Since 2010 Active Schools Aberdeen, run by registered charity Sport Aberdeen has recorded more than one million participant sessions in extra-curricular school sport.
Matthew Dalgarno, a pupil at Northfield Academy, clinched the title of completing the one millionth session – an accolade the sporty teenager said he was proud to achieve. The 13-year-old takes part in almost every sport on offer in the extra-curricular programme and has recently started volunteering for Active Schools Aberdeen in his spare time.
Participation levels have increased by an impressive 24 per cent compared to last year with 239,1224 visits recorded in Aberdeen during the academic year 2016/17. This figure compares to 85,421 visits reported back in 2010/11, showing a growth of 180% since that time.
Furthermore, in the last year the number of people delivering these sessions also increased to 663, which is an increase of 7% per cent, with 92% of these being volunteers. Aberdeen has also seen a 35% increase in the number of links between local clubs and schools and 98 local sports clubs involved.
Registered charity Sport Aberdeen which delivers the Active Schools programme in partnership with sportscotland across Aberdeen, has been delivering opportunities for school pupils to get involved in sport and physical activity for more than a decade.
Colin Taylor, Sport Aberdeen chairman, said:
“These highly impressive numbers are extremely encouraging and it is reassuring to know that young people within Aberdeen are exposed to the best possible opportunities to participate in sport, starting from a young age.
“These results have been achieved through a true team effort and I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved for their commitment to delivering all these opportunities. This includes the fantastic PE teachers, teachers and school staff, who do so much above and beyond what they are asked, parents, students, senior pupils, sports clubs and the Active Schools Team. This is a clear and promising reminder of the positive outcomes that can be achieved through partnership working.
“Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities and inspiring people to take part in sport and physical activity and reaching this milestone is a perfect example of our abilities to do this while working with partners.”
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, added:
“It is great to see that our partnerships with local authorities and leisure trusts, schools, clubs, Active Schools Managers and Coordinators, is having such a profoundly positive impact in the growth of Active Schools.
“Investment from the Scottish Government and National Lottery continues to allow us to develop a world-class sporting system for all with better and more opportunities for people to participate and progress in sport and physical activity while fashioning ever closer links between schools and clubs.
“This collaboration is helping to ensure that young people in Scotland have the best sporting opportunities and experiences available and can continue to develop and progress throughout adulthood.”
Winners were announced on World Alzheimer’s Day, 21 September, at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel where all finalists attended the annual award ceremony.
The project was initially thought up by local resident Anne Duncan after a chat with a member of staff from Sport Aberdeen where she said what she really misses is a “proper bop with her husband Bill”, who is living with dementia.
People of all ages are welcome to the monthly event where the bar is open for refreshments with soup provided by the Foundry, and sandwiches provided by M&S Bank.
Under the umbrella of the Active Aberdeen Partnership, Sport Aberdeen, Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership and Aberdeen FC Community Trust have all come together to facilitate this initiative, which is thought to be the first of its kind in Scotland.
The Awards recognise the country’s most innovative and ambitious projects, by showcasing creative approaches from policy to practice, and highlighting the dedication of people supporting those living with dementia and their families and carers.
Anne Duncan, founder of the Boogie at the Bar initiative, said: “We are thrilled to have won the Best Community Support Initiative at Scotland’s Dementia Awards amongst so many other brilliant projects aimed at supporting people living with dementia in Scotland.”
“Boogie at the Bar gives everyone a chance to have a dance and let their hair down or simply just socialise. We have had an extremely positive response so far and it is becoming clear that this is already becoming a staple fixture in people’s calendars. The beauty of the project is the fact that it brings people together, old, young and those living with dementia, with the main aim to have some fun.”
“This project wouldn’t be possible without the Active Aberdeen Partnership and all partners involved and I would like to thank the Foundry for hosting us and providing the music, without which we would not be able to boogie.”
