Aberdeen City Council has pledged to support a citywide transformational campaign aimed at getting more people more active in the North East.
The campaign, led by the Active Aberdeen Partnership (AAP), will champion a move to make 2018 the Year of an ‘Active City’, helping more people take part in sport and physical activity, creating better lifestyles and improving overall wellbeing.
Activate the City will strive to challenge national trends and create an active culture throughout Aberdeen, with a focus on impacting the health and social wellbeing of the Granite City’s communities whilst addressing overcoming barriers to participation.
Local communities will be called upon to help transform and encourage physical activity and sport engagement, with backing from strategic leaders, parents, teachers, friends and colleagues, helping to promote an active culture citywide.
The AAP is urging people to keep a look out as more information on this citywide campaign will be available soon which will give everyone the chance to pledge their support towards activating the city and helping to make Aberdeen healthier.
Tony Dawson, Active Aberdeen Partnership Chairman, said:
“Physical inactivity contributes to nearly 2,500 deaths a year in Scotland (1) and it is my hope that this is the beginning of a ground- breaking, transformational strategy, set to improve the health and wellbeing of the local population for years to come through embedding and celebrating an active culture citywide.
“Locals leaders have backed a drive to Activate the City, underling commitment to helping people take part in physical activity and sport, creating better lifestyles and improving wellbeing through being active more often.
“It is down to each and every one of us in Aberdeen to support the ambition to Activate the City and make Aberdeen the most active city in Scotland by 2020 by helping establish an active culture and making personal and organisational commitments to change.
“Everyone will soon have the chance to pledge to help Activate the City and work towards a healthier and happier Aberdeen together.”
Cllr Jenny Laing, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council, said:
“Aberdeen City Council is committed to ensuring every community thrives and giving individuals the opportunities to prosper in all aspects of their lives. Health and wellbeing underpins that ambition for the people of the city and we are delighted to support an initiative which will have a positive impact across the city.
Cllr Douglas Lumsden, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council, also commented:
“Through our events programme, which this year included the introduction of the Great Aberdeen Run and brought Tour Series Cycling to the north-east for the first time, we are making an investment in sport – both at elite level to encourage engagement but also crucially in opening up avenues for residents to participate.”
Golden Games Ambassadors
The Winter Golden Games were hosted at Westburn Outdoor Centre last Thursday (8th February), marking the launch of this year’s summer event and thanking those who work to bring the citywide games to life.
The Winter Golden Games, which launched last year, are delivered by the Active Aberdeen Partnership (AAP) and aim to get people aged 65 and over actively involved in physical activity regardless of age or ability.
The event also served as a thank you to the Golden Game Ambassadors for their continued support in developing, promoting and running the games, which has become a hugely successful and permanent fixture in Aberdeen’s sporting calendar.
The action-packed day included activities such as Boccia, Technogym, Pickleball, Health Walks and Seated Exercise, allowing new and regular Golden Games attendees to take part in physical activity.
The 2018 Golden Games will take place on Thursday 7th to Friday 15th June.
Tony Dawson, Active Aberdeen Chairman, commented:
“Physical activity has a hugely positive and lasting effect on overall health and wellbeing and taking part in sport is something that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy.
“The Winter Golden Games give us the perfect stage to recognise ambassadors and organisations who support the award-winning initiative, and I would like to thank each and every one of them on behalf of the Active Aberdeen Partnership.”
2017 label design winner Daisy Rennie with Active Schools Coordinator Sam Main.
Deeside Mineral Water, the official water partner of the BHGE 10k Running Festival, has launched a competition for local children to design the label for the water bottles that will be handed out on race day to over four thousand runners.
Young people from schools across Aberdeen City are being called upon to design labels which will encourage children to drink more water and highlight the importance of staying hydrated.
This is the third year that Deeside Mineral Water have run the water bottle label design competition in partnership with Sport Aberdeen, with over 100 entries received from children across the city last year.
The winning design will be made into the water bottle label that will be handed out to everyone taking part in the BHGE 10k Running Festival on Sunday 20th May 2018.
The winning designer will have the chance to be part of the official 10k race start and be invited to attend a special tour of the Deeside Mineral Water facilities where they can see their label being applied on to the bottles.
The BHGE 10k Running Festival is the North East’s longest running road race and is organised by registered charity Sport Aberdeen in partnership with BHGE.
