Sport Aberdeen was thrilled to be crowned Scottish Water’s ‘Learn to Swim Provider of the Year’ at the Scottish Swimming annual awards, which took place at P&J Live in Aberdeen on Saturday 21st September.
The award recognised Sport Aberdeen’s exceptional dedication to creating and delivering its highly acclaimed learn to swim programme, available for babies through to adults.
Currently, the charity provides swimming lessons to more than 5,500 children every week across its six citywide pools, alongside lessons for children with additional support needs, adults and those with a fear of water (aquaphobia). It also provides free swimming lessons for all Primary 4 pupils in Aberdeen.
Sport Aberdeen has a clear pathway for swimmers, starting out at Level 1 and looking to progress to club ready level, having links with various swim clubs in the city.
The same can be said for its employee pathway, the charity is committed to staff development and has the opportunity for individuals to start as volunteer helpers then progress to become Aquatics Teachers.
Sport Aberdeen Coached Programme Team celebrating the award
Dianne Breen, Coached Programme Manager, said: “This recognition of all our teachers hard work in providing fun and engaging lessons for children of all ages is incredible.
“Learning to swim is a vital life skill, and seeing so many children grow in confidence as they move through lessons is fantastic.
“Thanks to Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water for their continued support, and for recognising Sport Aberdeen as provider as the year.”
Dianne Breen, Coached Programme Manager with award
Euan Lowe, CEO at Scottish Swimming said: “We’re consistently impressed by the dedication of excellent local authorities, leisure trusts, and aquatic providers working towards the common goal of teaching this vital life skill across the country.
“We believe that everyone can swim, and all providers do a fantastic job in their roles teaching these valuable life skills, the panel of judges had a very tough choice to make.
“Sport Aberdeen has shown exceptional commitment to delivering lessons at the highest level and ensuring children become safer in the water, showing that the Learn to Swim programme is going from strength to strength.”
Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water said: “It’s great to see the good work that Sport Aberdeen is doing in their drive to deliver high quality lessons and encourage as many young people as possible into the pool – learning to swim is such an important safety skill.
“The Scottish Water Learn to Swim Provider of the Year award gives us an incredible opportunity not only to celebrate and thank everyone involved in the Learn to Swim National Framework for the good work they all do, but also recognise all of the outstanding leisure providers across the country.
“With their help, and hundreds of others across the country, we’re making a really positive difference in creating Generation Swim, a generation of confident, safer and competent swimmers, who not only learn a vital life skill but will also get to experience the wider health and social benefits that swimming can offer.”
Sport Aberdeen was the first provider in Scotland to launch the pioneering ‘Good Boost’ programme – a unique aquatic rehabilitation service.
Good Boost sessions support participants with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions to participate in individually tailored, water-based therapeutic exercises in friendly and supportive group classes.
The sessions are offered at two Sport Aberdeen venues: Get active @ Northfield and Tullos Swimming Pool. They are free for Sport Aberdeen members to attend or £6 per session for new customers.
Each participant is provided with a waterproof tablet-computer installed with Good Boost’s AI technology. The programme creates a personalised therapeutic aquatic exercise programme for each participant, displayed on the ‘Aqua Move’ app with instructional videos and details to support participants with mobility, balance and fitness.
One participant Lauraine McMann’s experience was extremely positive: “At my hydro pool class I already attend at Tullos Swimming Pool, I was encouraged to attend a new class called ‘Good Boost’ by one of the instructors – and I’m so glad I did!”
“I’ve had three full hip replacements (my first at age 45), a full knee replacement and a crushed spinal cord from my neck down – all caused by osteoarthritis amongst other things. I could hardly walk, have had to use crutches for five years to get me around, my balance was very bad, and I had trouble walking up stairs.”
“After I signed up for Good Boost, I was given a tablet and I had to put down all my health conditions and disabilities, then all the exercises you are given are tailored specifically for you. You log-in and get your own exercise regime.”
“I think this is fantastic as you know you are being taught the proper method of each exercise, without pain and discomfort whilst doing so.”
“I’ve been going to Good Boost for about 16 weeks and I can’t believe how far I’ve come on! It has given me a miraculous feeling of self-confidence, my anxiety and stress has gone, I can walk the length and breadth of the pool without the aid of a float or bar to stop me falling.”
