The key aim of this organisation is to help fleet operations and company vehicles to improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and emissions and make cost savings.
The initiative was launched earlier this month where we attended and received our ECO Stars certificate. This is another brilliant opportunity for Sport Aberdeen to move towards a greener working ethos and help to promote fleet and vehicle efficiency. Sara Montgomery, from the marketing team, was present at the official launch to receive the certification on behalf of Sport Aberdeen.
The Aberdeen City and Shire scheme was set up in May 2016 and operates in partnership with the North East Transport Partnership (NESTRANS). The scheme will help reduce emissions across the north east area and encourage more organisations to actively take part.
Keith Gerrard, Director of Operations and Asset Development, commented on Sport Aberdeen’s involvement with the scheme:
“Sport Aberdeen currently owns three environmentally friendly vans which improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and make cost savings. We have introduced lighting upgrades and environmental management training for venue managers alongside signing up to the cycle to work scheme, encouraging staff to use greener travel options.”
“This is part of our wider carbon management plan which aims to build a greener, more sustainable approach to our estate and procedures. Road transport is one of the main causes of air pollution in our cities and accounts for over one quarter of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions.
“The Aberdeen City and Shire ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme is a great example of how we can work in partnership to meet our green commitments, hopefully inspiring people to consider ways in which we can all play a part in reducing carbon emissions.”
The award, given to organisations in Scotland committed to increasing cycling amongst its employees, was received by Sport Aberdeen earlier this month.
Sport Aberdeen recently took part in the Love to Ride cycling challenge, with employees winning second place for their cycling efforts within the Aberdeen City and Shire category. Employees are also supported to take up cycling through its Cycle To Work scheme, which allows employees to purchase a new bike and safety equipment VAT free. Over 2,000 retailers are signed up to the scheme nationwide.
Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Operations Keith Gerrard today commended his colleagues for their work in achieving the award:
“I am delighted that Sport Aberdeen has obtained Cycle Friendly Employer status. Our commitment to creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity begins with our own employees.
“The award is recognition for the various steps we’ve taken to support cycling at Sport Aberdeen. From installing bike lockers at our venues to our cycle to work scheme, we also provide changing and shower facilities to encourage active travel. All of this puts us on the road to a healthier, greener workplace.”
The “virtual activity zone” is part of extensive modernisation works taking place at the Jesmond Sports Centre in the Bridge of Don area of Aberdeen.
Opening in early January 2017, 3D camera sensors, wireless technologies and interactive screens will be used to encourage more people to take part in sport and physical activity.
The development works also include a expanded state-of-the-art 70 station gym, an immersive spin studio, a new aerobics studio and a complete refresh to the building.
Revealing the plans, Sport Aberdeen today said the overhaul underlines its commitment to creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Operations and Asset Developmont, Keith Gerrard said:
“These exciting plans for the Jesmond Sports Centre will deliver a state-of-the-art health and wellness experience. The virtual activity zone will complement the state-of-the-art 70 station gym, aerobics studio and major development work to the building.
“Far from being a futuristic dream, virtual technologies are very much a part of our everyday lives. Integrating gaming technologies into a gym environment opens up another world of possibilities to encourage more people to get active.
“While sports participation continues to increase among adults and children in Aberdeen, we still have a long way to go towards living healthier, more active lives. The innovative virtual gym offers a more engaging experience, particularly to those who might be discouraged from attending a traditional gym.”
Outlining the plans for the Jesmond Sports Centre, Mr Gerrard announced that the modernised venue will re-open its doors to customers early next year:
“The modernisation of the Jesmond Sports Centre underlines our commitment to creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity.
“We’re grateful for the support we’ve received from our customers throughout this process, and look forward to unveiling the results when we re-open the doors in January 2017.”
Runners will be encouraged to raise sponsorship for nine charities officially recognised by organisers Sport Aberdeen and Baker Hughes.
A final tenth affiliated charity will be chosen in the coming weeks, with the tenth spot being chosen on a yearly basis going forward.
2017 marks the 30th year of Aberdeen’s popular road race, which sees some 5,000 runners take part in the 10k route around Aberdeen’s beach area.
Tens of thousands of pounds are raised each year in support of good causes. The nine charities are: Aberdeen Cyrenians, Befriend a Child, Children 1st, CLAN Cancer Support, Alzheimer Scotland, Friends of Anchor, Macmillan Cancer Support, Inspire, Cash for Kids.
Representatives from the official charities marked the reveal at Aberdeen’s beach front, with Sport Aberdeen and Baker Hughes encouraging people to raise whatever they can.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen’s Director for Sports Development and Active Lifestyles Jo Bell said:
“The Baker Hughes 10k running festival is a fantastic opportunity to get fit and fundraise for your favourite cause. Each year Sport Aberdeen is stunned by the amount raised by participants, particularly in tougher economic times for the local economy. Every penny raised will make a difference and we’d urge anyone taking part to think about doing so in support of one of our affiliated charities.”
Crawford Anderson, North Sea Sales Director for Baker Hughes said:
“We are delighted to be sponsoring this community event for the 23rd time. The Baker Hughes 10K raises thousands of pounds each year and we are proud to contribute towards improving the quality of life of those people whom the charity partners support.”
Find out more information about our 2017 charities.
The event will be structured across a whole day, and allowing for drop in attendance throughout the day.
Active Travel Hub innovation day – Saturday 10th December
0900 – 1600
Bridge of Don Academy, Aberdeen, AB22 8RR
What does the day involve?
