Sport Aberdeen and BHGE have celebrated 2018 entries opening to Aberdeen’s popular running event with a competition to win the first race entry.
BHGE 10k Running Festival organisers Sport Aberdeen announced the winner of the competition earlier this month.
Granite City resident Claire McAdam will don race number one at 2018’s 10k Running festival after determination pushed her to take part in the competition to win the first entry in the long-standing running event.
Clair McAdam said: “I want to prove to my body that it can do it. I started running because I felt that my body had already failed me with a cancer diagnosis, so this is my way of telling it, it can do these things!”.
The BHGE 10k Running Festival, run by registered charity Sport Aberdeen and title sponsors BHGE, attracts thousands of budding runners and cheering bystanders each year. The 2018 event will take place on Sunday May 20th.
Jill Franks, Sport Aberdeen Director of Business Development, commented:
“I am delighted that the first race entry has gone to such a deserving participant. This shows her clear determination and I hope Claire will inspire many more budding runners to take up a place ahead of 2018’s race.
“The BHGE 10k is an event at the heart of the community that raises thousands of pounds for charity each year and brings people of all abilities together.
“On Behalf of the organisers I would like to wish Claire the very best of luck when she takes on the BHGE 10k next year.”
Claire McAdam, race entry winner, also commented:
“This is my first time running the BHGE 10k. I wanted to do it last year but I was too late in applying. It was a complete shock when I found out that I won a place and never dreamed I’d be picked. It’s a great local race to do and I’m excited to do it.
“To anyone who is considering taking on the race, my message is this: Go for it! Don’t go though life thinking that you can’t do things.”
Ice Aberdeen, part of Sport Aberdeen, have started the official Christmas countdown and announced that tickets will go on sale for 2017’s festive showcase this Friday, 3rd November.
“Winter Adventures on Ice” will see the rink transformed into a winter wonderland with characters from all of our favourite Christmas stories coming together for one big festive extravaganza in December.
The professional ice coaches at the Linx Ice Arena are working with skaters from across the Learn to Skate Programme, clubs and privately taught pupils to pull together a fun filled show, packed with everyone’s favourite songs and stories inspired by winter.
The annual Christmas Ice Show will welcome back performers from all clubs who train at the Linx Ice Arena including Aberdeen Synchronised Skating Club and ALISC figure skaters, as well as individual skaters from the GB Development Squads.
After last year’s success, 2017 will see three performances across Saturday 16th and Sunday 17thDecember.
Ice Aberdeen will also be performing the dress rehearsal to local children’s homes, looked after children and Additional Support Needs schools, ensuring the festive spirit is well and truly spread this year.
Keith Gerrard, Sport Aberdeen Director of Operations and Asset Development, said:
“Our homegrown cast and their dedicated coaches have been working hard to ensure that Sport Aberdeen sparkles this Christmas.
“The 2017 Ice extravaganza is set to be a festive adventure for the entire family to enjoy, bringing together all of our favourite characters for one big “Winter Adventures on Ice”.
“Through the extensive Ice Aberdeen programme not only can we inspire more people to take part in sport but we are also able to create show-stopping performances at the heart of the local community.”
Commenting, Jon Behari Sport Aberdeen Learn to Skate Coordinator, said:
“Everyone involved in the Christmas Ice Show has been working incredibly hard and I am in no doubt that this year’s performance will be nothing short of spectacular.”
“I would urge anyone planning on coming along to our “Winter Adventure on Ice” to book tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”
Tickets can be bought from the Linx Ice Arena reception or over the phone on 01224507762.
Ticket pricing: Adults £15 and £12 for concessions and children under the age of 16.
Spree, the Aberdeen business that gives back to local communities, stepped up as key sponsors in Aberdeen’s Sports Awards last month.
The local business was 2017’s ‘gift sponsor’ for the second year running, gifting a Spree Book to everyone who attended the award ceremony.
Aberdeen’s Sports Awards 2017 were hosted by the Active Aberdeen Partnership and took place at the end of October at the AECC.
Spree joined a host of local businesses who supported the Granite City awards ceremony, celebrating the wealth of sporting achievements and contributions made by local athletes, volunteers and clubs in encouraging individuals to be active.
Tony Dawson, Active Aberdeen Partnership Chairman, said:
“On behalf of the Active Aberdeen Partnership, I would like thank Spree for coming on board as our gift sponsor for the second year running and for their very generous donation.
“This local organisation puts the community at the heart of its work, raising money for local projects and schools and providing fantastic opportunities for people to try out different facilities within our city at a discounted price.
“Spree places a great emphasis on fundraising, helping local sports clubs and initiatives to thrive, contributing towards the fantastic sporting opportunities we have here in Aberdeen.”