“I’ve regained my balance, I feel that my legs are stronger, and I can stretch them now without pain. I still have pain in my back but much less than before.
“Every session in the pool I’ve improved and increased my exercise level, this gives me a sense of pride in myself, bringing up my self-esteem.”
“The instructors are great, they are in the pool to help with any challenges, and they give out the equipment that you need in the 45-minute session such as floats or weights.”
“I personally feel that I am the main driver in my recovery, with the help of Good Boost and my instructor Carol who is a god send! Her sense of humour and outgoing personality means she fits in well with everyone and is encouraging and helpful when needed.”
“I just want to finish off by saying a BIG THANK YOU to Good Boost and Sport Aberdeen for all their hard work and dedication in helping people regain a good quality of life through a regime of regular hydro pool, tailor made exercise classes.”
“I have no hesitation in recommending Good Boost to anyone.”
Another participant Linda Sturton said: “I’m enjoying the Good Boost sessions as they allow me to exercise pain free whilst I’m awaiting knee surgery.”
“They allow me to exercise regularly which I wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. I like how you can vary the workouts, use equipment like paddles, woggles etc. and also choose the length of time you want to exercise.”
“The pool is nice and quiet allowing you to concentrate on your exercises, with help available if you require it.”
Participant Helen McBrearty said: “I really enjoy attending Good Boost as it is helps with the osteoarthritis in my knees.”
“The water helps to make exercise less painful and working with the tablet, I can go at my own pace. I have also enjoyed getting to know some of the other participants and the staff at the pool who are very friendly and helpful.”
So far, there have been 2,713 GoodBoost Aqua sessions delivered by Sport Aberdeen since it commenced in May 2023. There are 123 individuals on the programme who are recurring users so have logged in to their account to view their exercises more than once.
Following the success of GoodBoost Aqua, Sport Aberdeen now offers GoodBoost Land classes which take place in the fitness studio at Get active @ Northfield.
The tablet allows participants to set their preferences to exercise in positions that they are comfortable with. To date, 87 land sessions have been delivered. Sport Aberdeen encourages those who have completed both Aqua and Land-based classes to continue getting active by taking out a Fitness membership. This provides access to all Sport Aberdeen gyms, swimming pools and over 100 fitness classes every week, as well as classes through the Active Lifestyles Programme – designed for older adults living with long-term health conditions.
Sport Aberdeen developed an effective partnership with Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership (ACHSCP) to help people access health and social care services within its venue, Get active @ Northfield.
This was part of an 18-month pilot – named the ‘Community Room Test of Change’ project – which launched in October 2022.
Due to its success, after successful completion of the pilot in March 2024, the project has been approved to continue, on an annual review basis. This is testament to the impact made so far and the number of patients supported.
About the Community Room project
The Community Room project offers health, social care and wellbeing services in a sport and leisure facility (Get active @ Northfield), bringing vital services to the local community.
The purpose was to offer prevention activity (to keep people well), as well as rehabilitation activity (to reduce the impact of disease and injury on individuals).
The programmes and services offered at the community room were suited to the needs of the local population and included pediatric speech and language therapy, community listening, a pop-up vaccination clinic and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Get active @ Northfield is located within the Northfield area of Aberdeen, which is an area of high deprivation as noted by The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). It was important for the project to be trialed in this area to address widening health inequalities for the local community.
The project also focused on meeting local needs and recognising the multiple impacts of long-term ill health on people’s physical health, mental health and social wellbeing.
A further aim of having these services available within Get active @ Northfield was to help break down barriers faced by residents such as travel – so they could walk to the venue – and making the environment feel ‘less clinical’ by nature than a traditional doctor’s surgery.
Patients can self-refer and ask about the services on offer whilst visiting Get active @ Northfield, or they can be referred to the project by a health practitioner. Information is available at the venue through leaflets and posters and members of staff are available to answer questions.
ACHSCP also promotes the project across its teams and departments – local physiotherapists and occupational therapists all know about the room and its uses.
The diagram below shows all services that have been interlinked with the community room at Get active @ Northfield during the 18-month pilot:
The main benefit to patients who were part of the Community Room project was having teams to work closely with them to map their progress and own individual journeys – and then receiving the correct signposting to future services.
By being part of the project, patients experienced improved self-management of their health condition/illness. They also received additional leaflets and information about other relevant health services.
