Move More Aberdeen, a partnership project funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and delivered by Sport Aberdeen, offers a range of free activities to people living with cancer including gentle exercise groups, walking groups, gardening, circuits and wearable fitness trackers.
The service, which has reached a milestone of 300 referrals, has demonstrated an increase in physical activity levels, fitness, strength and quality of life for participants.
It will present its work at the International Union of Physiological Sciences (IUPS) 38th World Congress which is being held in Rio de Janeiro this week.
Jo Bell, Sport Aberdeen 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.
“Through working in partnerships Sport Aberdeen is able to deliver a range of free activities aimed at helping people living with cancer to remain active whilst building confidence.
“We are extremely proud to be part of this international conference which has the power to help influence the future of physical activity and its proven benefits when used as part of cancer treatment.”
Josefine Björkqvist, coordinator for Move More Aberdeen and a Master’s student at the University of Aberdeen, said:
“Whilst there is good evidence demonstrating the benefits of physical activity for people living with cancer, there is still a gap in research around implementation and integration of physical activity into routine cancer care.
“We are excited to be sharing our work with the scientific community.”
Joanna Adamson, Macmillan Partnership Manager for North Scotland, said:
“This is an amazing accolade for Josefine and her team to be invited to participate in an international conference. It’s a fantastic way to present the work of Macmillan Cancer Support and Sport Aberdeen to the international community.”
The Move More Aberdeen team recently shared their work integrating physical activity into cancer care at the NHS Scotland Event 2017 and a detailed service poster is available online. The team will also be giving a presentation at the European Public Health Conference in Stockholm in November 2017.
Move More Aberdeen is open to people living with cancer at any stage of treatment and works in close partnership with NHS Grampian, Paths for All, CLAN Cancer Support and other local cancer services.
George Florence, 60, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016 and struggled with fatigue as a result of his diagnosis and treatment. During his radiotherapy treatment George joined the gentle exercise class at the radiotherapy department at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
“Move More Aberdeen has helped me build up my strength and fitness,” he says. “It is also good to meet other people who have been through cancer.”
Ian Rae, 52, was diagnosed with bladder cancer two and a half years ago. However, a routine check-up found the cancer had spread to his muscles, lung and other parts of his body. He underwent aggressive chemotherapy before having an operation to remove his bladder, prostate and part of his bowel.
“The treatment really took it out of me,” he says. “It was rough at times. After the operation, it was a struggle to walk. Doing the classes helped me get my confidence and fitness back.”
For more information about the project, please call the Move More Aberdeen team on 01224 047925 or email MoveMore@sportaberdeen.co.uk
The Active Aberdeen Partnership Chairman is encouraging figureheads with a passion for club sport, and its power to transform local communities, to take up voluntary positions within an exciting and innovative organisation.
ClubSport Aberdeen is a new, completely independent, organisation which will focus entirely on voluntary club sport across the city.
This dynamic new body will represent all sports clubs, allowing the voice of clubs to be heard throughout all key sporting organisations in Aberdeen.
Tony Dawson, Active Aberdeen Partnership Chairperson, commented:
“To celebrate the arrival of ClubSport Aberdeen we are looking for leaders to come forward and inspire change, helping this new and exciting organisation to lead the way in the development of our clubs.
“We will welcome the chairperson as a member of the AAP board to help us shape the future of sport and physical activity in the city. We are very optimistic that this initiative will create a platform for positive communication and collaboration.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to revitalise club sport and couldn’t come at a more exciting time for sport as we aim to make Aberdeen the most active city in Scotland by 2020, by continuing to support local clubs and sporting communities.”
“I would urge those who are interested to reach out to the Community Sport Development Officer, Tom Lambert, who will be able to provide further information and offer support.
We are specifically looking for people to take up the following roles, each on an initial three-year tenure:
- Chairperson
- Vice-Chairperson
- Treasurer
- Executive Committee Members
For more information on each role please click here.
Local organisation Chevron took the top spot in the 2017 Corporate Team Challenge at the popular Granite City road race, which took place in May.
This year saw 52 corporate teams sign up to take on the 10K challenge, now in its 30th year, with Chevron’s team of 12 runners scooping first place.
Alongside the prestigious trophy, Aberdeen’s Transition Extreme donated an ‘Adrenaline Rush Experience’ to the winning team, including climbing, high ropes and riding the skate park.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Business Development Jill Franks said:
“Congratulations to Chevron for taking the top spot in the 2017 Corporate Team Challenge for the Baker Hughes 10k running festival.
“Support from businesses makes a massive difference to the race and to the charities who benefit. Chevron were deserving winners with the fastest three runners bringing forward an impressive time.
“On behalf of the organisers I would like to offer my congratulations to the team, who we hope will return to the starting line next year. Sport Aberdeen is proud to offer a range of ways to encourage a healthy active workforce, which we know drives the engine of our economy.”
Sarah McConachie, Facilities Engineer from Chevron and an active participant in the challenge said:
“The Chevron team were delighted to take part and win the 2017 Corporate Team Challenge.