David Wood, Managing Director of Spree Media Group
“We are delighted to be partnering with Aberdeen Sports Awards for the 2nd year, also supporting local schools and community groups for 18 years and raising over £2 million pounds for local causes.
“We take great pride in promoting local business in Aberdeen with saving offers that encourage our customers to these local businesses. Spree is the winning product where everybody is winner!”
Stronachs have sponsored the Junior Coach of the Year award category, which recognises young people who give up their own time to create more sporting opportunities to communities throughout Aberdeen.
Kieran Henderson, 2016 Junior Coach of the Year winner, reflected on scooping the award last year and said: “the more I volunteer the more I can inspire others to be the best they can be and encourage them to volunteer in the future.” (See full case study below)
Aberdeen’s Sports Awards celebrates the wealth of sporting achievements and contributions made by local athletes, volunteers and clubs in encouraging individuals to be active.
The ceremony, hosted by the Active Aberdeen Partnership, will be held at the AECC on Thursday 26th October with 18 categories in the running.
Commenting on the awards, Active Aberdeen Partnership Chairman Tony Dawson said:
“These awards are a brilliant opportunity to recognise the clear culture of sporting excellence and outstanding performance that Aberdeen has fostered.
“The annual ceremony allows us to celebrate our city’s sporting communities and acknowledge those who go the extra mile by helping to provide opportunities for people to take up sport and physical activity.
“It is brilliant that Stronachs have come on board for the second year running and have chosen to support such an influential category. Harnessing and celebrating the enthusiasm and sporting talent of young people throughout the city is essential and recognising the far-reaching effects that volunteering has on so many others within Aberdeen is key.
Stronachs Director David Rennie said:
“Participation in sports teaches life enhancing skills that really can make a difference to people’s lives, so we at Stronachs are proud to be supporting this event and in particular the Sports Award for Junior Coach of the Year.”
Kieran Henderson, 2016 Junior Coach of the Year winner, talks about the importance of volunteering your time to coach sport within the community.
1) How important is it for young people to volunteer their time in order to coach others?
The more you volunteer to help young people the more experience and confidence you will gain. If you volunteer, you are doing it to gain experience and help other people rather than it just being a job. The more I volunteer the more I can inspire others to be the best they can be and encourage them to volunteer in the future.
2) What inspired you to coach young people and how did you get into coaching with Aberdeen FC Community Trust?
When I was younger I loved football, I thought to myself if I love football so much why not coach it? I was 15-years-old when I started volunteering with AFCCT after my teacher put me in contact with the Trust. I volunteered 500 hours across different programmes that AFCCT deliver.
3) How does the dementia friendly programme impact participants and what other initiatives are you involved in through Aberdeen FC Community Trust?
The Dementia programme helps people affected by dementia to stay active and included in the community. I have helped at Dementia Friendly walks, Technogym sessions, Boogie in the Bar, Footy Tea, I’m also a Youth Ambassador and I help out at various events when I have free time.
4) Through being a volunteer with Aberdeen FC Community Trust what qualifications have you gained that have helped towards your coaching?
I have done my 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Children’s Pathway and I am currently doing my Children’s Award. I also completed my dementia friends training and also attend 5 SFA/AFCCT in service nights each year. I plan to do more qualifications through my college, SFA and AFCCT in the future.
5) After winning the Junior Coach of the Year Award has this inspired you to pursue a coaching career? What are your future aspirations?
Since winning the award last year I have continued to develop as a coach and this is the career that I am pursuing. Winning the award has provided lots of opportunities and new experiences and this can only move my career forward. I am grateful for winning the award and I want to thank everyone who have helped me over the last few years, I can’t thank them enough.
Zoey Clark, Eddie McKenna and Janice Moir were among a host of talented and dedicated finalists who took the top spots at Aberdeen’s Sports Awards 2017, which took place last week (Thursday 26th October).
Zoey Clark triumphed in a double win, taking home both adult and student Sports Achiever of the Year, while Eddie McKenna scooped Coach of the Year and Janice Moir was the deserving winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award on the night.
The ceremony, now in its 24th year was hosted by the Active Aberdeen Partnership at the AECC, recognising the wealth of sporting achievements and contributions made by local athletes, volunteers and clubs in encouraging individuals to be active in Aberdeen.
The Scottish themed celebration welcomed hundreds of guests who paid tribute to the winners and finalists at the largest awards ceremony to date.
Neil Fachie MBE, who was appointed as Aberdeen’ Sports Awards first ambassador this year, was joined by Hannah and Patrick Miley as key speakers throughout the glittering awards ceremony, with anecdotal accounts and inspirational insights.