The Scottish Water ‘Learn to Swim Service Provider of the Year’ Award was presented to Aquatics Aberdeen at the glittering awards ceremony where the Granite City swim provider fought off strong nationwide competition to take the category top spot.
Duncan Scott, Learn to Swim Ambassador for Scottish Swimming, Olympic Silver Medallist and World and British Champion, presented the award to Aquatics Aberdeen at the event on 30th September at the Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel.
The ceremony was hosted by two-time World 10km Open Water Champion and Olympic Silver medallist Keri-anne Payne and three-time Olympian and double Commonwealth Champion, David Carry.
Aquatics Aberdeen provides swimming tuition for all ages from birth to adults in Aberdeen’s citywide ‘Learn to Swim’ programme, part of Scottish Swimming’s National Framework for Swimming in Scotland which, in partnership with Scottish Water, will enable 100,000 children to learn to swim and benefit from this nationwide programme.
Alistair Robertson, Sport Aberdeen Managing Director, commented:
“I am thrilled that Aquatics Aberdeen have been awarded this top industry accolade, competing against a host of excellent entries from across Scotland. This is testament to the fantastic expertise and commitment of the Sport Aberdeen team behind the programme. “
“There are currently over 5,500 swimmers who take part in the programme each week at the 10 citywide pools that Sport Aberdeen operates, and without the dedicated team who deliver the programme none of this would be possible.”
“Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity. These awards are a humble reminder that we are on the path towards achieving that vision.”
Dianne Breen, Aquatics Aberdeen Manager added:
“We are delighted to have received this award which is a true reflection of how following the well-structured programme, under the guidelines provided by the national governing body, we can inspire more people within Aberdeen to take up swimming.”
“The scheme’s main aim is to teach children and adults to swim safely, giving them the opportunity to participate in an activity which can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. “
Forbes Dunlop, CEO of Scottish Swimming also commented:
“We are delighted to present the Scottish Water Learn to Swim Provider of the Year award to Aquatics Aberdeen. The programme has grown and developed over the past couple of years, in particular the work that Sport Aberdeen does to ensure all children are given the opportunity to Learn to Swim is very impressive and of course this links directly to the vision of Scottish Swimming – Everyone Can Swim!”
Scottish Water are proud to support Scottish Swimming’s National Learn to Swim programme, which is helping more than 100,000 children learn to swim across Scotland. The programme highlights the importance of swimming from as early an age as possible as the first seven years are the most influential in establishing good exercise habits and setting foundations for learning throughout life.
Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs at Scottish Water commented:
“We congratulate Aquatics Aberdeen on receiving this award. Swimming is a key life skill as well as being great for general well-being and fitness, and our exciting partnership with Scottish Swimming will help thousands of children learn to swim, giving them the skills, confidence and knowledge to stay safe and be competent swimmers.”
Sport Aberdeen has unveiled the new name of the popular not-for-profit road race which will now be known as the BHGE 10k Running Festival, formally known as the Baker Hughes 10k Running Festival.
The change follows the combination of GE Oil & Gas and Baker Hughes Inc earlier this year.
The new company began trading in July and has created the world’s first integrated full stream provider of subsea technologies, products, services and digital solutions for the oil and gas industry.
The road race, organised by registered charity Sport Aberdeen in partnership with BHGE, attracts thousands of budding runners and cheering bystanders each year.
Organisers today said that they look forward to many more years ahead with support from title sponsors BHGE.
Jill Franks, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Business Development, said:
“We look forward to continuing this long-standing partnership and are thrilled that BHGE have chosen to continue as the title sponsor allowing the Granite City’s oldest race to continue.
“Not only does this annual event raise thousands of pounds for charity but it also brings people from all corners of the world together for a community event which is at the heart of the city”.
Steve Johannesen, BHGE’s Director of Operations Support, said:
“The BHGE 10k Running Festival is an annual highlight for thousands of runners of all abilities and ages, both from Aberdeen and further afield.
