By Aileen Campbell, Scotland's Minister for Public Health and Sport
This summer will see a unique sporting event come to Glasgow. It's a sporting event that will bring together competitors from over 50 countries, each player with their own story of personal hardship that most of us have, thankfully, never had to tackle.
The Homeless World Cup really is a sporting event like no other and it's something the Scottish Government is proud to support. Here's why.
Through sport, we can give people a purpose, improving not only their health but their self-confidence and self-esteem too. The Homeless World Cup is one of the best examples of this, harnessing sports ability to bring people together and change lives for the better.
Using sport to deliver social impact for individuals and communities cuts across almost every area of Scottish Government policy. We want to exploit the benefits of physical activity and sport as a means to improve both mental and physical health.
The chance to represent your country on the national stage can be a powerful and inspiring incentive, and through this tournament we can energise and engage people who, for whatever reason, have become socially excluded. The Homeless World Cup will be free to attend, in the centre of Glasgow and will also be broadcast on free-to-air TV, enabling us to also reach out to people who are not directly involved.
The Homeless World Cup also allows us the opportunity to bring the issue of homelessness to the fore. We have much to be proud of in Scotland in our commitment to addressing homelessness. Scotland has some of the most progressive homelessness legislation in the world from legal rights to settled accommodation and a strong focus on prevention in recent years.
However, homelessness can be a complex issue which can be about far more than the provision of housing. With the achievements we have seen in recent years, there is recognition that homelessness prevention may include addressing issues such as health and personal relationships.
Glasgow is an example of this. Despite some falls in those presenting as homeless, it has the highest numbers of homeless applicants in Scotland. Services are now focussing on how best to respond to the more intensive and complex needs of people who may sleep rough or who may not be able to sustain a tenancy without support.
That's why innovative initiatives such as the Homeless World Cup are so important. It is an opportunity to help improve outcomes and prevent repeat homelessness, including developing personal resilience, which can help individuals achieve their goals.
So, first and foremost I'm looking forward to watching a spectacular and inspiring tournament this summer. I'm also looking forward to welcoming people from around the world and demonstrating how progressive social policies can make a difference to people's lives.