“The event was not only a great opportunity to build team spirit and create a sense of healthy competition, but it also gave us a chance to raise funds for Inspire, a local charity who provide a wide range of services for people with learning disabilities and additional support needs throughout the North-east of Scotland.
“The Chevron team really enjoyed the experience and will definitely be back to defend their title next year.”
Click here for more information on Sport Aberdeen’s Active Workforce membership
A series of free, short and social walks, exploring the boundary of the ‘Freedom Lands’ granted to the city by Robert the Bruce nearly 700 years ago, will launch on Wednesday 26th July.
The series of 8 walks will cover most of the historical boundary known as the March Stones trail, based around a ring of 67 granite stones measuring 26 miles in total.
Sport Aberdeen, in partnership with charity Paths for All and supported by the Aberdeen City Ranger Service, were able to bring the walking route to life after receiving £10,000 funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen Director for Sport and Active Lifestyles Jo Bell said:
“There has been a brilliant response to the revival of this little-known gem right on our doorsteps, and we are very excited to launch this series of free walks.
“We have received a huge amount of interest from the local community who are clearly keen to learn more about our city’s hidden treasure
“Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities for people to get active and would like to offer our thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund, whose support has helped us bring this local project to life.”
How to book your place:
Places can be booked online by clicking here or by calling Sport Aberdeen Walk Leader Brian Harrison on 01224 047928.
The full programme can be viewed here.
Emma Love currently plays netball in the U21 National squad which is sponsored by the University of the West of Scotland, and her local school team.
The 6th year pupil at Robert Gordon’s College was given access to training facilities at Cults Sports Complex thanks to registered charity Sport Aberdeen in the run up to qualifying matches.
Emma was selected to play for the U21 Scotland Team at the Netball Europe Championship which took place in Aberdeen, May 2017, seeing Scotland take Silver Medal.
After the triumph in May, Emma has been selected to represent Scotland at the Netball World Youth Cup, being held in Botswana in July 2017. Twenty countries will compete for the cup including Australia and New Zealand.
Sport Aberdeen Director of Sport and Active Lifestyles, Jo Bell said:
“It is brilliant to see local athletes doing so well at a national level. With backing from community facilities it is my hope that we can support, nurture and encourage more young people to take up sport.
“Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities and inspiring people of all ages and abilities to participate in physical activity.
“We wish Emma and the Scottish team the very best of luck for July and will continue to support her growing success.”
Caroline Walker Grampian Regional Development Manager, said:
“It is great to have a role model like Emma to inspire the young players in this area. Her achievements reflect her commitment, attitude and effort over a number of years.
“The netball community in Grampian is very proud of Emma and look forward to following the progress of the Scottish Team in July.”
Emma Love also commented:
“Being part of a National squad involves a lot of individual and group training, with the rest of the squad in Glasgow.
“I am very grateful for the support I have received from Sport Aberdeen this year. They made arrangements with Cults Sports complex and I have been able to use the hall at Cults for training and practising.
“The complex is close to my house and has meant that I can continue with my individual training regardless of the weather. This has been invaluable in helping me improve my skills, particularly in the lead up to Netball Europe and the World Youth Cup.”
Active Schools Aberdeen, part of Registered Charity Sport Aberdeen, led much of the extra-curricular sports on offer throughout the year and supported the development of Young Leaders throughout the school.
The sportscotland School Sport Award is a national initiative designed to encourage schools to continuously improve sporting opportunities, with all schools from Scotland invited to apply for the award.
After receiving the silver award last year, Bridge of Don Academy achieved the gold award this year for creating a culture which celebrates sport across the school.
Over the last year the local academy has hosted both an Active Girls Day and an Active Boys Day for P7-S3 pupils to encourage young people to take part in sport and has also expanded their extra-curricular programme and started an Inclusive lunchtime multisport club for Additional Support Needs pupils.
Commenting Sport Aberdeen, Director for Sport and Active Lifestyles Jo Bell said:
“Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities for young people to take part in physical activity. This award is testament to partnership working between Active Schools and Bridge of Don Academy.
“The school staff, and in particular the PE Department, have been strong supporters of our Active Schools team and what we are aspiring to achieve through the strategy for an active Aberdeen”
Councillor John Wheeler, Education Convener for Aberdeen City Council, said:
“This a fantastic achievement by the staff and pupils at Bridge of Don Academy and it’s great to see yet another Aberdeen school do so well in obtaining national recognition.
“In the short time since I became the new Education Convener I have already been impressed by the hard work and commitment shown by our schools and tangible recognition like the Gold Award is a great motivation for everyone”.
Major works to refit the hockey change area and install a dehumidifier have been planned in addition to the routine maintenance needed to operate an ice rink.
The maintenance, breaking and re-formation of the ice on the ice pad at the Linx Ice Arena is scheduled for every two-three years to maintain the ice to the highest possible standard. Sport Aberdeen today said it was grabbing this opportunity to undertake a wider programme of modernisation.
This has been enabled due to funding secured from external bodies, announcements about which will be made in due course.
To allow the works to take place, the registered charity today advised a three week closure period which will take place from the 17th July until 7th August. The work has been scheduled for this period to minimise impact on clubs and customers.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Operations, Keith Gerrard, said:
“Ice Aberdeen’s vision is to get more people skating.