“It is a truly family friendly affair which myself, my wife and children have enjoyed participating in many times. While my wife and I run the 10k, Granny and Granda take the kids around all the entertainment in the race village and join in the family fun run. BHGE is proud to continue both supporting and participating in this landmark event which greatly benefits our local community!”
Entries for the 2018 BHGE 10k Running Festival are now open. For more information and to enter now, click here.
The BHGE 10k Running Festival, formally known as the Baker Hughes 10k Running Festival, is run by registered charity Sport Aberdeen and title sponsors BHGE and will take place on Sunday May 20th 2018.
Organisers today recognised the unwavering support that charities, sponsors, volunteers and key partners continue to give to the race, ensuring that the largest not-for-profit event in the North-East continues to thrive.
Last year’s event, which raises thousands of pounds for charity each year, saw 4,000 runners take to the streets, alongside wheelchair participants and children taking part in the 2K race.
Jill Franks, Sport Aberdeen Director of Business Development, commented:
“The BHGE 10k is an event at the heart of the community that we are very proud to run in partnership with our long-standing title sponsors BHGE.
“The longevity and continued success of the race is only made possible by the tireless commitment year after year from charities, sponsors, volunteers, key partners and of course the participants and spectators who are the true lifeblood of the event.
A Granite City couple who embarked on a spritely challenge set out by registered charity Sport Aberdeen have celebrated a double win.
Dougie and Sarah Henderson took on the ‘Get active 5 Challenge’ which ran throughout July and August and was open to all Sport Aberdeen members.
The aim of the challenge was to take part in one activity from each of the five ‘Get active membership’ tiers; Swim, Fitness, Skate, Racquets and Golf.
Every participant who signed up to the challenge, and completed it, was entered into a prize draw to be in with a chance of winning a 1-year ‘Get active Golf’ (tier 5) membership.
Dougie Henderson was drawn at random as the challenge winner while his wife, and fellow team mate, was selected as a winner for submitting the best selfie during the challenge.
Jo Bell, Sport Aberdeen Director for Sport and Active Lifestyles, said:
“Well done to Dougie and Sarah on completing our challenge and being the lucky winners! It is great to see local residents taking part in community challenges whilst also encouraging people to get more active.
“This also shows the benefits of having a training buddy to keep you motivated and on track to achieving your own personal goals. I hope they continue to enjoy using Sport Aberdeen’s citywide facilities with their free memberships!
“Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities and inspiring more people to take part in sport and physical activity and with our membership options there is something for everyone.”
Dougie Henderson also commented:
“It was something we decided to do as a couple to support each other. The Get Active 5 challenge was a great initiative to encourage us to try different sports to vary our fitness regime, we thoroughly enjoyed visiting the different venues throughout the city and would recommend to other people to keep trying different sports.”
The North-East’s popular Baker Hughes 10K Running Festival is on the shortlist for a prestigious tourism award for the second year in a row.
The event, organised by registered charity Sport Aberdeen and Baker Hughes, has taken a finalist spot in the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards in the Best Sporting Event category.
The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony, taking place on Friday 24thNovember 2017 at Ardoe House Hotel and Spa, Aberdeen.
The event, which celebrated 30 years running this year saw 4,000 race-goers take to the streets alongside wheelchair participants and children taking part in the 2K race, with 10 official partner charities.
Jill Franks, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Business Development, said:
“With so many fantastic sporting events in Aberdeen City and Shire, Sport Aberdeen is delighted that the Baker Hughes 10k has a finalist spot and is in the running for this prestigious award.
“This is testament to the unflagging commitment of our volunteers, partner charities, title sponsor Baker Hughes and of course, the participants who have made this such an inspiring event over the last 30 years.
“The Bakers Hughes 10k Running Festival is a true display of how community events bring together people of all ages and abilities, inspiring more people to get active through sport and physical activity whilst raising thousands of pounds each year for deserving charities.”
