Dariusz Dzieniak, 42 years old was awarded Employee of the Year at an event hosted by Sport Aberdeen Chairman Fred Dalgarno.
The annual awards are held in recognition of employees who have demonstrated their commitment to creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity.
Mr Dzieniak is a lifeguard based at the Beach Leisure Centre. His roles include ensuring the safety of Sport Aberdeen swimmers, however he also goes out of his way to assist in the everyday running of the venue. He has worked for Sport Aberdeen for seven years.
Dariusz was a huge asset to Sport Aberdeen during the recent modernisation of the health suite facilities at the Beach Leisure Centre, volunteering his time after work hours to help.
Dariusz Dzieniak was selected as Sport Aberdeen’s employee of the year after being nominated for “his efforts in going the extra mile both with customers and colleagues alike”.
Sport Aberdeen’s Nickie Scorgie, Head of Human Resources, said:
“Dariusz is an asset to Sport Aberdeen and has shown how the small things really do add up. It is very rewarding to see how those who work for Sport Aberdeen have such an impact on the charity as a whole.
“Employees of the charity are the lifeblood of the whole organisation and without them we would not be able to create so many opportunities in sport and physical activity across the city.
“Sport Aberdeen is committed to becoming the employer of choice for those seeking a career in the leisure industry.”
Dariusz Dzieniak also commented:
“I was very proud to be named Sport Aberdeen’s employee of the year. Being surrounded by positive people in an exciting environment, mixing with people from across the city makes every work day different.
“The last seven years with Sport Aberdeen have been a pleasure, and I look forward to many more to come.”
Broc Drury (Aberdeen AAC) took the male trophy in the 30th year of the Baker Hughes 10K, in a time of 31:38. Fiona Brian ran an impressive 36:15 making her the fastest female. Anthony Stott was the fastest in the wheelchair race in a time of 35:15 and the Chevron team took the corporate team title. Hundreds more also took part in the fun run, Active Schools 2K race and 2K wheelchair race.
All results are now up and can be viewed online at: http://results.sporthive.com/for/frsystems
Thousands of spectators lined the streets and cheered on the runners.
Commenting on the festival, Sport Aberdeen’s Business Development Director Jill Franks:
“We are over the moon with the positive response to this year’s race, now in its 30th year. In what is a challenging time for Aberdeen it is heart-warming to see the whole city come together yet again and celebrate such a fantastic and long-standing event.
“I would like to thank Baker Hughes as the main sponsors and look forward to continuing to work with them to bring to this community driven event to Aberdeen.
“Well done to every single person who took part on the day and to everyone who volunteered their time to help make this year’s race another resounding success, we can’t wait to see you all again next year!”.
Over the last five years, Courage on the Catwalk has been a major event for the charity, seeing hundreds of women take to the stage to raise money and awareness, and for the first time it’s time for the men to shine.
Bill Hendry, 66, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in January 2011 and after six months of intensive treatment he returned to work for Sport Aberdeen in September 2011.
He has worked at Sport Aberdeen’s Beach Leisure Centre for over 15 years, saying being surrounded by positive people in an exciting environment, mixing with people from all across the city helps to keep him energised’.
Every penny raised from BRAVE and Courage on the Catwalk, held at The Beach Ballroom, will go directly into helping make North-east cancer and haematology care the best it can be for those receiving treatment at the ANCHOR Unit, ARI.
Speaking ahead of the event Bill said:
“It is a real pleasure to be taking part in this event with the 23 other inspirational men – and of course all the women taking part in Courage on the Catwalk. We are doing this to raise awareness and money, and every penny raised through BRAVE and Courage on the Catwalk goes straight to help the cause.
“I am now back at work and in remission, using my days off to attend ongoing appointments at ARI. Working at Sport Aberdeen’s Beach Leisure Centre and being surrounded by youngsters really keeps me feeling young and energised. “
Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Operations and Asset Development, Keith Gerrard, praised Bill’s effort:
“We’re all in awe of the strength with which Bill has shown in beating this life-changing illness. Sport Aberdeen is 110% behind him as he raises money for Anchor and awareness of the work undertaken by the charity.”