“We are grabbing the opportunity of a modest three week closedown to undertake a wider programme of modernisation. It will give us the perfect base to grow our innovative skating programme, and build our capacity to hold excellent events such as the Christmas Show and ice hockey SNL games.
“With our new Learn to Skate Co-Ordinator in place, I hope our customers and clubs are excited as we are about the future direction of the rink. We are grateful for their support during the short closedown and look forward to unveiling the results.”
The public will be able to keep up to date with progress through the Linx Ice Arena Facebook page.
The Fun Run Series, run by registered charity Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools, took place across five venues, Bridge of Don, Cults, Harlaw, Kingswells and Sheddocksley, with each venue running one event per week over a four-week period.
Historically the event had been limited to P4-7 pupils, but this year Active Schools introduced races for P1-P3 pupils, bringing together more young people from across Aberdeen.
Over 695 pupils registered at the various venues, and 499 of these pupils took part in three or more races.
The Fun Run Series culminated in a Champion of Champions event, which took place on Wednesday 14th June, where the top finishers from local schools at each venue were invited to take part in finals.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen Director for Sport and Active Lifestyles Jo Bell said:
“Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities and inspiring more people to take part in physical activity regardless of age and ability. I am thrilled that so many pupils have taken part in the Fun Run Series. With the new option for younger children to take part I hope this will spark an interest in sport even earlier.
“My eldest son has previously taken part in the school Fun Run’s and thoroughly enjoyed himself. He has even taken up running with his friends as a result, so I have seen the impact that community events like these can have!
“This is a brilliant event and one I hope to see go from strength to strength!”
The long-haul Longest Day Golf Challenge, which takes place on Wednesday 21st June, is a UK-wide event where fundraising teams take on four rounds of golf back to back. This works out to be 72 holes played, around 300 shots hit and approximately 20 miles walked in one day.
The day will start at around 6am at Balnagask Golf Course with a finish of around 10.30pm at the MacKenzie Championship Course at Hazlehead, with all four Sport Aberdeen golf courses being played throughout the day.
The event is part of a national fundraising campaign by MacMillan Cancer Support and is a true endurance test for golfers. Across the country over 3,000 teams took on the challenge last year and raised £1.5 million to help people affected by cancer.
This year, Sport Aberdeen have 17 golfers taking part and are well on the way to achieving their £1,500 target.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Business Development Jill Franks said:
“Last year seven members of Sport Aberdeen took part and raised £1,050 for MacMillan Cancer Support. This year we want to go bigger and better and raise as much money as possible for the charity.
“Sport Aberdeen is committed to playing a positive role in our community, and this initiative has been led from the beginning by colleagues using their own time. It’s a positive reflection upon the company and I wish my colleagues all the best on this test of endurance!”
A Just Giving page has been set up to fundraise for the event here.
The Baker Hughes 10K Running Festival, organised by registered charity Sport Aberdeen attracts thousands of runners and spectators each year, and this year celebrated its 30th year.
Michael Hopkins and Jill Grant met by chance at last year’s race and after three dates, the rest, as they say, is history.
The couple returned to celebrate 30 years of the road race and a year since they met, with the news of an engagement and wedding plans for 2019.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Business Development Jill Franks said:
“From racing down the Beach Boulevard to racing down the aisle, we have been spellbound by Jill and Michael’s story.
“In its 30-year history the Baker Hughes 10k Running Festival has played host to so many wonderful tales, however I think this might be the first where the race has led to wedding bells.
“On behalf of the organisers I’d like to wish Jill and Michael all the best for their future together.
“We hope that they can save the date for next year’s race!”
Marketing & Communications Specialist for Baker Hughes, Lesley McMullan said:
“Congratulations to Jill and Michael from all of us at Baker Hughes, we hope they continue to run the Baker Hughes 10K together for many happy years to come!”
Michael’s story:
Jill Grant and I met at the Baker Hughes 10K Running Festival on the 15th of May 2016. The story, as it goes, is that I was at a friend’s birthday party in Cove on the 14th and didn’t get to bed until 2am. I didn’t make it back to, Stonehaven where I was living then.
The next morning at 8am I got up, feeling a little worse for wear, but made it to one of the bus stops in Cove to go down the Aberdeen beach, where the race starts. I missed my bus by two minutes! I started walking along the way and one of Jill’s friends, unbeknown to me at this point, Jodie Milne, noticed that I was doing the race (with my number on the front of my t-shirt) and asked if I would like a lift.
We got to the beach and started chatting.10 minutes later Jill appeared and asked who I was, Jodie explained we had only met 30 minutes ago! We all chatted more before the race and promised to meet at the end to see how we got on, as this was everyone’s first Baker Hughes 10K.
We all met at the end and exchanged numbers. Three dates later Jill and I were an item. Since then I have moved to Aberdeen. Jill and I both agreed to do the Baker Hughes again for the 30th year.
We attended the same birthday in Cove this year, however he is now my joint best men. I proposed to Jill in Pitlochry in March as a secret for her birthday. We are planning get married in May 2019