Aberdeen FC Community Trust and Sport Aberdeen’s Active Lifestyles team are calling for local ladies to partake in a four week focus group.
The groups will give all participants the opportunity to try out a range of exercise classes, give feedback and help shape a new class for like minded ladies.
The focus groups have been arranged following feedback gathered from the ladies who have attended the ‘Football Fans In Training Celebration’ events that took place at Pittodrie Stadium, with AFC Community Trust and Sport Aberdeen’s Active Lifestyles team.
The focus groups are open to all and will take place on Wednesdays, at Alex Collie Sports Centre, on the following dates:
- 20th & 27th September
- 4th & 11th October
Everyone is welcome to attend, even if they have not participated in the FFIT programme. For more information on the focus group please call 01224 047926, or RSVP by clicking here
The local business has sponsored the Volunteer of the Year – Adult category, celebrating the city’s unsung heroes who give up their time to bring sporting opportunities to communities throughout Aberdeen.
Jim Livingstone, 2016 Adult Volunteer of the Year winner today said if volunteering did not happen there would simply be no community sport. Jim volunteers with Aberdeenshire RFC and has been a member of the club for over 55 years. (See full case study below)
Aberdeen’s Sports Awards celebrates and recognises 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 the Aberdeen has fostered.
“The annual awards 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 in Aberdeen.
“I am delighted that Hall Morrice have chosen to sponsor this fantastic award category, recognising some of the many inspirational people who give up their own time to create opportunities for others to participate in sport and reap the many benefits.”
Mike Innes, Business Development Director for Hall Morrice, said:
“Hall Morrice is delighted to sponsor the Adult Volunteer category. Volunteers remain the life blood of many community clubs in Aberdeen. The work they put in year in year out is invaluable to keeping people active and healthy.”
Case study: 2016 Adult Volunteer of the Year winner Jim Livingstone on the importance of local volunteering:
1) How important is it for people to volunteer their time in order to allow local sports clubs to thrive?
If it did not happen there would simply be no community sport. Paying people to run local sports club is financially unsustainable and more importantly the spirit and ethos of the clubs would splinter.
2) What inspired/ inspires you to start volunteering with Aberdeenshire Rugby Football Club?
Seeing the hard work done by others and a wish to put back some of the effort which had supported my playing career.
3) What advice would you give anyone who was considering volunteering with a sports club?
Be prepared to be frustrated and disappointed at times but remember the club is always bigger than any individual or current problem.
4) What does your role cover as a volunteer with Aberdeenshire Rugby Football Club?
I help to maintain the three pitches and prepare them for games. I also do refurbishment work within the club house and dressing rooms. I support every week and photograph games for the club website.
5) You give so much of your time to help support the club, but what do you get in return for giving up your hours?
Comradeship and the pleasure of seeing players do their best regardless of ability. Rugby is a hard game and anyone who crosses the white line deserves respect no matter the score line. Mixing with and getting to know the young men and women who play for ‘Shire’ keeps and old man young at heart if not body, plus there is always the occasional celebration night.
Aquatics Aberdeen, part of award-winning leisure charity Sport Aberdeen, has been shortlisted by Scottish Swimming for the Learn to Swim Provider of the Year award, competing against strong competition to take the finalist spot.
The winner will be announced at the Scottish Swimming Awards ceremony, celebrating success throughout the country from athletes to coaches to clubs and partners, which will be held on 30th September at the Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel.
Aquatics Aberdeen provides swimming tuition for all ages from birth to adults in Aberdeen’s citywide ‘Learn to Swim’ programme which follows the Scottish Swimming Framework.
Jill Franks, Sport Aberdeen Director for Business Development, said:
“As a registered charity, Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity. I am thrilled that our aquatics team have been shortlisted for this award and it is fantastic recognition of the dedicated team behind the citywide programme.
“Through the ‘Learn to Swim’ programme we hope to continue to develop the confidence that learning to swim can bring and inspire more people to discover different ways to get active whilst developing new skills.”