A Glasgow jogging group has been praised by the Minister for Public Health and Women's Health for its inclusivity.

MSP Jenni Minto joined the Glasgow Southside Slowies for a walk around Maxwell Park and to hear how the group has helped the women taking part.

To mark the eighth anniversary of Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, Scottish Government Ministers have been visiting projects that encourage more women and girls to take part in sport and physical activity.

The Slowies were formed two years ago by Katie Hume-Hopper and her husband Phil.

The Slowies were formed two years ago by Katie Hume-Hopper and her husband Phil (Image: sportscotland) They set up the group after moving to the city and finding that not all running clubs catered to all paces, particularly beginners.

The group, which is open to all, has a majority of female members, aged from 18 to over 70 years old.

They meet three times a week, attracting more than 60 members each session, with some sessions drawing in over 100.

The Slowies have been shortlisted for Group of the Year by jogscotland, the recreational running network delivered by Scottish Athletics.

 

The group, which is open to all, has a majority of female members, aged from 18 to over 70 years old (Image: sportscotland) Minto said: "It was fantastic to meet with Glasgow Southside Slowies and jogscotland as we celebrate Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week.

"The group’s inclusive leadership approach ensures that women of all ages and abilities can get involved.

"I was heartened to hear about the physical, social, and mental health benefits both the participants and jog leaders gained from the group, and the sense of community it provides."

Katie  said: "The real benefit of having a group like this is the impact of the support, encouragement and motivation that members provide one another week in, week out.

"Without this many of us would be a lot less active.”

Jo Stevens, programme manager for jogscotland, said: "Our groups are led by volunteers, many of whom have joined and come up through their group following a couch to 5k beginner programme so they make perfect role models for people starting out.

"Our leaders understand how difficult it can feel when first getting active or returning to activity but the friendly, supportive environments they create helps people to keep coming week after week."

Forbes Dunlop, chief executive of sportscotland, said: “Women and Girls in Sport Week is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the great work being delivered across the sporting system to encourage more women and girls to become physically active.”