Paisley giant Kieron Achara is urging Buddies to “try something new” in sport.
The basketball Olympian is backing a plan to use competitive activity to help boost mental health.
It has just been launched by sportscotland and the Scottish Association for Mental Health.
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The idea is to tackle a new sport to boost mental and physical health.
Towering Kieron, 6ft 10ins, retired as the captain of Glasgow Rocks after eleven years playing as a pro.
He was capped 105 times for Great Britain and had spells with clubs in Italy, Spain, Greece and Bulgaria.
Last year he was granted an MBE for for Services to Community Sport in Scotland.
Kieron, who lives in Paisley with his wife Megan and two children, said: ““We all know the importance of good mental health so it is great to see SAMH and sportscotland working collaboratively to encourage people to be more active.
“Go out and try something new, it doesn’t have to be something you perceive to be difficult or challenging, the most important thing is that people get out there and try.
“Who knows, it might be the start of a fantastic new journey.”
The 38-year-old star joined footballer Leanne Crichton launching the campaign.
The #TrySomethingNew appeal is part of the Feel Your Personal Best campaign.
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Leanne said: “The pandemic has been tough for everyone so it’s now more important than ever that we do what we can to take care of our mental and physical well-being.
“Getting out there and trying something new is a great way to do that and I am looking forward to seeing people across the country get behind this campaign.”
Members of the sportscotland Young People’s Sport Panel are also involved and member Molly Sands,15, added: “Getting involved in a new sport or physical activity is a great way for young people to put themselves out there, meet new people and try new things. It can be scary trying something new, but give it a go.”
The programme has been given cash by the National Lottery after research revealed 81 per cent of people said being more active helped their well-being.