Bill’s story:
“After being successfully treated by the most amazing doctors and staff here in Aberdeen, the cancer came back in 2015. That was two years ago and I am currently taking part in medical research trials and taking a new experimental drug. When I was asked whether I would like to take part in the trial I said yes straight away, it was a no-brainer, I didn’t want to lose my hair again!
The team that treated me in Aberdeen were fantastic, I really can’t speak highly enough of them.
I am now back at work and in remission, using my days off to attend ongoing appointments at ARI. Working at Sport Aberdeen’s Beach Leisure Centre and being surrounded by youngsters really keeps me feeling young and energised.
If you had told me five years ago that I would be taking part in a catwalk and learning poses and half-turns, I would have laughed and bet you a lot of money that that would never happen!
But here we are. There are 24 of us taking part in the Brave show all together, this is the first year us men have been involved in the fundraising event. We range in age from 18 to 79 years old, but we are all set on raising money and having great fun at the event.
We have had several rehearsals in the run-up. Premier Productions have been putting us through our paces and its brilliant, so professional!
“Nothing gets me down. My slogan for the Brave catwalk is simple: Be positive, fight cancer.”
It is a real pleasure to be taking part in this event with the 23 other inspirational men – and of course all the women taking part in Courage on the Catwalk. We are doing this to raise awareness and money, and every penny goes straight to help the cause.
I have been married for 39 years and the support my wife and daughter, who volunteers at Courage on the Catwalk, have given me over the years is truly heart-warming. I want to raise awareness and money for the next generation, for the next person to fall ill to this disease and the families that support them.
This is such an important event. Every single penny raised will go towards building a new unit which will help so many people in the future, and help the incredible team of doctors and nurses in Aberdeen to carry on the life-saving work they carry out every day.”
Eilish Brodie and Zoe Lennox, who are both studying for an BA in Media at the local university, took part in a 12-week placement for their third year where they filmed a series of videos.
Projects included the innovative ‘Social Stories’ videos, created in partnership with Me Too!, as a means of familiarising customers with additional support needs with Sport Aberdeen venues prior to use in order to break down barriers to participation in sport.
The placement is part of Sport Aberdeen’s ongoing partnership with RGU to provide students with opportunities to experience the world of work. This year the placement programme was expanded following the success of the Aberdeen Youth Games project organised by Sport Aberdeen Active Schools in partnership with RGU and North East Scotland College.
Both students requested to be taken on for the 12-week placement with Sport Aberdeen after producing work for the registered charity as part of a previous course.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen Business Development Director Jill Franks said:
“Eilish and Zoe have made an enormous contribution to the success of Sport Aberdeen’s online presence with their creative and professional videos.
“They are an asset to Robert Gordon University, who I know will be proud of the impact their students are having in the community. Sport Aberdeen is committed to becoming the employer of choice for those seeking a career in the leisure industry.
“It is increasingly important and valuable for students to gain experience within a real working environment and we are delighted to support this.”
Izzy Crawford, Subject Leader for Media, Public Relations and Journalism said:
“We are incredibly proud of Eilish and Zoe who have shown outstanding professionalism and competence on placement. RGU Media students combine business and creativity to help employers achieve their goals.”
Eilish Brodie said:
“This placement was undertaken as part of a client-based project with Sport Aberdeen. Not only has it been beneficial to find out more about what the organisation does for the local community but the opportunity to apply my theoretical knowledge from university as well as my own practical skills has been incredibly rewarding.”
The course, which is being delivered in partnership with Sport Aberdeen and AFC Community Trust, will be hosted on the popular Hazlehead leisure complex on the redeveloped pitch & putt course.
Sport Aberdeen Chairman Fred Dalgarno today joined Dons football players Mark Reynolds and Peter Pawlett, AFC Community Trust mascot Donny the Sheep, Sport Aberdeen mascot McMurtle the Turtle and pupils from Hazlehead Primary as they marked the launch of the new course.
