History

Scottish Sports Aid was originally known as Scottish Sports Aid Foundation, which was founded in 1980. In 1984 Scottish Sports Aid Trust was established, achieving Charitable status, and later took over the work of the Foundation, thereby continuing to provide much needed financial support to talented youngsters who have the potential to represent Scotland in their chosen sport.

Since 1980, Scottish Sports Aid has made more than 4,000 individual awards, totalling in excess of £2 million. This year, 2011, nearly 250 athletes, from over 30 sports and disciplines, have received grant awards totalling over £260,000.

At the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004, two Scots won gold medals. Both of them, Sir Chris Hoy and Shirley Robertson had received grants from Scottish Sports Aid in their early years.

At the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006, former recipients of Scottish Sports Aid grants won a total of 19 medals for Scotland, including David Carry, double gold medallist, Alison Shepherd and Susan Hughes, gold medallists.

At the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008, Sir Chris Hoy won three gold medals, making him Scotland's most successful ever Olympian.

At the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010, Jennifer McIntosh won two gold medals and a bronze medal in the shooting events, while David Carry won one silver and one bronze medal and Charline Joiner won a cycling silver medal. Jennifer, David and Charline have all been supported by Scottish Sports Aid grants.