Young people across Orkney are being encouraged to get active this summer as a nationwide programme inspired by two of the biggest sporting events of the year gets underway across the islands.
Backed by a share of a £20 million Scottish Government investment, Orkney Islands Council has secured £51,000 through the 2026 Summer of Sport initiative to provide free sporting opportunities for children and young people throughout the summer months.
The programme takes inspiration from this year’s FIFA World Cup and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with communities across Scotland being encouraged to embrace sport, physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
Working alongside Sportscotland, the Pickaquoy Centre and a range of local clubs and organisations, the initiative will bring a wide variety of activities to communities across Orkney, giving young people the chance to try new sports, build confidence and stay active during the school holidays.
From football, athletics and hockey to fencing, netball and swimming, the programme has been designed to offer something for everyone, with dedicated inclusive sessions ensuring opportunities are available to as many young people as possible.
Activities will take place at venues including Kirkwall Grammar School, Stromness Swimming Pool and a number of primary schools, while organisers will also take sessions directly into island communities including Sanday, Westray, Stronsay, Eday, Rousay, Shapinsay, Papay and North Walls.
Forbes Dunlop, Chief Executive of Sportscotland, said:
“At Sportscotland, we believe that sport has the power to strengthen communities and change lives.
“The 2026 Summer of Sport campaign, made possible by Scottish Government investment, is a great example of what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared ambition to make sport more inclusive and accessible.
“We’re proud to play our part in helping more young people enjoy the benefits of being active as we celebrate a fantastic summer of sport.”
For island communities where access to sporting opportunities can sometimes be limited by geography, the programme aims to ensure young people across Orkney can share in the excitement generated by a summer packed with international sporting action.
Councillor Ivan Taylor, Vice Chair of Orkney Islands Council’s Education, Communities and Housing Committee, said:
“We’re delighted to be part of the 2026 Summer of Sport and to be able to bring activities to young people right across Orkney.
“With such a wide range of sports and activities on offer this summer, we hope as many children and young people as possible take the chance to get active and try something new.”
Beyond the immediate benefits of exercise and recreation, organisers hope the programme will help inspire long term participation in sport, strengthen local clubs and create opportunities for young people to discover activities they may continue enjoying for years to come.
As Scotland looks ahead to a summer filled with football, Commonwealth Games competition and sporting celebrations, Orkney’s young people will have plenty of opportunities of their own to get involved, get moving and make the most of the season.
Full details of all sessions, venues and booking information are available at www.orkney.gov.uk/summerofsport