A crossover of two of the UK’s most popular pastimes, footgolf has fast become one of the most popular new sports sweeping the nation.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Operations and Asset Development, Keith Gerrard said:
“We are very excited to have launched the first footgolf course in the North-east. The beauty of this sport is that anyone can take part and have a great time.
“All you need to do to take part is turn up and book your spot at the starters box. Introductory prices will see one round of footgolf cost only £2.95 per adult and, weather permitting, the course will be offered on a year round basis.
“This is a brilliant example of partnership working to bring innovative opportunities for the local community to have fun and get active.”
Steven Sweeney, community operations manager for AFCCT, said:
“This is a great new initiative and a fun alternative for all to get active, combining a love of football and golf.
“AFCCT are looking forward to raising awareness of the project and introducing more people to get active.
“Thanks to Sport Aberdeen for driving this fantastic project forward, it is always a pleasure for AFCCT to work in partnership with them.”
By day, lawyers at Aberdein Considine, Bon Accord Crescent, but by night (and the Baker Hughes 10k) they are superheroes fighting dementia through raising money.
A team of nine from the main Aberdeen office will take on the challenge in full superhero attire. The popular Baker Hughes Running Festival, now in its 30th year, raises tens of thousands of pounds in support of worthy causes.
Today Alzheimer Scotland said superheroes like the Aberdein Considine squad have a massive impact on charities and allow us to continue to support those living with the diagnosis.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Business Development Jill Franks said:
“Every year the Baker Hughes 10K Running Festival sees thousands of everyday heroes challenge themselves to raise money for good causes.
“While the general entries are closed it’s not too late to get your cape on and fight for your favourite charity.”
Andrea Watt, Alzheimer Scotland Community Fundraiser said:
“We are thrilled that Aberdein Considine have chosen to support people living with dementia across the region by taking part in this well-established racing event.
“All money raised supports the work of the Dementia Resource Centre, King Street, Aberdeen, offering advice and support to those living with dementia and their families.
“3500 people in Aberdeen, and 4300 in Aberdeenshire are currently living with dementia and this figure is set to double in 20 years.
“Fundraising supports the work of our Dementia advisors, our 24-hour helpline, Dementia Nurse Consultants and the Resource Centres. Without event’s such as the Baker Hughes 10K we could not continue to support people living with dementia.”
Denise Elrick, Legal Secretary at Aberdein Considine, also commented:
“With great power comes great responsibility. We are all gearing up for the 10K challenge. Doing something like this for a deserving cause makes it more worthwhile.
“Our aim is to try to highlight the fantastic work Alzheimer Scotland carries out and of course raise some funds for them in the process.”
Runners can still sign up to the race for one the affiliated charities until Friday 28th April. Find out more here.
Wilma Rule (72) and Jeanette Fairley (70) are taking part in the North-east’s well established road race to raise money and awareness for Macmillan Cancer Support, in memory of Jeanette’s daughter-in-law, who lost her life to cancer in 2016.
The long-standing event is officially affiliated with ten charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support.
The race will see runners raising money and awareness in support of their favourite charities on Sunday 14th May.
Wilma Rule, who will travel from Hawick for the Baker Hughes 10k Running Festival, said:
“To be taking part in a 10K is a real challenge for us, especially at 70 and 72 years old respectively, but we are most definitely up for it and for sure going to finish the course!
“The Macmillan nurses were so wonderful in caring for my nephew’s wife right until the end, as well as providing great support for the family. In October last year I went onto their website to see if they had any fundraising events taking place in Aberdeen.
“It is so important for people to take part in charitable events, a lot of charities depend entirely on donations.”
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Business Development Jill Franks said:
“It is so important and extremely touching to be able to put a face, and a story, to the participants who take part in the Baker Hughes 10K.
“As well as one of the North-East’s best loved road races, the Baker Hughes 10K also raises awareness and much needed fundraising for charities throughout Scotland.”
Wilma, have you ever done anything like this before?
