The signage, now installed at the modernised Jesmond centre, aims to raise awareness surrounding invisible disabilities and tackle prejudiced behaviour toward those using accessible facilities without obvious illnesses.
They read ‘Not Every Disability is Visible’. The new installations follow a welcomed and hugely successful campaign by Crohn’s and Colitis UK urging leading UK supermarkets to highlight invisible disabilities by installing the signage.
This move is part of Sport Aberdeen’s wider commitment to creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in sport and physical activity.
The Jesmond Sports Centre is the first to benefit, with Sport Aberdeen planning to eventually roll out the signage to all of its venues.
Commenting on the move, Sport Aberdeen Business Development Director Jill Franks said:
“Not all disabilities are visible. By installing these signs, Sport Aberdeen aims to send a clear message about its commitment to creating opportunities for everyone to take part in sport and physical activity.
“We hope this small but important step sets a positive example of how organisations can create a progressive and inclusive environment for our communities.”
At the formal reopening of the facility, known locally as Jesmond Sports Centre, Fred Dalgarno revealed today that over one thousand people have been through the door since Get Active @Jesmond reopened for business in January 2017.
Located in the Bridge of Don area of Aberdeen, the centre has been transformed following a £1million modernisation and the changes are stunning.
The development works included a state-of-the-art 70 station gym, an immersive spin studio, a new aerobics studio and a virtual activity zone, one of the first of its kind in Scotland.
The venue, now named Get Active @Jesmond, was formally reopened today and Fred was joined by Cllr Willie Young, Aberdeen City Council Convener for Finance Policy & Resources .
Speaking at the formal opening ceremony today, Sport Aberdeen Chairman Fred Dalgarno said:
“Get Active @Jesmond truly sets the gold standard for community sport. It also clearly demonstrates the potential that Sport Aberdeen has and I am delighted that our strategic partnership with Aberdeen City Council has been able to achieve something that we can both be really proud of.”
“I am grateful to our friends at Aberdeen City Council for their encouragement and support. This is just the start of what we hope will be a number of facility developments for the city and an important start on implementing the ambitious sports facility strategy.”
“Sport Aberdeen’s number one commitment is to creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity. The Jesmond is an ambitious and inclusive venue which really reflects the diverse needs of its community.”
Councillor Willie Young said:
“Congratulations to Sport Aberdeen for what they have achieved over a short space of time. I am just delighted that their first significant project is in the Bridge of Don as I know how much potential there is in this area to get people more active. I am sure that the centre will be an outstanding success and it is great that the Council Administration could be involved in the project.”
“From its immersive spin studio to the pioneering virtual activity zone, I’ve met many people from Bridge of Don and Aberdeen more generally who have all expressed their delight at the amenities on offer here. This of course would not have been achieved without the hard work and vision of the Managing Director, his excellent Senior Management Team and of course the team working every day at the Jesmond.”
Each year International Women’s Day sees thousands of events – global gatherings, conferences, awards, exhibitions, festivals, fun runs, corporate events, concert performances, speaking events, online digital gatherings and more. Events are held by women’s networks, corporations, charities, educational institutions, government bodies, political parties, the media and further communities.
This year’s campaign theme #BeBoldForChange will aim to highlight the need for a more gender inclusive world. The official day provides an opportunity for people to contribute towards a drive for change for women worldwide.
Have you ever you ever wanted to learn how to lift? Develop your lifting technique? Or simply want to shake up your fitness routine? Sport Aberdeen will support International Women’s Day (IWD) with a day of free weights and lifting classes open exclusively to women.
Come on girls, let’s reclaim the weights room!
Sport Aberdeen Health and Wellness Advisors will lead free classes within the newly modernised Get Active @Jesmond on Wednesday 8th March 2017.
Our Sessions are now full!
There are a limited number of spaces which will be offered on a first come first served basis. Due to the limited spaces we will confirm by email if you have a space in your chosen session. To register your interest click here
Please note: we are offering one session per person due to limited spaces
Active Schools, which operates as part of registered charity Sport Aberdeen, have set up a new initiative with Peterculter Golf Club to enable more young people in the area to take part in golf.
Following discussions with Cults Active Schools Group coordinator John Dixon, Peterculter Golf Club have now removed their membership and joining fee for under-12s as part of the drive.
Primary four pupils will be able to benefit from four weeks of curricular lessons arranged by Cults Active Schools Group. The coaching will take place at Culter Primary and Milltimber Primary and will be delivered by Head PGA Professional at Peterculter Golf Club, Ross McConnachie.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen’s Director for Sport and Active Lifestyles Jo Bell said:
“Removing potential barriers to participation, such as cost, has enabled Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools group in Cults to create more opportunities for local children. The offer of free membership and no joining fee for pupils under 12 years is extremely generous from Peterculter Golf Club and we would encourage others to support in this way, where possible.”
“The sessions are a great opportunity for young people to receive first class golf tuition from a professional, many for the first time ever. We are really grateful to Ross for giving up his time to encourage further participation in the sport, supporting and inspiring the next generation of golfers to pursue their ambitions.”
Commenting, Head PGA Professional at Peterculter Golf Club, Ross McConnachie said:
“As the local golf professional I believe it is important that the kids get a chance to experience the game from a young age and if they have a desire to pursue this further then we offer additional coaching here at the club. We have altered all of our Junior Membership rates to make it more accessible to juniors and membership is now free for all under 12’s and only £50 for 12-18’s.”
“It is great to see kids engaging in sport and fascinating to see how quickly they pick up the skills. It has also been good to establish a link between the club and the local community.”
