bit of difference until there is cap in the amount of foreign players allowed to play in Scotland. Each club should only be allowed only two foreign players, thereby giving our own young Scottish players the chance to develop and hopefully one day play for their own country.

Until this happens Malky Mackay’s hands will be tied.

John Connor,

10 David Henderson Court, Dunfermline.