Highland member of Young People’s Sport Panel Activity urges residents to stay active to get mental health in shape during coronavirus lockdown
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Highland residents are being encouraged to stay active to help their mental wellbeing while coronavirus lockdown restrictions stay in place across Scotland.
Schoolboy Euan Hamilton (16) has been a Young People’s Sport Panel member since November.
The 20-strong panel has already started work to help ensure the voice of young people is part of the sporting conversation across Scotland, in an initiative led by sportscotland and supported by Young Scot.
Euan enjoys rugby, football and cycling – he plays for Highland Rugby Club and Raigmore United Football Club.
He is encouraging people to find what works best for them and what they enjoy the most, even small amounts of gentle physical activity can be beneficial.
“Physical activity is important because it helps to clear your head from any stresses or worries. Physical activity also releases endorphins which improves your mood,” he said.
“I walk my dog daily. I go jogging three times a week as well and do some home workouts. I also coach rugby minis on Sundays."
The teenager, who goes to school in Inverness, added: “Physical activity is important for me because it keeps me healthy and makes me feel good. I am a competitive person and I like the challenges and teamwork in sport.”
Stewart Harris, the chief executive of sportscotland, agreed with this and said: “Clearly this is an extremely challenging time for everyone in Scotland and beyond.
“While we all must continue to follow government guidelines, it is important to remember that keeping the body and mind active is crucial to our overall health as is staying connected in whatever way we can to friends and family.”