An individual on the Pulmonary Rehabilitation programme said: “I could hardly walk when I started the class. I now walk one mile every day and can cut my grass.”
Another pilot through the Community Room Project was called ‘Healthier Families’ – part of the Peep Learning Together Programme. This was a 12-week early intervention programme helping families with young children to make healthier food choices and engage in opportunities to get active.
Eight families were supported, each with toddlers aged between 1 and 3 years old.
One parent said: “We had never been to our local pool, now we visit all the time.”
The National Physical Activity Referral Pathway is shown below:
Sport Aberdeen’s Community Room project achieved an outcome set out in Aberdeen City Council’s Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP) – to increase pulmonary rehabilitation uptake by 20% in 2023 (specifically designed for individuals living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other respiratory conditions). This was a huge success indicator for the project.
Another example of the positive impact of the project was feedback from the community listening service. Attendees said they found it easier and more accessible to meet and talk at the community room rather than in a ‘clinical setting’. It has been so successful that the service is looking to be replicated in other areas of deprivation around the city including Tillydrone and Torry Community Hubs.
Get active @ Northfield achieved the Tackling Inequalities in Leisure Standard accreditation in November 2023, with its overall rating marked as gold/excellent. This gives credibility to the venue and demonstrates its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion – a key priority for Sport Aberdeen.
Looking ahead, Sport Aberdeen has been working with NHS Grampian’s Dietetics department, and will deliver a community-based adult weight management intervention called Counterweight, launching in September 2024.
The 12-week programme will consist of physical activity combined with nutritional education and builds on previously piloted work. Counterweight will offer a Tier-2 community based self-management intervention as part of the adult weight management pathway.
Once people have been through this programme, Sport Aberdeen will encourage them to join its Fitness membership to continue getting active by going to the gym, swimming and attending fitness classes at over 10 venues in Aberdeen.
Rock Up & Ride is a Scottish Cycling funded project delivered by Sport Aberdeen’s community sport team, based out of its Aulton Cycle Hub (Raymond Kelly Pavilion) in Seaton.
Since February 2024, Sport Aberdeen – in partnership with Sustrans – has been running free public one-hour led rides on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, setting off from its cycle hub.
Typically, the rides will go along the beach front and around the local Seaton Park, both picturesque areas close to the cycle hub. Bikes and helmets can be provided for those who require, helping to break down barriers so that participants don’t require their own their own bike to come along.
A strong focus of the project has been on engaging with participants from some of the most deprived areas including Northfield and St Machar.
The project supports The Scottish Government’s 2030 Active Travel Vision – where walking, wheeling and cycling will be the most popular mode of transport for shorter everyday journeys.
The demand for the led rides was initiated through speaking to partners and local community groups, understanding that many people do not feel confident or safe cycling on the roads.
The sessions are designed to be delivered in a relaxed and sociable environment, aiming to provide an accessible pathway to recreational cycling, or simply capitalising on the various health benefits of cycling outdoors.
Everyone is welcome to join the rides, as they are paced to match the speed of the least confident rider, and enquiries are also encouraged from those wishing to learn to ride and then progress onto the group led rides.
The project’s emphasis is on building confidence for cycling and enjoying the benefits of gentle outdoor exercise in a social group.
Since launching in February 2024, there have been:
- 28 led rides with 76 participants (38 distinct participants)
- 3 adult cycle confidence sessions delivered with 6 participants (3 distinct participants)
- 8 adult learn to ride sessions with 10 participants (2 distinct participants)
- 4 family sessions during school holidays – Family Learning families through Aberdeen City Council with 36 participants (19 distinct participants), from these 3 Mum’s have become regular Thursday morning led ride attendees.
- 6 cycle safety sessions for New Scots, with 52 distinct participants
Due to demand, bespoke rides have also been organised for mental health groups, menopause groups and for youth work during summer activity groups.
Partnership working has been key to the success of the project, with strong links established with Aberdeen City Council’s Family Learning Department, Community and Learning Development via the Healthy Minds project, and Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership (ACHSCP)’s Wellbeing Coordinators and their Mighty Oaks Menopause support group.
Asylum & Refugee Care (AARC) and Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC) through their language café have helped to promote the work of the project to New Scots and those new to the city, whilst Fersands and Fountain Community Project has linked in local youths to the project.
