Scotland Commonwealth Games athlete Jenny Selman has been appointed Head of Fundraising and Development for Athletics Trust Scotland, the charitable trust established by scottishathletics.

Athletics Trust Scotland raises funds to transform lives through participation in running, focusing on communities in poverty, people with disabilities and ethnically diverse communities.

Jenny, who represented Scotland at the Birmingham 2022 Games, will take up her new role later this month.

The Fife AC athlete joins ATS from Edinburgh Leisure after almost seven years as funding manager. Prior to that, she held fundraising roles for the Stroke Association and Worldwide Cancer Research after completing a law degree at Dundee University.

Jenny combined this with her successful career as an elite middle distance 800m and 1500m runner, including GB and NI honours and that Birmingham selection three years ago.

‘Jenny’s capabilities, knowledge and passion for the mission of ATS shines through and we can’t wait for her to take up this role,’ said Graeme Jack, Chair of Athletics Trust Scotland.

‘She knows through her own experience that participation unlocks life-changing benefits to people’s physical and mental health.

‘I am very confident that she will drive and champion the work of our young charity, as it scales up.’

ATS was established just over four years ago.

‘I am delighted to take up the role of Head of Fundraising and Development at Athletics Trust Scotland,’ said Jenny.

‘It will be a privilege to play a part in furthering the charity’s mission of helping people who face barriers to physical activity to reap the wide-ranging health and social benefits of running.

‘I am convinced this is an exciting time for the charity and I can’t wait to get started!’

About Athletics Trust Scotland

Athletics Trust Scotland was established just over three years ago to transform lives through participation in running and athletics.

It targets areas and groups where there are significant barriers to participation including communities in poverty,  people with disabilities and ethnically diverse communities.

The charity has now funded over 20 projects throughout Scotland, and in addition, it works closely with Scottish Athletics to enable and enhance the work of its community impact team.

It is supported by the running community through events including Scottish Running Week, grant funding organisations and foundations, and the corporate community.

Athletics Trust Scotland has announced the return of its Transforming Lives grant programme for 2024, with nine successful applicants receiving funding for projects that will support disadvantaged communities through the sport.

Two organisations will again receive funding after becoming successful applicants in the inaugural 2023 programme, while seven others have been selected for the first time.

Outdoors For You, a group that supports migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in Glasgow and creates an environment for community and integration, will be supported; as are Aberdeen Active Schools who aim to meet training needs in Peterhead, Ellon and Fraserburgh.

Runforever continues to be funded through their running club within HMP & YOI Grampian, which supports inmates, ex-offenders, marginalised communities and those with mental health issues. Aberdeen AAC, who last year received support for disability athletics equipment, this time getting assistance to fund free spaces at holiday camps at Aberdeen Sport Village.

Scottish Student Sport will be supported with funding to counter the rising costs of hosting their Scottish Student Championships events to keep athletics accessible to students at reasonable prices; while Elgin AAC’s money will go towards supplying running spikes to families and Forth Valley Disability Sport will be backed for the cost of an entry-level racing wheelchair to help athletes get into racing.

Finally, Team East Lothian will receive funding for a storage container to store frame running equipment and other disability athletics equipment; and Grampian Disability Sport’s grant will cover venue hire costs and support athlete participation expenses over the next two years.

Graeme Jack, Chair of Athletics Trust Scotland said: “After supporting fantastic Transforming Lives projects in 2023, we are delighted to be able to deliver another batch this year.

“A series of projects were selected with a clear vision in mind – to support those who need better accessibility in athletics.

“Our community is what makes our sport so great, and an example of that is Outdoors For You supporting integration for our new migrant, asylum seeker and refugee neighbours in Glasgow.

“In 2023, our grants made disability sport more accessible and we continue that trend this time around, while still remaining true to those who face other barriers to participation through our funded projects.

“From disability sport, to student support and helping those from disadvantaged backgrounds, Athletics Trust Scotland’s Transforming Lives grants are once again making serious social impact across the country.”

Razgar Hassan, Outdoors For You Chief Executive Officer said: “The grant will make it possible for our service users, to take part in running events in Glasgow and thereby experience the amazing atmosphere and camaraderie at these events.”

Athletics Trust Scotland is a charity focused on supporting disadvantaged communities through the power of sport. The organisation’s first grant funding to support these communities through its Transforming Lives programme, was delivered in 2023.

Any interested parties who would like further assistance or information can contact Athletics Trust Scotland Fundraising Manager, Kyle Greig: kyle.greig@athleticstrustscotland.org.uk and can register their interest on the Scottish Running Week website here.

For future updates on Scottish Running Week you can find information on social media. Twitter/X: @athtrustscot Facebook: Athletics Trust Scotland and Instagram: @athleticstrustscotland.

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