The event is a great opportunity for those interested in active travel to explore the development of a specific hub to promote active and sustainable travel within Aberdeen.
The day will involve:
- Identification of potential opportunities or problems relating to the sitting and functionality of an active travel hub in the Bridge of Don area.
- Group idea generation session to address each of these areas employing a variety of appropriate techniques in order to generate the best ideas possible.
- Team and group work to explore each idea – developing these to envision what future states might be.
- Iterative development of prototype ‘solutions’.
- Catering (teas, coffee, juices, snacks during the morning and afternoon and a sandwich / pizza lunch) for all participants.
How do I sign up?
Please register your interest via event brite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/active-travel-hub-innovation-day-tickets-29474133928
For more detail on the event please contact Susan Fraser, Project Development Manager, Sport Aberdeen sufraser@sportaberdeen.co.uk
Sally Carns, Senior Operations Manager at Sport Aberdeen, has been awarded Community Coach of the Year by national sport agency sportscotland.
The prize was awarded in recognition of her efforts to create opportunities for more people to play netball in Aberdeen. Carns, who works full time with Sport Aberdeen and is based at the Linx Ice Arena, undertakes a wide range of netball coaching roles in her spare time.
Most recently the Sport Aberdeen manager has been appointed as Development Academies Coach by Netball Scotland for the North Academy, following on from her coaching in Shetland and Orkney last year as part of the Netball Scotland led programme. She will receive the top accolade at a ceremony tomorrow night (Wednesday 23rd) due to her work establishing Bucksburn Netball Club and lead coaching the RGU Netball team.
Sport Aberdeen’s Head of HR and Organisational Development Nickie Scorgie today praised Sally’s success:
“At Sport Aberdeen we are committed to creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity. Sally’s dedication to her sport and positive attitude has been an inspiration not only to the community in which she coaches, but to everyone at Sport Aberdeen.”
Nickie Scorgie added that the organisation’s Smarter Working opportunities are an important tool for attracting talent:
“Our organisation is made stronger by having colleagues who are passionate about sport and physical activity both in and out of work. Through initiatives such as flexible working, Sport Aberdeen is proud to support our colleagues to pursue their broader ambitions. It’s one of many steps we have taken in efforts to become employer of choice for those seeking a career in sport and physical activity in Aberdeen.”
Sally Carns, who is also a top three finalist in the running for the Sports Coach UK Community Coach of the Year, said:
“I am honoured and privileged, not to mention a little surprised to be recognised in this way for doing something I love.
“Bucksburn Netball club was set up to support all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes in pursuing their love of netball and I am lucky enough to have an amazing coaching team and support team at the club, not to mention fabulous players.
“Without the support of them I would not be half the coach I am today. I would encourage anyone wanting to get involved in coaching to give it a try. As a volunteer I get fantastic reward by seeing individuals and teams develop in the sport we love, and never tire of seeing people achieve things they didn’t think they could.”
This year’s exhibition has a festive twist and has a fun line up of activities for all ages including sports activities, live entertainment, inflatables and Santa’s grotto.
Visit the Sport Aberdeen stand for lots of games and freebies plus your chance to win with an Active School’s fun session for your child and their whole class, a block of swimming lessons, an underwater swimming session and tickets for Ice Aberdeen’s Once Upon a Christmas!
For more information visit the Scottish Kids Show website.
The chair of Scotland’s national agency for sport visited award-winning charitable leisure trust Sport Aberdeen last week.
Mel Young, who was appointed as Chair of sportscotland in February this year, was given a tour of sports facilities across the city by Sport Aberdeen’s Managing Director Alistair Robertson.
During the visit, Mr Young also met with Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Sports and Active Lifestyles, Jo Bell, to learn more about the organisations efforts towards creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity.
Recently, Sport Aberdeen announced a range of specialist aquatics programmes to enable more people to take part in physical activity and sport. It is part of a wider effort to develop activities for individuals and groups who find regular services difficult to access.
Speaking after the visit, Alistair Robertson said it was a great opportunity to highlight the breadth of programmes delivered by Sport Aberdeen:
“From founding the Homeless World Cup to co-founding the Big Issue, Mel Young has considerable experience of driving forward sports and physical activity programmes which can change lives.
“It was great that the team at Sport Aberdeen had the opportunity to host the sportscotland Chair and share what they are doing.
“Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity. Engaging with national organisations, such as sportscotland, is an important opportunity for us to share our own good practice and indeed learn about what else we can do to increase participation in sport.”
Mel Young commented that he was extremely impressed with the breadth of imaginative programmes, adding that it was clear that the staff have a passion for what they are doing.
Following the successful launch of Floatfit at Sport Aberdeen, we are delighted to announce that the classes will be launching a Northfield Swimming Pool from 24th November!
With a successful pilot at Cults Swimming Pool we are now moving the class to Northfield Swimming Pool. This is part of Sport Aberdeen’s modernisation plan – creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity.
Fitness members benefit from seven day advanced booking for the latest group exercise classes such as Floatfit
Membership benefits include:
- Access to any Sport Aberdeen gym
- Access to any Sport Aberdeen swimming pool
- Over 100+ fitness classes
- Personalised training plans
- Nutritional advice
- Real flexibility – no on or off peak
- Venues across the city, from Bridge of Don to Cults to Kincorth
- Seven day advanced booking
Enter the 2017 race here between Friday the 28th and Monday the 31st of October to be automatically entered into the prize draw.
The winner will be picked on Tuesday the 1st of November.
Good luck!