Momentum continues for award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen as it makes a significant investment in dry ski slope upgrades at Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports Centre.
The key improvements, with a value exceeding £125,000 – will see 600m2 of synthetic matting replaced across two high-traffic areas on the ‘Great White’ – one of five slopes at the venue.
A credible alternative to snow, the matting is a high-performance synthetic system which offers two essential properties for the enjoyment of skiing and snowboarding; slip for speed and grip for the ability to switch direction and regulate the speed of descent.
Other recent developments at the centre include the installation of a travellator on the tubing slope, widening and flattening of surrounding paths as part of enhanced Covid-19 safety measures, and redecoration of the main building’s interior to welcome customers back after a period of closure due to the pandemic.
Skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts can expect to reap the benefits of the new slope improvements immediately as the works concluded in early January.
Home to the only dry ski slopes in the city, Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports Centre currently supports around 600 participants weekly on its lessons and coaching programme.
The programme consists of continuous improvement lessons for adults, juniors and individuals with additional support needs, as well as race training, freestyle sessions and taster sessions.
Those who wish to travel further afield to a ski resort can hire all the necessary snowsports kit from the centre’s rental service.
Graeme Dale, Head of Sport and Active Communities, said: “At Sport Aberdeen, we are committed to providing first-class sporting facilities which are inclusive and accessible to everyone.
“We are delighted to again be reinvesting back into the communities that we serve through the slope replacement work at Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports Centre. This represents a substantial investment and we’re sure the improvements to the quality of the facility and experience will be warmly welcomed by our regular users.
“With the growing popularity of snowsports, it is hoped that budding skiers and snowboarders will be inspired to take to the slopes too.”
Trafford Wilson, Chief Executive Officer at Snowsport Scotland, said: “It is great to recognise Sport Aberdeen’s commitment to continuous improvement and further development for the future.
“It is vital that we encourage more individuals to get involved in the action-packed and thrill-seeking nature of snowsports and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it.
“I am confident that Sport Aberdeen’s latest investment will boost grassroots participation in snowboarding and skiing in the north-east.”
If you fancy hitting the slopes, you can view the public open session timetable here, otherwise please email snowsports@sportaberdeen.co.uk to find out more about lessons.
We are pleased to share that tree clearance works began at the MacKenzie Championship Golf Course on Monday 17 January, once the required license was granted by Scottish Forestry. This was necessary due to the sheer volume of tree damage and the scope of work required to remedy this.
The initial focus will be on clearing the trees from the MacKenzie Course and then undertaking a selective programme of tree thinning around the tees and greens on both the MacKenzie and Pines courses
While matting has been hired as a protective measure, it is likely there will still be some degree of damage to the course caused by these works. This is due to the ad-hoc nature of the tree damage and the movement of machinery around the site being more complex. Please be assured that any resultant damage will be addressed, and the course fully reinstated as a priority once the tree works are complete.
In addition to the tree works, the drainage improvement programme on the MacKenzie Course will begin week commencing 24 January. This had been delayed as a result of Storm Arwen, the festive holidays and latterly Covid-19. It is likely that drainage on the 8th,14th, 15th and 16th holes will be completed first which will allow the trees on the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 17th holes to be cleared for work to start on these holes. Turf, as opposed to re-seeding, will be used to ‘make good’ the areas impacted by this work and should help with the bedding in and re-establishment process post completion.
Lastly, we are pleased to report that excellent progress has been made on the tee levelling and general improvement work being undertaken on both the MacKenzie Course and The Pines, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to investing in the courses.
We are grateful for your continued patience and understanding while these works are undertaken. We look forward to works being completed smoothly and welcoming you back to fully reinstated and improved courses in time for spring / in a matter of weeks.
If you have any queries, please contact golf@sportaberdeen.co.uk where the team will be happy to help
As part of its commitment to deliver the best possible experience for its members, award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen has made a five-figure investment in fitness venue refurbishments across the city.