Jill Franks, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Business Development, said:
“We have been hugely impressed by previous designs and are thoroughly looking forward to seeing more entries this year. Sport Aberdeen and Deeside Mineral Water are asking local children to think up new and inspiring ways to encourage their peers to drink more water and highlight the importance of staying hydrated, especially while running a race!
“This year we hope to see even more young people from across Aberdeen City and shire take on the challenge and get involved in this great opportunity and make a splash with their label designs!”
Managing Director of Deeside Mineral Water, Martin Simpson commented:
“For the last two years we have welcomed the winner to the factory at Ballater to see their label design come to life. As 2018 is Scotland’s Year of Young People we’re delighted to be launching this competition again, aimed at primary school children. It proved to be a great talking point with the runners on the day and we look forward to seeing what ideas the children create.”
Lesley McMullan, Marketing Specialist for BHGE said:
“As proud sponsors of the 10k we’re delighted that Deeside Mineral Water are running this competition for local primary schools again. It is a fantastic example to show that the BHGE 10k is a true community event and encourages people of all ages to have a healthier and more active lifestyle.”
Entry Deadline for label designs is midday on Monday 12th March 2018.
Click on the links to download entry form and fact sheet. Active Schools Coordinators will also be handing out competition entry forms in schools.
Scan and email your entry to: bhge10k@sportaberdeen.co.uk or
Send you completed entry to:
Events Team
Sport Aberdeen
Broadfold House
Broadfold Road
Bridge of Don
Aberdeen AB23 8E
A Master’s student, studying at the University of Aberdeen, is set to present their work at a prestigious poster competition for early career science researchers held in Westminster.
Josefine Björkqvist has been selected for the STEM for Britain Awards, a prestigious series of poster competitions and exhibitions which are held in the House of Commons during British Science Week.
Josefine undertook an industrial placement year with Move More Aberdeen, an award-winning partnership project funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and delivered in partnership with Sport Aberdeen. The focus of her research during her time with Move More Aberdeen was to evaluate the long-term impact of exercise referral for people living with cancer.
Candidates will present frontier UK research within science, engineering, and mathematics to members of both Houses of Parliament on the 12th March 2018.
Josefine said:
“Advances in medicine mean that people diagnosed with cancer are living longer, however many experience long-term side-effects of the cancer and treatment. Being active not only reduces the side-effects of treatment but it has also been shown to improve survival for some types of cancer.”
“Move More Aberdeen has demonstrated a significant long-term increase in activity levels, a decrease in fatigue and improvement in quality of life for participants. The programme is a feasible model for integrating physical activity into routine cancer care.”
Jo Bell, Sport Aberdeen’s director for Sport and Active Lifestyles, said:
“This achievement is a true testament to Josefine’s hard work and commitment to improving the lives of people living with, and beyond, cancer and her drive to develop an innovative approach to achieving positive outcomes through physical activity.
“On behalf of Sport Aberdeen I would like to congratulate Josefine and wish her the best of luck at the competition.”
Macmillan Partnership Manager Joanne Adamson said:
“I am delighted that Josefine has been selected to present her work at Westminster. She has been key to establishing an innovative, person centred physical activity programme for people living with, and beyond cancer in Aberdeen, which has demonstrated great outcomes for people. On behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support and our Move More projects across Scotland we wish Josefine every success.”
As part of Ashley Road Primary School’s health week, Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools coordinators arranged a sport ‘Taster Day’.
The action-packed sessions took place at the Beach Leisure Centre and the Linx Ice Arena and saw almost 50 primary 7 pupils attend the event.
Each pupil received a 30-minute taster of the following, alongside an ice skating session at the Linx Ice Arena.
- Badminton delivered by badminton Scotland
- Netball delivered by Netball Scotland
- Volleyball delivered by Aberdeen Grammar School Volleyball Club
- Basketball delivered by Panthers Basketball Club
- 45 minutes ice skating at the Linx Ice Arena
For more information on Active Schools Aberdeen, click here.
Challenge seekers of all ages and abilities are being urged to come forward for the chance to be part of a team to take part in the BHGE 10k Running Festival.
Registered charity Sport Aberdeen is on the lookout for 10 people to join their #naeexcuses team and take on the BHGE 10k Running Festival 2018 which will take place from Aberdeen’s Beach Boulevard on Sunday 20th May.
