Mel Young, the co-founder of the Homeless World Cup charity initiaive, has been named the new chair of sportscotland, the national agency for sport.
Young, who also co-founded the Big Issue and is currently vice-chair of sportscotland having sat on the board since 2008, will succeed Louise Martin at the helm of the organisation for four years starting in June.
Read more: The sporting legacy of Glasgow 2014
He was unveiled this morning at a press conference by Jamie Hepburn, the Minister for Sport, who said: "Mel is someone who is not only passionate about sport, but also has a proven track record of harnessing the power of sport and physical activity to bring about positive changes in society.
"He understands that by encouraging 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 Chair on the sportscotland Board and through his considerable expertise as a social entrepreneur."
The Homeless World Cup was founded in 2001 and was staged in Glasgow in 2005 - it will return to the city this year when 64 teams compete for the trophy from July 10-16.
Young said: "I am delighted to be appointed sportscotland’s next Chair and really excited about starting this new role. sportscotland’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 accumulated over three years as sportscotland’s Vice-Chair and seven years on the Board 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.
“sportscotland’s current Chair, 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 its momentum as we build a world-class system for all.”
Louise Martin added: “I am really pleased that Mel has been appointed by Scottish ministers to become sportscotland’s next Chair.
"Having sat on the Board for several years, including as Vice-Chair, Mel has been heavily involved in a really exciting period for Scottish sport, which encompassed the London and Glasgow Games, and his understanding of Scottish sport’s system and partnership approach will prove invaluable to him.
“I wish Mel every success when he starts in June and look forward to helping him settle in and collaborating with him in my role as President of the Commonwealth Games Federation.”
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