The exciting upgrades come as a result of invaluable customer feedback and staff input, as well as the charity’s dedication to delivering continuous improvements to the city’s leisure venues.
Following a competitive tender process, a new four-year partnership will see Pulse Fitness provide state-of-the-art fitness equipment in three Sport Aberdeen venues: Get active @ Alex Collie, Get active @ Kincorth and Get active @ Peterculter.
Each venue will boast new fitness equipment updated with the latest digital software which is compatible with TRAKK, the free Pulse Fitness app. Featured new equipment includes a dual multi-pulley, a dual chest and shoulder press, a half rack with platform and a stepmill machine.
Users will also benefit from an enhanced exercise environment, with access to a combination of cardio equipment, fixed resistance machines and free weights. Key developments include a new extension and stretching area at Get active @ Alex Collie, a dedicated weightlifting area and revamped space at Get active @ Kincorth, and a refreshed gym layout and visual makeover of the free weights room at Get active @ Peterculter.
One frequent user of Get active @ Alex Collie, said:
“I love what’s been done to the gym. I can really see a massive improvement to the layout and equipment. Sport Aberdeen has done a great job.”
Allan Rae, Group Operations Manager, said:
“By offering a refreshed layout and new gym equipment, we are providing our members with everything they need to have a fun and effective workout. We know that many members like to focus on strength-based training and our new layouts will support this.
“Placing customers at the heart of our services, we are excited to bring new pieces of kit to these venues and look forward to upgrading other venues throughout 2022.”
Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools team is seeking new volunteers who are eager to play an important role in improving the health and wellbeing of Aberdeen’s young people.
The invitation to volunteer extends to anyone over the age of 13 with an interest in sport and a desire to give back to the local community, who is inspired to help young people. Secondary school pupils who opt to volunteer will be accompanied by an adult when helping to deliver sessions.
A sportscotland national initiative that aims to provide all children with high quality opportunities to take part in sport and physical activity, Active Schools is delivered in Aberdeen by award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen.
The team engages with all local authority primary and secondary schools across the city, with a responsibility to encourage young people to participate in free physical activity sessions and join extracurricular sports clubs.
Prior to Covid-19, a notable 89% of Active Schools activities were carried out by volunteers including parents, teachers, students, secondary school pupils and family members. The 2018 to 2019 school academic year saw 891 volunteer deliverers, with some 9588 pupils attending sessions.
Eilidh Shanks, former Active Schools volunteer during secondary school, said:
“I really enjoyed volunteering for Active Schools. I was involved in helping at netball clubs, holiday activity camps and fun runs. I loved that I got to work with kids of all ages, encouraging them to take part in sport. It was rewarding to see the kids enjoying themselves and improving each week.”
Volunteering can also help to shape a career in sport. Rory Anton, former Active Schools volunteer, commented:
“During my time volunteer coaching for Active Schools, it really helped me see the power of sport for young people and allowed me as a young coach to develop my leadership capabilities.
“There are definitely aspects of my job as a Club Development Officer at RGU SPORT supporting the development of our Student Leaders that I couldn’t do without the experience of leading so many sessions for Active Schools.”
This is a key opportunity to join a supportive team and individuals will receive full training to ensure safe delivery of all sessions.
Those who have the desire to make a difference, acquire new skills and positively impact the lives of local children through sport and physical activity are urged to get involved.
Find out further information about becoming an Active Schools volunteer here or contact the team directly at activeschools@sportaberdeen.co.uk
It is fair to say that the level of tree damage at Hazlehead is unprecedented and the storm impacted on many courses in the north-east of Scotland. The damage is particularly extensive on the MacKenzie Championship Course with the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 17th and 18th holes being the most affected. The amount of work required on the MacKenzie course means the approach to tackling the tree damage is more complex and needs greater consideration and planning.