Tony Dawson, Active Aberdeen Partnership Chairman, said:
“On behalf of the Active Aberdeen Partnership, I would like to extend huge congratulations to all of the winners, finalists and the local community that continues to put Aberdeen on the sporting map.
“This year Aberdeen’s Sports Awards not only celebrated the silent cheerleaders of sport in the Granite City, but recognised Scotland as a Nation of sporting excellence.
“The evening brought together a host of the North-East’s finest, from individuals to clubs, schools and volunteers, all of whom contribute to the sporting community and continue to foster and inspire our city’s wealth of talent.
“This year we were honoured to appoint Neil Fachie MBE as Aberdeen’s Sports Awards first ambassador, paying homage to him as not only an accomplished athlete but celebrating him as a role model for future generations.
“As always, the night was a spectacular demonstration of what can be achieved within our city through the passion and dedication of those who are the driving force behind Aberdeen’s sporting community”.
Click here to see pictures from the night.
Sports Achiever of the Year – Adult
Zoey Clark
Sports Achiever of the Year – Junior
Tom Beeley
Sports Achiever of the Year – Student
Zoey Clark
Sports Achiever of the Year – Veteran
Fiona Davidson
Sports Achiever of the Year – Disability
Conner Morrison
Sports Achiever of the Year – Disability Junior
Toni Shaw
Volunteer of the Year – Adult
Kenny Clubb
Volunteer of the Year – Junior
Jenna McDonald
Coach of the Year – Adult
Eddie McKenna
Coach of the Year – Junior
Calum Shepherd
Lifetime Achievement
Janice Moir
Inspiration Award
Gordon McIvor
Club of the Year
Aberdeen Boxing Club
Team Performance of the Year
NESTLA
Community Sports Project of the Year
Streetsport
Primary School of the Year
Westpark School
Secondary School of the Year
Aberdeen Grammar School
Community Partner of the Year – Business
Nexen
A programme designed to help people rid themselves of back pain will be delivered by a master instructor for the first time in Europe this weekend, in an Aberdeen Sports Centre.
The Foundation Training Masterclass, which will take place on Sunday 29th October at Sport Aberdeen’s Beacon Sports Centre, will be delivered by renowned Californian instructor Gail DeSart.
DeSart, who is one of only six master instructors worldwide, will be sharing her knowledge of this revolutionary programme of exercises designed to pull us out of destructive postures and movement patterns that we have adapted into due to our heavily seated, modern lifestyles.
Beacon Centre, in Bucksburn, will host the first European masterclass after the successful exposure of Foundation Training across the North-East by the work of Mora McGovern, from Westhill.
Mora McGovern, Certified Foundation Training Instructor, said:
“I’m very excited to host Gail here in my home town. She was one of my instructors during my training in New York and inspired me greatly to spread the word here in the North-East and help as many people as I can eliminate back pain without heavy handed medical intervention.
“Everyone, these days, suffers from some kind of back, shoulder, neck, hip or knee pain and Foundation Training offers a natural, systematic solution that not only eliminates pain but allows you to take control of your long-term health and wellness.”
Foundation Training, created by American chiropractor Dr. Eric Goodman, is a revolutionary answer to back pain prevention and cure.
The programme works around a series of body-weight exercises that improve posture and teach correct movement patterns to keep the body strong and pain free.
Gail DeSart, Master Foundation Training Instructor, also commented:
“I’m very excited to be coming to Scotland, and Aberdeen specifically. Mora has done a lot of great work here already and I’m delighted to be able to support her and share Foundation Training with this community. We are also very pleased to have two new instructors, currently in training, who will be teaching here and working closely alongside Mora in the next few months.”
Foundation Training classes and one-to-one sessions take place across the North East. For more information please contact Mora McGovern on info@moramcgovern.co.uk
Aberdeen Sports Village has stepped forward as category sponsors ahead of Aberdeen’s Sports Awards 2017.
The Granite City sport and exercise facility has sponsored the Community Partner of the Year category which is awarded to a local business which has provided support, resources or equipment to a local sports project, club or individual.
Aberdeen’s Sports Awards celebrates the wealth of sporting achievements and contributions made by local athletes, volunteers and clubs in encouraging individuals to be active.
The ceremony, hosted by the Active Aberdeen Partnership, will be held at the AECC on Thursday 26th October with 18 categories in the running.
Commenting on the awards, Active Aberdeen Partnership Chairman Tony Dawson said:
“It is brilliant that Aberdeen Sports Village has chosen to sponsor the Community Partner of the Year Award.