During the Easter and Summer school holidays, the community sport team as part of the Rock Up & Ride project worked in partnership with Aberdeen City Council’s Family Learning department, at Bramble Brae Primary School and Aulton Cycle Hub, to provide children’s Learn to Ride sessions, as well as covering how to ride safely as a family.
Feedback overall has been hugely positive.
Charlotte (parent) said: “Thursdays I have my wee bike ride and that’s for me.”
Another participant Patty said: “I joined rock up and ride on Thursday mornings with other mums. I haven’t been on bike in years but it never took me long to get back into it, it was a nice cycle along the beach and longer one to Seaton park but I managed. We all got on and had a nice laugh and took some lovely photos of cycling.”
A parent Suzy said: “I didn’t think I’d be able to do it but, it’s amazing you don’t forget. My new goal is this time next year to have both my kids riding like this with me.”
To ensure the project’s longevity, Sport Aberdeen will look to secure further funding in the future to deliver more Rock Up & Ride cycling sessions in more areas of the city to broaden the project’s impact.
In addition, the community sport team are adaptable and will offer sessions upon request – examples of this have included Learn to Ride and adult on-road cycle confidence sessions. Sport Aberdeen hopes to deliver more of these going forward.
To ensure the project’s sustainability, Sport Aberdeen actively promotes recruitment for volunteers who wish to become ride leaders, or volunteers to assist with bike maintenance with full training provided.
Award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen is in the running to be crowned Scottish Swimming’s ‘Learn to Swim Provider of the Year’ after making it to the final three in the shortlist.
The Scottish Swimming annual awards evening will this year take place at Aberdeen Hilton TECA on Saturday 21st September, providing a great opportunity for the aquatics community to come together and share their successes.
Sport Aberdeen’s award entry focused on its high quality learn to swim programme – with lessons available from babies all the way to adults and those with a fear of water (aquaphobia) – and its reputable pathway for those looking to progress into swimming clubs.
At present, Sport Aberdeen provides swimming lessons to over 5,500 children every week across six city-wide pools.
The charity also offers a substantial additional support needs lesson programme and a pathway for keen individuals who can start as aquatics volunteer helpers and can then progress through the necessary training to become aquatics teachers.
One Sport Aberdeen employee Shelley Milne was awarded the Programme Champion Award in 2023 for her work as a Young Ambassador.
Dianne Breen, Coached Programmes Manager at Sport Aberdeen, said: “We’re passionate about ensuring that as many people as possible have access to our excellent aquatics programme, so they can learn essential skills in an inclusive and supportive environment.
“We are delighted to be a finalist in this year’s Scottish Swimming Awards in the ‘Learn to Swim Provider of the Year’ category.
“To have this recognised by being a finalist is so rewarding, and we look forward to celebrating with everyone at the ceremony in Aberdeen later this month.”
Euan Lowe, CEO at Scottish Swimming, said: “Each year we’re blown away by the dedication of the excellent local authorities, leisure trusts and aquatic providers that are all working towards the common goal of teaching this vital life skill across the country.
“Not only that but we’re especially fortunate to see first hand the brilliant work that those shortlisted have put into delivering lessons at the highest level and ensuring that children are becoming safer in the water. Congratulations to Sport Aberdeen on being shortlisted, and for your dedication to the Framework.”
For further information on Sport Aberdeen’s Learn to Swim programme – only £25 per month – then visit here or apply for lessons today.
Sport Aberdeen’s community sport team launched the ‘Football for All’ project in October 2023, to deliver a targeted programme for New Scots and refugees in Aberdeen to participate in weekly five-a-side football sessions.
It is a first of its kind project for the city, using the power of sport and physical activity as a catalyst for positive change.
The project is designed to fulfil aims and objectives as set out by the Scottish Government’s ‘New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy: 2024’. The strategy has six outcomes, with the project primarily focusing on ensuring that ‘New Scots can pursue their ambitions through education, employment, culture and leisure activities in diverse communities.’
Football for All was initiated through successful partnership working with local charity Asylum and Refugee Care (AARC) – the founder Jane reached out to Sport Aberdeen for support to get New Scots involved in sport and physical activity.