However, we are pleased to share that Hazlehead Pines is back to the full 18-holes, weather permitting, with final tidying to be carried out during week commencing 20 December.
MacKenzie Championship Remedial Works
Further updates on the works required on the MacKenzie Championship Course will be provided in the near future. We hope that the actions we are taking demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the courses and getting 18-holes back in play at the earliest possible opportunity.
Any queries can be directed to golf@sportaberdeen.co.uk where the team will be happy to respond.
A partnership providing free use of leisure facilities in areas across Scotland, including Aberdeen, is back in action.
Award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen is part of the Leisure Link Partnership which gives its members access to gym, public swimming and fitness classes at participating leisure facilities in Argyll and Bute, the Borders, Highlands, Moray, Orkney, and the Western Isles at no extra cost to their existing membership.
Leisure Link was created so that people working away from home or on holiday can use local facilities from participating areas as part of their existing home-based membership.
David Selkirk, Sport Aberdeen Director of Community Leisure Operations, said: “I’m delighted that the Leisure Link Partnership is back, giving our members increased flexibility and even more opportunities to get active and I hope the added value that this brings encourages people to keep up with a healthy and active lifestyle whether on holiday in Scotland or away for work.”
Sport Aberdeen runs over 30 citywide venues and delivers more than thirty-five different activities for people of all ages and abilities.
Those making use of the scheme are asked to check directly with the site they are planning to visit whether advanced booking is necessary. For more information and to check out which facilities are included, click here.
Award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen has issued its latest annual report; highlighting the resilience of community sport and the people behind the north-east’s largest leisure provider throughout a “year like no other”.
The 2020/21 report reveals that even whilst venues were forced to close due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Sport Aberdeen continued to ensure that local people could stay active.
The charity was able to loan equipment to 150 customers, including over 80 body pump kits, 700kg of dumbbells and, 100 step blocks while over 100 live online fitness classes were delivered as part of a free Get active @ Home programme.
Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools team supported children of key workers and vulnerable young people in 10 schools across the city and were able to support the delivery of several educational hubs, providing over 5,400 hours of assistance.
Almost 250 sports packs were delivered to care experienced children and young people as part of an initiative in partnership with Children 1st and Sport Aberdeen’s SPACE (Supported Physical Activity for Care Experienced) project.
The project, delivered in partnership with Aberdeen City Council, was recognised in the category ‘Developing and Supporting Communities during Covid-19’ at the ukactive Awards 2021 in August, capping off a successful year for Sport Aberdeen and highlighting the impact that it’s had on the community throughout the course of the pandemic.
Tony Dawson, Sport Aberdeen Chairman, said: “This has been a year like no other and so much has changed in this relatively short period of time, but there is so much that Sport Aberdeen can be proud of.
“The recognition of the advantages of living a healthy lifestyle has perhaps been one of the few positives to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, a shift in attitude which is long overdue, and I’m pleased to say that we have, and we will, continue to keep Aberdeen active.
“The dedication of each member of the Sport Aberdeen team who remained at work during this time was just fantastic and I am personally very proud of our response and the support we provided to our community during this time.”
Alistair Robertson, managing director of Sport Aberdeen, said: “This report highlights the successes of an extremely challenging year, but it also serves as a reminder of how powerful community sport and physical activity can be, particularly in the face of such adversity. Not even a pandemic could stop us creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity.
“I want to pay tribute to everyone for coping, adapting and responding to our city, which was in crisis and in need of our help. We have absolutely risen to the challenge and met head on all that has been thrown at us, demonstrating great resilience throughout these unprecedented times, which has helped keep Sport Aberdeen afloat.
“During times of so much uncertainty we have managed to not only survive but have come out of the pandemic in a positive position. It has been the resilience and fortitude shown by our people in our community, and everyone who works with and for our charity that has allowed us to continue to play our part in the city’s recovery. Collectively, we have achieved so much, and we are a credit to the city of Aberdeen.”
