RESIDENTS throughout the Forth Valley will have the opportunity to be active, participate in sport and live well following a new council strategy.

That is the commitment in Stirling Council’s ambitious sport, physical activity and healthy living strategy which was officially launched last week at the Cowane Centre.

It has four main priorities including ensuring physical education, physical activity and sport (PEPAS) is embedded within all educational establishments and communities across Stirling.

Other priorities include using partnerships with clubs and communities to ensure high-quality, inclusive and sustainable sport and physical activity is available for all; provide opportunities for all of Stirling’s citizens to lead active, healthy lives to improve wellbeing and tackle health inequalities and maximise the use and capacity of indoor and outdoor spaces to provide safe, high-quality places for all, including visitors and elite athletes.

The framework outlines how the local authority and a range of partners will collaborate to deliver on these aims and make Stirling the best place to be active, changing lives positively in the process.

This is already being put into practice through programmes such as Active Stirling’s multi-sport, low impact activity sessions at the Cowane Centre, located in Stirling city centre.

Participants, who are referred to the monthly classes via the council’s employability team, have the chance to try out a range of activities, including bowling, tennis and archery in a traditional theatre space.

Many of them also take part in a weekly walking class that leaves from the Cowane Centre on a Tuesday morning.

Along with the established health benefits of physical activity, the sessions aim to build confidence and self-esteem, which can help them take the next steps and reach positive destinations.

Convener of the community planning and regeneration committee, Cllr Chris Kane, said: “Coming along to this project in a theatre setting with a wide age-range of participants, shows that anyone can be active anywhere in Stirling.

“This is a wonderful example of how the partners on this strategy are working collaboratively to inspire people in our communities to engage with sport and physical activity.

“Through innovative projects like this, I am sure we will succeed in our vision and make Stirling the best place to be active and encourage people to make more informed choices on living well.”

In the lead-up to active girls’ day on Friday October 4, these organisations will share examples on social media of how they are working to achieve the strategy principles using #GoStirling.

Vice convener of the committee, Cllr Maureen Bennison said: “By providing access to physical activity, sport and good quality, affordable and sustainable food for all, we can work together with our community partners to tackle inequalities across Stirling.”