The chosen #naeexcuses team ambassadors will be selected by a Sport Aberdeen panel and will be given free entry to the race alongside ongoing advice and support from the charity’s Health and Wellness team including a 10-weeks to 10k training plan.
Alongside the 10k and children’s 2k challenges, the running festival is the only event in Aberdeen to offer wheelchair road races, allowing people of all abilities to come together and take part in physical activity.
The BHGE 10k Running Festival is the North East’s longest running road race and each year attracts thousands of participants from all over the country whilst raising money for deserving charities.
Jill Franks, Sport Aberdeen’s Business Development Director, said:
“Sport Aberdeen is calling on real people who want to set themselves a goal, whether that is beating a personal best or taking part in any of our races for the very first time. The #naeexcuses team will bring together ambassadors of all ages and abilities to take on in Aberdeen’s longest standing running event.
“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 and changing lives through sport and physical activity and this year we want to inspire you to take on a new challenge.
“The BHGE 10k Running Festival is set in the heart of the community and we are proud to run an event which gives people of all abilities the chance to take part in the long-standing race.”
Are you finding it difficult to find motivation to train? Nervous to do your first ever race? Looking for advice and support in overcoming life and health concerns and obstacles, or even looking to take on a challenge to raise money for a cause that is close to your heart? If this sounds like you then click here to submit your application to our team.
Organisers of the North East’s longest standing road race today announced the 10 affiliated charities who will call on participants to take on the challenge and raise money for a worthy cause.
Sport Aberdeen revealed that 2018 will see two brand new organisations joining the line-up of affiliated charities for the 2018 BHGE 10k Running Festival.
Charlie House and Home-Start will be joining BHGE 10k regulars CLAN Cancer Support, Aberdeen Cyrenians, Befriend a Child, Alzheimer Scotland, Friends of Anchor, Inspire, Children 1st and Cash for Kids.
Charities are encouraging budding runners and those seeking to take on a challenge this year to sign up and raise money and awareness in support of these charities which rely heavily on fundraising and donations to carry out life-changing work.
Tens of thousands of pounds are raised each year through the BHGE 10K, which celebrated 30 years in the running last May.
Jill Franks, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Business Development, said:
“The BHGE 10k Running Festival brings together people from far and wide and is a shining example of how partnership working allows us to run fantastic community events to the North-east while raising money for great causes.
“We are thrilled to announce 2018’s affiliated race charities and look forward to welcoming new faces to the North East’s longest running road race. The support that the race sees each year is inspiring and I would urge anyone who wishes to take on a challenge in 2018 while raising money for brilliant charities to sign up to the BHGE 10k Running Festival.”
The BHGE 10k 2018 will take place on Sunday 20th May at the Beach Boulevard. General entries for the race are now open and cost £24. For more information on the affiliated charities and please click here.
An overwhelming number of dancing feet have ensured an Aberdeen initiative, aimed at bringing together older people of all abilities, has become a permanent monthly fixture.
Boogie in the Bar, hosted by the Foundry Bar, now takes place on the third Friday of every month after the disability and dementia friendly disco proved to be a resounding hit with local communities.
The initiative is supported by the Active Aberdeen Partnership alongside Sport Aberdeen, Aberdeen FC Community Trust, Aberdeen Health & Social Care Partnership and Alzheimer Scotland. Lunch is donated by Marks & Spencer Bank with the Foundry Bar providing tea, coffee and soup at the monthly event.
Boogie in the Bar organisers welcomed Maureen Watt MSP, Minister for Mental Health, to this month’s get-together, which took place on Friday (19th January), to witness the trailblazing initiative first hand and meet some of the participants who have been enjoying the free relaxed disco since launching in March last year.
The event, which was launched with the hope of it becoming a regular fixture, has seen numbers double and now runs monthly, often attracting over 80 participants of all ages and abilities. Boogie in the Bar won Best Community Support Initiative category at Scotland’s Dementia Awards 2017.
The initiative was initially thought up by local resident Anne Duncan after a chat with a member of staff from registered charity Sport Aberdeen where she said what she really misses is a “proper bop with her husband Bill”, who is living with dementia.
Maureen Watt MSP, Minister for Mental Health, said:
“Connecting people to socialise and dance is a wonderful idea. It is a testament to Boogie in the Bar that it has grown from an idea to specifically support people with dementia and their families to welcoming so many more people from a variety of backgrounds.