Sport Aberdeen’s Lead Community Sports Hub Coordinator attended a weekly event called the language café, hosted at the Arts Centre by the Grampian Regional Equalities Council (GREC). By attending this event, the feedback generated was overwhelmingly around New Scots asking for football.
The two-hour football sessions take place on a weekly basis at Fives Football, with monthly 11-a-side matches taking place at Aberdeen Sports Village.
The 11-a-side matches give New Scots the chance to join football teams, with scouts from local teams present to sign players at amateur level clubs including Glentanar.
Several participants have received some form of football clothing provision through Kit for All – a project Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools team are involved in, helping individuals to access recycled and pre-loved sports kits. Through a partnership with Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust (AFCCT), football shirts from a previous season were donated too.
Every week, there are new attendees and the project has continued to grow, with an average of 30 attendees per session.
Communication with the target audience is through posters distributed in hotels, the community sport team attending relevant events and direct emails to participants.
Despite the language barrier, it was recognised that sport is the universal language. Football is a ‘safe space’ and protected time for the New Scots.
In a short space of time, the project has had an immense impact. It has had:
- Over 100 distinct participants
- 65 pairs of football boots provided
- Over 80 attendees given full kit (jumper, t-shirt, shorts, socks)
- 80 hours of free football since October 2023
- Over 10 different nationalities attended
Frequent qualitative feedback from participants is used to evaluate the project’s success.
A regular attendee said: “When I am in the hotel, I always feel stressed. There’s lots to think about like waiting for documents and not having work. A lot of the people in the hotel have seen some horrible things from back home.
“However, we all come here to play, we laugh and feel ourselves.
“When I exercise I feel good, all the stress leaves my body even for just a few hours. When I am lying in bed I struggle to feel happy. Getting to come out and play, I go back feeling so much better and more myself.
“I have made lots of friends coming here, including the Scottish guys who organise the football. When someone comes along angry or upset, they always cheer you up and make you feel better.
“We all feel very lucky and excited playing football.”
Another regular attendee said: “The football has been fantastic, it has been really good to get out of the hotel and do something different.
“A lot of us have traumas from where we came from, being able to come here on a Wednesday helps all those memories wash away. It’s a great escape.
“I am very grateful to Joe, Kyle and everyone who organises this. It’s a great idea and has helped for my physical health and mentally.
“Every so often we play full 11-a-side games and there are scouts from local teams who pick up players. I was chosen by Glentanar which I was very happy with.”
A local worker for the Asylum and Refugee Care (AARC) charity said: “Since the start of the Football for All project, I have been observing the atmosphere within the hotels and I have witnessed a significant change in it.
“I’ve noticed that the individuals taking part in football every week appear happier and more confident. It seems that having a regular activity every week, something they enjoy, is providing them with a sense of purpose whilst being accommodated within the hotels – this is changing the overall atmosphere of the hotel.
“The men taking part are always very keen to go every week – they verbally express how much they enjoy it and are eager to sign up.”
To ensure Football for All is sustainable, Sport Aberdeen’s Commercial Services Manager will aim to secure a corporate sponsor as at present, the project has been made possible through funding received from Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership (ACHSCP)’s Health Improvement Fund.
To scale the project, the team will offer new opportunities such as the introduction of a football coach who will attend Fives Football on a 4-week pilot and those who wish to get some extra support can access it, but there is no pressure to do so.
Hermes is a prestigious football club in Aberdeen, so the team hopes to get backing from them which would be a huge milestone.
The community sport team has trialled other projects using the same delivery model and communication methods as Football for All, including social Boccia sessions in an area of deprivation in the city and New Scots cricket sessions at its Get active @ Kincorth venue.
Sport Aberdeen’s CEO is keen to refurbish and create more 3G football pitches in Aberdeen, so if this is brought to life, the project could grow and more communities could be invited to play football such as young people living in SIMD areas – for example.
Last year, Sport Aberdeen Fitness member Kevin Hendry’s personal fitness challenge saw him reach Everest Base Camp as part of an 18-day trip.
With an interest in sport starting from an early age when he played football and basketball, Kevin completed the Baker Hughes 10k in his late thirties which was his first running race. Since then, he has cycled the length of Vietnam in two weeks and cycled Mongolia.
As an ambitious go-getter, he set his sights on his next challenge for 2024…
“Every year, I try to give myself a challenge, it’s usually something physical whether that be cycling or trekking.