No, this is the first time either of us have ever taken part in anything like this. To be taking part in a 10K is a real challenge for us, especially at 70 and 72 years old respectively, but we are most definitely up for it and for sure going to finish the course! I imagine the younger ones on our team will be running, but for Jeanette and I it will be brisk walking. We are hoping to do it in no more than 2 hours!
What kind of training plan are you following (if any)?
Jeanette and I aren’t following any kind of training programme. Neither of us owns a car, so we do walk everywhere, and Jeanette goes out for a walk on an almost daily basis, often for an hour at a time. I’ve been a member of our local gym for 10 years, and although I don’t go nearly as much now as when I first joined, since signing up for the Baker Hughes 10K I have focused on going at least once a week, sometimes twice. I do 30 minutes on the rowing machine and at least 30 minutes on the treadmill, I’m also going to get myself back out for brisk walks a couple of times a week.
Why are you taking part in the Baker Hughes 10K and who are you fundraising for?
We are taking part in the Baker Hughes 10K in memory of my nephew’s wife, and to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
My nephew’s wife, Zanna, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in October 2014. The Macmillan nurses were so wonderful in caring for her right until the end, as well as providing great support for the family. In October last year I went onto their web site to see if they had any fundraising events taking place in Aberdeen, and that’s when I learned of the Baker Hughes 10K. I told my sister that I was going to do it, and she immediately said that she’d do it as well. We didn’t have to say anything to each other, but we just knew that Zanna wouldn’t be with us by the time of the event in May.
She had only been given a little over a year when she was initially diagnosed so by October 2016 we knew we would be doing this in her memory. Sadly Zanna passed away on 10th December, and within days we had registered for the 10k, then other family members and friends decided that they were going to join us.
Our team consists of Zanna’s 16-year-old daughter Amber and her friend Lucy, her sister Toni and niece Myla who are travelling up from Manchester, her sister-in-law Ann who is flying over from Ireland, her best friend from childhood Tracy who is travelling to Aberdeen from Gourock and of course her mother-in-law Jeanette (my sister) and myself who will be travelling up from Hawick in the Borders.
What drew you to the Baker Hughes running festival?
Zanna, Stuart and Amber moved to Aberdeen a few years ago and this became their home. They loved it and made many good friends who have all rallied round and given Stuart and Amber the support they need to get through their loss. Knowing that her cancer was terminal, and that by October 2016 she had already lived a few months longer than she had been given, I was very aware that it was just a matter of time, so I wanted to do something to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, knowing that it would be in Zanna’s memory. There was no thinking about it, I knew immediately that this was something I wanted to do and my sister was up for it too, and from there the team came about!
What would you say to anyone of any age who wants to take up fitness and complete a 10K?
Taking up fitness at any age is one of the most positive things anyone can do. Whether it’s joining a gym or a daily walk, the benefits are undeniable, and not just physically- a walk, or just a half hour on a treadmill will leave you feeling a sense of mental and emotional well-being.
Giving yourself a target, such as taking part in a 10K, will give you the focus that you need to get fit and you certainly don’t have to be a trained marathon runner to take part! Taking part in a 10K is a worthwhile challenge for any age and we are so looking forward to taking part in this year’s Baker Hughes road race. We just cannot wait to experience it and raise money for a fantastic charity!
How important is it for people to take part in charitable events and raise money?
It is so important for people to take part in charitable events, a lot of charities depend entirely on donations. I imagine that most people who take part in these events do so because someone they know has been helped by one charity or another, but people who are not in this category should seriously consider getting involved so that as much money as possible can be raised to support the wonderful work that these charities do.
Our gratitude is for Macmillan Cancer Support whose nurses provided Zanna and her family with such caring support during her battle with cancer, as they have done for thousands of other families. They depend on people taking part in events like this to raise the funds needed to carry on the brilliant work they do. This applies to all the other charities involved in this event too.
Missed out in a general entry for this years race?
All of our affiliated charities have spaces available for sign ups until April 28th 2017.