You can view Sport Aberdeen’s full 2020/21 annual report here.
Police Scotland’s North East Division and award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen have teamed up with local organisations to host an event aimed at encouraging more young people to make the most of opportunities available to them throughout the city.
The initiative will focus on mitigating anti-social behaviour among young people by encouraging them to take part in local youth clubs, activities and participate in sport and adventurous activity.
The Police and Partners Youth Event will take place at Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports Centre in Garthdee on Saturday 18 September and run from 18:00 – 21:00.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage with local organisations and sign up to clubs and activities whilst taking part in free interactive stations including Transition Extreme’s climbing wall. ASDA and Sainsburys will provide refreshments free of charge for participants.
Adventure Aberdeen, part of Sport Aberdeen, operates the city’s only dry ski slope and will be offering free ski, snowboard and tubing taster sessions for up to 100 participants on a first come first served basis. Participants are encouraged to wear suitable clothing and bring gloves if they intend on taking part in the dry slope activities on offer.
North East Division officers will be manning the event alongside a number of other local organisations including:
- Sport Aberdeen
- Aberdeen Boat Club
- Girl Guides
- Aberdeen City Council youth work team
- Transition Extreme
- Boys Brigade
- Sea Cadets
- Capoeira club (Brazilian martial arts)
- Street Sports
- Goals
- Army Cadets
- Armed Forces recruitment office
- Police Youth Volunteers
PC Gavin Haigh, from Nigg Community Policing Team, said: “This is a great opportunity for the local community, clubs and businesses to come together for an informal evening. Everyone is welcome along to find out more about any of the clubs or representatives at the event. We hope to showcase some of the rewarding activities that young people can become involved with, rather than engaging in antisocial behaviour.
“I am encouraged to see so many local groups wanting to take part and thank them all for their involvement and support.”
Graeme Dale, Sport Aberdeen Head of Sport and Active Communities, said: “This is a great example of local partners coming together to encourage more young people to make the most of the abundance of sporting and other opportunities the city has to offer.
“We are delighted to be hosting the event at our Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports Centre and hope that our ski, snowboard and tubing taster sessions might inspire more young people to take up these exciting outdoor sports.
“Sport Aberdeen offers physical activity opportunities for everyone regardless of age or ability from the age of four upwards and our Active Starts and Active Futures memberships give young people access to swim, golf and tennis in the heart of Aberdeen. We really believe that participation in sport has the power to positively change young people’s lives.”
Funding has been officially extended to allow for an award-winning initiative to continue to provide opportunities for care experienced and looked after children in the Granite City.
SPACE (Supported Physical Activity for Care Experienced) is an innovative project delivered by registered charity Sport Aberdeen, which uses the positive benefits of sport and physical activity to help care experienced children and young people reach their full potential through bespoke interventions.
The project was the first of its kind in Scotland and is the evolution of the ‘Looked After Project’ which began in August 2016 in partnership with Aberdeen City Council, supporting children to get active while improving their confidence and physical and mental wellbeing. Aberdeen City Council is currently corporate parent to 520 children and young people.
Working together, Sport Aberdeen and Aberdeen City Council’s Integrated Children’s and Family Services aim to provide support for participants to achieve positive destinations utilising sport as a catalyst for positive change.
Following a four-year investment in the initiative, Aberdeen City Council have extended the agreement for a further year which will allow for two project activators to continue to support participants.
Graeme Dale, Sport Aberdeen Head of Sport and Active Communities, said: “I am extremely proud of the positive changes that the project has introduced over the last four years and with the funding extension we can reach even more young people throughout the city and improve physical and mental wellbeing through sport and physical activity. The impact that the programme has on the lives of our participants is fantastic, we have seen dramatic changes in the lives of our cared for young people.