“This year I was doing other stuff; I wasn’t going on an adventurous holiday. So, I thought to myself what am I going to do?”
The 61-year-old explained that he used Tanita body composition scales for the first time in January 2024 at Get active @ Jesmond:
“I was looking through the reading and thought maybe this is my challenge right in front of me. I looked at my bone mass, my body weight, and all the information as part of the analysis. I chose to focus on trying to improve my readings throughout the year.
“My goal was to reduce my weight (mainly body fat) and make myself leaner.
“I’ve been going to the gym for years and years so I know the equipment, I know how to use it and the process to go through. I wasn’t really too educated in the dietary side of things so I got myself an external online PT Ryan Stott to help with my nutrition.
“I was given a food plan to stick to – I don’t use the word ‘diet’ – that’s just a period of time then you go back to your old habits. I was also given exercises to follow.”
Kevin spoke about the importance of consistency whilst implementing changes to his diet.
“In the beginning, it was tough. The food plan was tough, it wasn’t tough as in I was hungry or feeling like I was depriving myself, it was just changing the times I ate and what I’d eat. My PT would remind me to keep going and be consistent.
“I started using Tanita monthly, it would usually be at the start of the month and first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything. I saw the progress coming every month and I felt great!
“I felt lean, my clothes fit better, I didn’t feel sluggish, I felt healthier.”
Speaking about the frequency of his gym workouts, Kevin said:
“Four one-hour sessions a week is what I was doing in the gym at Get active @ Jesmond to achieve my results.
“The facilities are fantastic, it’s spot on. There’s lots of new kit going in, it’s absolutely brilliant. A great selection of free weights and machines, and a nice mix of people who go to the gym there.
“I get motivation from the people who go, including the older people. It’s great to see such a good mix of ages and abilities – this all adds to the atmosphere.
“The staff are so friendly and helpful, it’s a good place with a good vibe.”
Talking through his typical gym routine, Kevin stated:
“Sometimes I’d go first thing in the morning at 6am and be finished by 7am and I’d be coming out of there so awake and feeling good and looking forward to my day.
“I usually prefer going to the gym in the morning, so I’d be done my exercises for the day but had the rest of the day to focus on my job or whatever else I was doing.
“It becomes a habit, it doesn’t have to be rigid – I would mix up my schedule between going at 6am or 6pm depending on what was happening in my life at the time.
“Most of my training was using free weights, not too many machines. And I’d always finish with a bit of cardio for 5-10 minutes.”
As someone with determination and a hunger for progress, Kevin said:
“I like to look at my training with a positive attitude – I get to go to the gym, rather than I’ve got to do this.
“Whatever weight I was doing one week, I’d be trying to up it for the next, or try to stay longer on the treadmill.
“I’d never push myself to the point where I wouldn’t enjoy the gym, it was always enjoyable and I felt a strong sense of achievement.
“As the weight came off and my body fat reduced, that motivated me to push on that little bit more.
“I mentioned it earlier but I think that being consistent is key. There were some weeks I’d do more than four sessions in the gym depending on what was happening that week in my life, but I’d never do less than four.”
Above: Kevin on his Mount Everest trek
Kevin’s results using the Tanita scales improved over 9 months:
“On 5th January 2024 I weighed 98.5kg, my body fat percentage was 29.4% and my metabolic age was 70.
“By 1st August 2024, my weight was 86.9kg, my body fat percentage reduced to 20.1% and my metabolic age was down to 46!
“I am really pleased with what I’ve done but there were sacrifices at the time, some were small but they made a big difference.
“But now, I’m not sacrificing any part of my life. This is my life.
“It is engrained in my routine now to go to the gym four times a week.”
“There’s one quote that really resonates with me: there are 24 hours in a day, you work 8, you sleep 7 which = 15 hours, so there is no excuse not to have 1 hour for the gym.
“Everybody can spare 1 hour; you would make time in your life to watch TV.
“The positive mental impact is equally as rewarding. It’s such a positive thing going to the gym, if you apply yourself and are consistent, you will see the results.
“So, get your big boy pants on, have a cup of tea, and crack on.”
Kevin also implemented other changes that he felt would have a positive impact on his health:
“I’ve had no bread since January, only bagels. I haven’t eaten chocolate for almost two years! I was a choc-a-holic but now, I don’t miss it.
