AYR MSP Siobhian Brown has marked the beginning of Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2024 by paying tribute to the women and girls who “inspire and support others across Scotland to get active".

The aim of the week is to eradicate gender inequality in sport and encourage more discussion around women’s health, this year celebrating leadership by providing an opportunity to showcase the fantastic work already being done in this space.

The First Minister has marked the eighth annual Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week by announcing an additional £1.45 million of funding for sportscotland’s Active Campus Network – which has helped thousands of women in college take up sports.

Siobhian Brown, SNP MSP for Ayr, Prestwick and Troon, said: “During this year’s Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, I pay tribute to those across the country who are leading the way by encouraging more women and girls to get active.

“We know how beneficial physical activity is, but to encourage greater participation girls must be able to look to role-models who inspire them to participate and enjoy the wide-ranging benefits of sports.

“The SNP Scottish Government is working to increase women and girls’ participation in sport, progressing the commitment to double investment in sport and active living to £100 million by the end of this Parliament.

“Every woman and girl in Ayr, Prestwick and Troon can be a leader, and I encourage them to bring others along with them in getting active and share their achievements on social media using #SheCanSheWill.”