Contact them here for more information on how you can sign up, join us for the 30th year of the race and support a great cause at the same time!
The videos, named ‘Social Stories’, have been created in partnership with Me Too! as a means of familiarising customers with Sport Aberdeen venues prior to use, to break down barriers such as anxiety.
Sport Aberdeen’s Linx Ice Arena and Tullos Swimming Pool are the first venues to benefit from the videos, with plans to eventually roll out the Social Stories for all venues within the city.
The video was created by Robert Gordon University placement students in partnership with Sport Aberdeen.
Sport Aberdeen today said its innovative approach is part of its commitment to creating opportunities for everyone to take part in sport and physical activity.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen Business Development Director Jill Franks said:
“We understand that new and unfamiliar environments can often be a barrier to participation in sport and physical activity.
“The Social Stories videos are designed to a be useful in allowing visitors to familiarise themselves with Sport Aberdeen venues prior to entering them. The short walk-through video introduces the facility creating a comfortable and welcoming environment from the offset.
“This is a very positive example of how organisations can create a progressive and inclusive environment for our wider communities.”
Phionna McInnes, MeToo! Chief Executive also added:
“It is encouraging to see Sport Aberdeen’s ongoing commitment to making sport accessible to everyone, both in the city and further afield.
“Anxiety can be a common denominator in many people affected with additional support needs and being able to see a visual tour before coming to the premises can be hugely beneficial to helping reduce anxiety driven behaviours”.
The exclusive 30th year medal is a re-work of the very first one awarded in 1987, taking inspiration from the original design and incorporating the wheelchair race which was established in 1996, with a blue ‘30’ in celebration of the 30th year. The enamelled medal will be hung from a blue ribbon branded with Sport Aberdeen and Baker Hughes logos.
Every participant will receive a branded t-shirt prior to the race and one of the exclusive 30th year medals alongside a goodie-bag at the finishing line.
General entries for the Baker Hughes 10K close, on Friday 14th April. The Granite City’s well-established road race takes place on Sunday 14th May.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Business Development Jill Franks said:
“To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the race we have re-designed the medal to include elements from the original design in 1987 and included the diverse range of participants we welcome now, including the 10K wheelchair race which was introduced in 1996.
“This is a particularly significant year for the Baker Hughes 10k Running Festival, the Granite City’s most popular road race, and we are very excited to reveal the special addition medal.
“The Baker Hughes 10K Festival has gone from strength to strength over the years, with more participants signing up than ever. The race is an important part of Sport Aberdeen’s commitment to creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity within the community.”
Marketing Specialist for Baker Hughes, Lesley McMullan said:
“Baker Hughes has been the proud sponsor of the 10K Running Festival since it’s early years and we are delighted to see how the race has grown to become the much-loved sporting event which it is today.
“It would be great to see as many runners taking part as possible in this special celebratory year so don’t miss out and ensure that you sign up before the Friday deadline.”
Event organisers are calling on runners and spectators of the Baker Hughes 10K Running Festival to share photographs, memories and memorabilia.
In celebration of the 30th year of the Granite City’s favourite road race, registered charity Sport Aberdeen is hoping to host a visual timeline in the Race Village which incorporates an image for each year that the race has taken place.
The Baker Hughes 10k Running Festival will take place this year on Sunday 14th May.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Business Development Jill Franks said:
“This is a particularly special year for the Baker Hughes 10k Running Festival, Aberdeen’s most popular road race. To mark the 30th anniversary of the race, we’re appealing to the many runners and fans to share photographs, memories and memorabilia.
“We’re hopeful that our crowdsourcing campaign will help us to tell an important visual history of how the race has developed over the years. We’ve set up a webpage where people can find more information on how to share images and send in any memorabilia for the exhibition.
“Each year we are overwhelmed by the support given to the event from the community. It’s an important part of Sport Aberdeen’s commitment to creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity.”
Please send all photographs and information of memorabilia to CityofAberdeen10K@sportaberdeen.co.uk by Friday 21st April, all photographs will be credited.