“I decided to take a small step and have no chocolate for a day, which lead into a week, then a fortnight.
“The fear kicked in after that, I didn’t want to lose those 14 days I had achieved, I was determined to keep it going.
“As of 16th August, I was at 625 days with no chocolate, and at 291 days with no ice cream, butter or margarine and I feel loads better for it!”
As well as looking after his physical and mental health, making memories and ticking off bucket list items is something which is really important to Kevin. He said:
“If the day comes that I’m in a care home I’m looking back on my life, I want to get my memory box out with my Passport and celebrate all the places I’ve been and worked and look at the photos I’ve taken.
“For example, my trip cycling around Mongolia.
“Parts are physically and mentally tough. You know you won’t enjoy every part of it. Sleeping in tents and hostels, not washing for 2-3 days, or brushing your teeth.
“It makes you appreciate what you have back here all the more. There’s no better feeling than when you’re on the flight home knowing that you’ve done it.
“Whether you liked it all or not, YOU DID IT. It is such a sense of achievement!”
Looking ahead to the future, Kevin hasn’t quite decided what his next challenge will be:
“I have a couple of ideas – I fancy something in the USA, either cycling or trekking. And I’d love to go to the North or South Pole.
“I realise now that I have more time behind me than in front of me, so keeping physically fit is so important to me. I’m not going to live until I’m 122, so I need to make every day count.
“I always flip things to be positive. Life has so many sides, a fifty pence coin has two sides, if you don’t like one side then flip it over. There is no such thing as failure, everything is a learning curve.”
If you feel inspired by Kevin’s story and are ready to unlock a healthier, happier you – then take advantage of Sport Aberdeen’s current Fitness membership offer. Join in September and get October free. Use code OCTFREE to redeem here.
64-year-old Margaret Walker who lives in Kennethmont, Aberdeenshire started out on Sport Aberdeen’s Aquaphobia programme in May 2023 to conquer her fears of water.
She tells us all about her experience on the programme and why others should get involved.
“My fear of water started from an accident when I was younger, I went backwards and fell under the water at Bon Accord Baths.
“I can remember from my school days that people who say ‘just get in the water, it’s fun’ or they’d tell me I was ‘being stupid’ and shouldn’t be scared.
“About 10 years ago, I worked at the former Patio Hotel located on the Beach Boulevard. The Leisure Manager there at the time offered me to do one-to-one sessions but I still didn’t want to.
“It was in April 2023 last year that I decided to sign up for Sport Aberdeen’s aquaphobia programme and then I started going along in May.
“I was absolutely petrified, and my stomach was a bag of nerves before my first session. I’ll admit, I burst into tears the first time getting into the water.
“The teacher took it very slowly with me, I started with big strides to get me used to moving in the water and then I felt I was ready for the next step along.
“Now I can take my arm bands off and have my head under water, I was even able to do a bit of breast stroke.
“What a difference! When I was younger, I wouldn’t even let water go over my face in the shower – in the class, the instructors teach you how to breathe in the water. Now I know how to push and glide towards the side of the pool.
“Before when me and my husband John would go on holiday, I would never go in the water. However, in September 2023 on holiday in Lanzarote, my husband was so shocked to see me in the pool… I did it!
“I do sometimes wish I could have done the lessons sooner, but this felt like the right time for me – I knew in myself that this time, I was ready.
“Now I feel so chuffed and proud of myself. I’m able to move away from the side and splash around, and I love floating on my back. I’d never have been able to do that before.
“My family have been very encouraging along the way, so I have to thank them.
Above: Margaret Walker at the swimming pool at Get active @ Northfield.
“My word of advice for anyone looking to start is to bite the bullet, don’t let the fear hold you back. Be ready and want to do it.
“I can tell you from experience that the fear in your head is worse than what the actual thing is. Once you get past that first step, it gets easier from there.
“It’s such a nice group of ladies at the class, we are all similar in age which helps, and they are all really lovely people. I have been attending the Tuesday class every week since May.
“I first discovered the class when I saw Jenny Gillon’s article in the newspaper around this time last year.
“I’m pleased to say that I finished the aquaphobia programme on 30th January 2024 and I hope at some point to take up adult swimming lessons closer to home.”
If you feel inspired by Margaret’s story, you can find out more about Sport Aberdeen’s Aquaphobia programme here.