“This award puts the spotlight on Aberdeen businesses who have gone the extra mile by supporting local sports clubs, helping them to continue to thrive throughout our city and giving people the opportunity to take part in sport and get active in a community setting.
“These awards are an opportunity to recognise the clear culture of sporting excellence and outstanding performance that Aberdeen has fostered.”
Duncan Sinclair, Chief Executive at Aberdeen Sports Village said:
“We are thrilled to be part of Aberdeen’s Sports Awards which recognise so many outstanding sporting achievements right here from our home town.
“Aberdeen Sports Village is passionate about providing opportunities for everyone in the community to take part in sport and encouraging active lifestyles, and so sponsoring the Community Partner of the Year Award means a great deal to us.
“This award gives local businesses the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the local community and gives them the recognition they so rightly deserve for championing sporting opportunities across the city.”
The award-winning physical activity programme, aimed at supporting people living with and beyond cancer, has been shortlisted in The Health and Social Care Integration category.
The Health and Social Care Integration Award category recognises the best examples of innovation and effectiveness in meeting the Government’s health and social care integration agenda.
The annual award ceremony will take place at Glasgow’s Radisson Blu Hotel on November 1st.
Jo Bell, Sport Aberdeen’s director for Sport and Active Lifestyles, said:
“As a registered charity, Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity.
“I am extremely proud of the Move More team. Their commitment and innovative approach to achieving positive outcomes continues to help people living with and beyond cancer stay active within the community.
“Move More Aberdeen will be up against a host of deserving finalists from the public and voluntary sectors shortlisted for The Herald Awards 2017 and I wish everyone the best of luck.”
Joanne Adamson, Macmillan Cancer Support Partnership Manager (North Scotland), said:
“We are delighted that Move More Aberdeen has been shortlisted for the Herald Society Awards. We are very proud to be a part of an innovative, person centred physical activity programme that offers people affected by cancer activities that caters to their specific needs.
“The Move More team provide an outstanding service, we wish them every success at the awards ceremony.”
The UK-wide fitness provider today said: “At David Lloyd we are extremely passionate about supporting health and fitness in everyone, but especially in children.”
Aberdeen’s Sports Awards celebrates the wealth of sporting achievements and contributions made by local athletes, volunteers and clubs in encouraging individuals to be active.
The ceremony, hosted by the Active Aberdeen Partnership, will be held at the AECC on Thursday 26th October with 18 categories in the running.
Commenting on the awards, Active Aberdeen Partnership Chairman Tony Dawson said:
“Having David Lloyd back for the second year running as sponsors for the Primary School of the Year Award is brilliant. This category allows us to celebrate our city’s sporting communities and acknowledge those who help to inspire and encourage the next generation to take part in sport and physical activity.”
Rebecca Muirhead, David Lloyd Sales and Marketing Manager, also said:
“The health of children in Scotland is amongst the worst in Europe, with 28% of 2-15 year olds being overweight or obese. We run activities and classes for children including tennis and swimming classes, football, multi-sports classes, ballet, gymnastics, dance classes, family classes, as well as Fitness into Teens sessions for 11-15 year olds. We want to show children as young as 3 that being active is important, and fun!
“That’s why we sponsor this award. We celebrate and congratulate this Primary School for embracing sport, health and fitness as being an essential part of every child’s education.”
Relaxed Ice Skating sessions, which take place every Monday from 10.30-11.30am at the Linx Ice Arena, were delivered free of charge on Monday 2nd October.
The free session tied in with ‘Autism Hour’, part of the ‘Too Much Information’ campaign being run by leading autism charity, the National Autistic Society.
The autism friendly sessions, run in partnership with Me TOO!, are open to skaters of all ages and abilities and run throughout the year. The sessions focus on encouraging people with additional support needs to try the sport, offering a safe and welcoming environment with no music and muted lighting.
Sport Aberdeen is proud to offer a range of autism friendly classes throughout the week including relaxed family swimming sessions at both Tullos Swimming Pool and the Beach Leisure Centre.
Sport Aberdeen’s Linx Ice Arena and Beach Leisure Centre have recently been certified as Autism Friendly, making the Granite City’s ice rink the first to receive this award in the UK.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen’s Director for Sport and Active Lifestyles, Jo Bell said:
“Sport Aberdeen is committed to inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity and recognises the importance of raising awareness of day-to-day barriers faced by people, young and old, living with lifelong conditions and illnesses.
“We pride ourselves on creating opportunities for people of all abilities to enjoy getting active and are constantly looking for ways to improve both our programmes on offer and the environments we create in our facilities. With certified autism friendly centres and trained staff, we are well on our way to providing safe and welcoming environments where people can engage in sport throughout Aberdeen.”