“This is a really exciting time for SPACE as we announce the official rebrand, which was heavily influenced by the participants, ensuring that we have young people at the very heart of what we do. The rebrand also represents the expansion of the programme with it linking more closely with the Active Schools programme to increase capacity. The extension of funding is testament to the hard work of the project activators out in the community and all staff that have been involved behind the scenes.
“As a corporate parent Sport Aberdeen has the power to positively impact the lives of young people within the care of Aberdeen City Council, and through partnership working it is my hope that this initiative will continue to thrive.”
One young person enjoyed a walking group, set up in response to the pandemic, so much that he is starting to lead sessions, plan routes and has expressed interest in ‘helping the local community access this activity to combat loneliness’. This same young person was referred to the project to build relationships and social skills, which he now talks positively about. “[He is] excited to return to school for the social aspect. He walks with confidence and is now wearing designer clothes. His PE teacher has also commented on his improved fitness.” – Foster Parent
Another young person added: “This opportunity has been great for me and I am so thankful for the experience.”
Larissa Gordon, Virtual School Head Teacher, added: “Sport Aberdeen is a great example of a Corporate Parent and constantly look to do more to support our care experienced young people. During the pandemic they have adapted to ensure that they can continue to offer support where it is needed most within our community. This has had a huge impact and the SPACE programme has been vital in supporting the mental and physical health of some of our most at-risk young people during this period.”
The project was recently named winner at the ukactive Awards 2021, a UK wide awards ceremony celebrating the active lifestyle sector.
An Aberdeen partnership has launched a brand-new initiative encouraging people to get active this September in the hope of reducing social isolation whilst improving mental and physical wellbeing.
‘Step out September’ is a campaign to encourage people of all ages and abilities from across the city to take part in safe and local activity, meet new people, and improve their wellbeing.
Step out September is a partnership project between Bon Accord Care, ACVO, Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership and Sport Aberdeen and is part of ‘Stay Well Stay Connected’ which has an aim to promote better health and wellbeing, develop meaningful community relationships, promote better inclusion and help reduce social isolation.
A range of gentle social walks will take place from 13 to 19 September with a key aim of connecting people in some of Aberdeen’s open spaces.
The initiative is open to people of all abilities; if you use a wheelchair, use walking aids or if you are pushing a buggy, you’re encouraged to take part and enjoy the social aspect. No special equipment is required although participants are encouraged to bring a jacket and wear comfy shoes.
Andrinne Craig, Sport Aberdeen Healthy Communities Manager, said:
“We are really excited to launch Step out September and this is a fantastic example of partnership working, and the first opportunity these organisations have had to work together out in the community since the pandemic.
“Alongside a full timetable of social walks taking place, we have pulled together a free resource pack of alternative activities for anyone who cannot get outside to participate in the walks. We want to break down barriers and ensure everyone in Aberdeen, regardless of age or ability, can get active and connect with others in some way shape or form this September, and beyond.
“For many people the pandemic has been a period of isolation and activity levels have dropped. It is our hope that Step out September will act as a starting point for people to reengage with the community and get out and connect once again, in a safe and enjoyable way. Together we can, and we will, walk and talk our way back to wellbeing!”
Alison Wills Operations Director at Bon Accord Care Ltd, said:
“Keeping active is vital in helping keep people fit, healthy and independent. We will be encouraging our residents and service users to take part in the walks and if they prefer to stay indoors, we will point them in the direction of the alternative activity pack. We think the sock boccia sound great!”
A full timetable of citywide walks and more information is available to view here and additional walks are being added regularly.
We want to include as many people as possible and realise that not everyone can get outside just now, we have lots of ideas and free resources for your use on our website so that we can all take part. Click here to view and download our free Alternative Activity Guide.
Step out September Pledge
By pledging to take part in Step out September, you are playing your part in helping us work towards a healthier, happier, and more active city and community.
We would love to know what you are doing to celebrate Step out September so please send any photographs to SWSC@aberdeencity.gov.uk and you can share your own Step out September stories and photographs on social media using #SoS2021