Margaret’s story was also covered in the Press & Journal online here.
Sport Aberdeen is delighted to be a finalist in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion category of the esteemed 2024 ukactive Awards.
The occasion marks one of the most anticipated moments in the physical activity sector’s calendar, being the biggest awards ceremony of its kind.
Entries were received from organisations, operators and suppliers across the public and private sectors.
Sport Aberdeen’s entry focused on its Football for All programme – a unique and innovative targeted project for New Scots in Aberdeen to participate in weekly five-a-side football sessions.
Football for All is designed to fulfil aims and objectives as set out by the Scottish Government’s ‘New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy: 2024’.
The strategy has six outcomes and the main one the project focuses on is to ensure ‘New Scots can pursue their ambitions through education, employment, culture and leisure activities in diverse communities.’
So far, the project has had:
- Over 100 distinct participants
- 65 pairs of football boots provided
- Over 80 attendees given full kit (jumper, t-shirt, shorts, socks)
- 80 hours of free football since October 2023
- Over 10 different nationalities attended
Mark Pain, Community Sport Manager at Sport Aberdeen, said: “It’s great news for us to be shortlisted in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion category.
“We’re proud of the impact that Football for All has had on New Scots so far, giving participants a sense of self and community, as well as providing a safe space to enjoy a fun sport. Some players have even signed for amateur teams now.
“Jane who works for the Asylum and Refugee Care (AARC) charity commented that the individuals taking part in football every week appear happier and more confident.
“Congratulations to the other finalists and we look forward to celebrating in October at the ceremony.”
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “This year we have seen the ukactive Awards reach a new level of competitiveness, giving our judges their toughest task yet to choose from such a fantastic range of entries and nominations.
“The ukactive Awards are the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the incredible work that individuals, organisations and partners do every day to keep the nation active and healthy and we can’t wait to welcome as many people as possible to celebrate with us on the night.”
Ali Beckman, STA’s President and the headline sponsor for the ukactive Awards, said: “This year’s finalists have all shown true innovation and creativity and should be congratulated. Their achievements and what they have done to help promote and advance the physical activity agenda is incredible, and we wish them all the best of luck through the second stage of the ukactive Awards.”
The full list of finalists can be found on ukactive’s website here. Winners will be announced at the ceremony taking place on Thursday 3 October 2024 at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham.
Local 21-year-old Aberdonian swimmer Toni Shaw recently travelled to Paris for the 2024 Paralympics to compete in the Women’s 400m freestyle S9.
Taking a moment to look back at where it all began, she said:
“My swimming journey all started out with Sport Aberdeen when I was very young as I went to swimming lessons with my older sister Alex at the Northfield Swimming Pool.
“After progressing through all the Learn to Swim levels, I was offered the opportunity to join a club.
“I joined Cults Otters, where my love for swimming fully started. I loved being in the pool and being around my friends at training!”
Toni’s love for the water and talent continued to flourish. She said:
“After being part of Cults Otters for many years being coached by Liz Riley, I moved up a level to COAST (now known as the University of Aberdeen Swim Team) and I have done some training and competing with them, as well as with another swimming club too.”
Following her recent trip to the Paralympics, Toni had suffered with an injury at the beginning of the year – and finished fifth in the Women’s 400m freestyle S9 at Paris La Defense Arena.
She said: “I was excited and nervous for Paris. It was such an honour to get to race there!
“Sadly, I injured my back at the start of the year so my training was a bit disrupted but I gave it everything in my first event in Paris.
“There’s a lot of pressure at big competitions and I do get very nervous, but speaking to family and friends really helps me and just having confidence in all the training I’ve done.
“My advice I’d give to anyone new to swimming would be to just enjoy it!
“Swimming has given me so many amazing friends and memories and I owe so much to the sport.”
At only 21 years old, Toni is an inspiration to all swimmers and has achieved incredible things in her career so far.
Sport Aberdeen wishes her the best of luck in her upcoming para swimming events in Paris:
- Women’s 100m Freestyle – S9 on 4th September
- Women’s 200m Individual Medley – SM9 on 5th September
If Toni’s story has given you a burst of motivation, then why not apply for Sport Aberdeen’s Learn to Swim programme today – with spaces available from preschool up to adults.
Click here to find out more.