“There are many reasons that people can feel isolated, and that can make it difficult to get out, socialise and stay active. Activity and engaging with people can have huge benefits for people experiencing loneliness whether that is caused by circumstance, physical or mental ill health.
“The growing popularity of Boogie in the Bar shows the significant impact you can have when you give people the opportunity to come together and enjoy themselves.”
Jo Bell, Sport Aberdeen’s Director for Sport and Active Lifestyles, said:
“To see Boogie in the Bar go from strength to strength in such a short amount of time is terrifically encouraging and I hope that we can inspire even more communities to get their dancing shoes on.
“The initiative has proven hugely successful with the sheer volume of people attending and the clear demand for this to become a permanent fixture. The fact this has been replicated is brilliant and shows what can be achieved in our communities through partnership working.
Anne Duncan also commented on the initiatives success:
“I know of people who now come along to Boogie in the Bar regularly, who rarely went out before. They didn’t go out because there was nowhere to go, and if you are single it can make socialising so much harder.
“Loneliness is a huge issue for many people but at Boogie in the Bar everyone feels welcome and safe. It’s really like a huge happy family as everyone is getting to know each other, all with the same aim of dancing, enjoying the music and the company. We’re all integrated like in my husband’s favourite musical, Hairspray!”
Image, from left to right: Jenny McCann (Sport Aberdeen Senior Development Manager – Active Lifestyles), Fiona Thompson (Foundry Bar), Maureen Watt MSP, Bill Duncan, Ally Prockter (Aberdeen FC Community Trust Chief Executive), Anne Duncan and Kieran Joseph (Foundry Bar deputy-manager).
According to data gathered by the SNP, council owned fitness facilities have witnessed a substantial rise in visits over the last four years.
The party has collated membership figures for the past decade from 22 out of 32 of Scotland’s local authorities, with data collected through Freedom of Information requests, showing an overall 36% increase in the last three years.
During this time, since the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Aberdeen alone has seen an astounding 90.5% rise in people using local, council owned gyms.
Sport Aberdeen, the city’s principal provider of public sport and leisure facilities, is dedicated to creating opportunities for each and every person in Aberdeen to take part in sport and physical activity; with every penny generated reinvested into the communities and the people it serves.
In the last year Sport Aberdeen has witnessed a 75% per cent increase in membership uptakes, reflecting a rise in use of facilities at the heart of the local community.
Commenting, Keith Gerrard, Sport Aberdeen Director for Operations and Asset Development, said “We’ve invested over £1million during the last 12 months to improve our citywide facilities and we are looking forward to continuing this commitment to quality and accessibility over the coming years.”
19 venues citywide and membership options starting from as young as five years old ensures that Sport Aberdeen is providing a platform for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to take part in sport and physical activity at affordable prices in the heart of many local communities.
Aberdeen City Council recently signed a pledge to back a citywide campaign which is set to kick off early this year aimed at Activating the City. The campaign, led by the Active Aberdeen Partnership (AAP), will champion a move to make 2018 the Year of an ‘Active City’, helping more people take part in sport and physical activity, creating better lifestyles and improving overall wellbeing.
Keith Gerrard also added:
“These figures are hugely encouraging and we are immensely proud of this turnaround. It is brilliant to see such a steep rise in the number of people using council owned facilities. With Aberdeen witnessing one of largest increases in Scotland, it is my hope that these numbers continue to rise.
“We are incredibly proud to offer such a diverse range of membership options and initiatives from which the whole community can benefit. We pride ourselves of offering sporting opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
“As a registered charity and the largest organisation of its kind in the North East, Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity.”
Registered charity Sport Aberdeen is offering a number of First Aid at Work qualification courses. All our courses are taught by certified first aid trainers and assessors. Please see below for details of courses, dates and how to book a place.
Emergency First Aid at Work
March 25
May 13
October 7
December 2
3-day First Aid at Work
March 5,6,7
June 20,21,22
2 day First Aid at Work Refresher qualification
March 29,30
September 25,26
2-day Sport Injury
Dates to TBC
Half day First Aid Skills update
Dates TBC
Pediatric First Aid
February 17, 18
We can tailor courses for your business requirements, for further information please contact SATraining@sportaberdeen.co.uk or 01224 507729