Scottish sporting groups are to benefit from a cash injection from the Big Lottery Fund to help them prepare for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Through the 2014 Communities programme, 94 sports projects have been awarded a total of £85,352 in the hope of encouraging increased participation in sport and physical activity as well as community cohesion. The projects receiving funding include a five-week coaching course for young people in Commonwealth sports such as athletics, judo and hockey, organised by The Garscube Community Foundation, and junior coaching sessions and an inter-school cricket event at Oban Cricket Club. Others focus on providing opportunities for people to experience, train and compete in sports such as wheelchair basketball, sailing and rugby.

Big Lottery Fund Scotland chair, Alison Magee, said: "2014 Communities has really captured the imagination of groups across Scotland. Through this programme we want to help promote participation in sport and in volunteering and this is reflected in the wonderful range of projects that are receiving funding today. "Whether it is a women's rugby club, an interschool sports event or riding classes for disabled people these projects will all help to bring about greater well-being across Scotland in the lead up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games."