The four week block of professional lessons will end with a mini golf festival taking place at a later date in the term. This will give pupils who have taken part in the professional tuition the chance to show off their newly learned skills. For more information on memberships please contact Ross McConnachie on pro@petercultergolfclub.co.uk
We managed to catch one of the first families who caught this deal and took a snap before they dived in. Archie, Erin and Emily were all rearing to go, make sure you don’t miss out on our February Friday Family Fiver Fun offer!
For more information on this offer and terms and conditions click here.
Young people from schools across Aberdeen are being asked to design labels which focus on the importance of staying hydrated. Last year was the first year Deeside Mineral Water ran the competition in partnership with Sport Aberdeen, and over 150 entries were received from children across the city.
This year marks the 30th year of the North East’s well-established road race organised by registered charity Sport Aberdeen in partnership with Baker Hughes.
The winning design will be made into the water bottle label that will be handed out to everyone taking part in the 30th year of the running festival on 14th May 2017. The winning designer will also be invited to officially start the 10k race.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Business Development Jill Franks said:
“We were hugely impressed by last year’s entrants to the competition, with over 150 designs submitted. This year, Sport Aberdeen and Deeside Mineral Water are asking local children to think about the super powers that drinking water gives you; with the winning design depicting a healthy, hydrating superhero.”
“In this special 30th year of the Baker Hughes 10K we are hoping that children from across Aberdeen will get involved in this great opportunity and make a splash with their label designs”.
Managing Director of Deeside Mineral Water, Martin Simpson commented:
“The winner of the competition will be invited to attend a private tour of the Deeside Mineral Water factory to see their label design being applied to the bottles. They will also receive a case of Deeside Mineral Water and some Sport Aberdeen goodies including freebies and vouchers to be used at Sport Aberdeen venues across the City.”
Lesley McMullan, Marketing Specialist for Baker Hughes said:
“It was a pleasure to be on the judging committee last year as we received so many imaginative and detailed drawings from local children. The search is on once again to find the aspiring artist worthy of representing both the Baker Hughes 10K and Deeside Mineral Water. Good luck to all the entrants!”
Entry forms are available to download here.
Entry Deadline for label designs is Friday 27th February 2017.
Aberdeen Wanderers RFC and Aberdeen Rugby have merged as part of a Sport Aberdeen initiative to form a City-wide Youth Rugby squad to enter the SRU Caledonian Cup Youth Competition.
Under 15, 16 and 18 levels are now sitting together to form the Granite City Colts.
Negotiations have been ongoing for the last year in a bid to bring together youth sections of all three Aberdeen rugby clubs.
Aberdeen Wanderers RFC, Aberdeen Rugby and Aberdeenshire RFC have been in talks with the long term plan hoping to see all youth rugby from S1 through to U18’s within the area come under one club.
The Caledonian Youth Cup welcomes teams from an extensive area of Scotland, from Dunfermline to Orkney, with the final taking place on April 30th in St Andrews.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen Director for Sport and Active Lifestyles, Jo Bell, said:
“The amalgamation of these sections into one youth city “super squad” club is a fantastic opportunity to nurture and grow players. It will create opportunities to further develop their talent. I also hope that through training with successful teams, we can inspire more young people to pursue their sporting ambitions.”
“This is a credit to everyone who worked hard to make this happen, including coaches, players, teams and our Rugby Development Officer. Aberdeen is known for its enthusiastic support of grassroots Rugby and we have very high hopes for the future of the Granite City Colts.”
The GetActive project has been funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and is being delivered as part of the charity’s physical activity programme, Move More Aberdeen.
Participants in the Move More programme can choose from a range of activities specifically designed for people affected by cancer including walking groups, a gentle movement class, circuits-based activity classes and gardening.
The new service will enhance this programme by providing people with a wearable tracking device, developed by Scottish walking charity Paths for All in partnership with Storm Health, so they can manage and improve their physical activity levels outside of classes.
The information will be automatically synchronized through an android or iOS app and uploaded to a customised physical activity platform for logging, monitoring and reporting physical activity.
Move More Aberdeen will then use the data to support and motivate participants to feel the benefits of being more physically active.
Traditionally cancer patients have been told to rest but research by Macmillan has shown that being active during and after treatment can improve physical and emotional health and help to minimise the side effects of treatment.
Existing Move More participants, new referrals to the programme and those who want to get active without attending classes are being invited to take part in the pilot project which is being delivered by Paths for All in partnership with Sport Aberdeen.
Emma Berry, Senior Development Officer at Paths for All, said: “We want to empower people living with cancer to manage and improve their levels of physical activity over a year.
“They will be able to monitor their levels of physical activity, set step count targets and receive support from a Move More Coordinator.”
“Recording levels of physical activity will ensure they don’t do too much physical activity, but also encourage them to do enough activity.”
After signing up to the programme, participants will have access to the supported GetActive service for a year.
Ian Rae, 51, was diagnosed with bladder cancer two years ago. However, a routine check-up in January found the cancer had spread to his muscles, lung and other parts of his body.
“The diagnosis was a shock to the system big time for someone like me,” he says. “I did marathons, I went to the gym six days a week, I never smoked and didn’t drink a lot. I was also a vegetarian for 20-odd years.”
He underwent aggressive chemotherapy before having an operation to remove his bladder, prostate and part of his bowel in August.
Following the operation, his Macmillan nurse suggested he join the circuits class run by Move More Aberdeen at Sheddocksley Sports Centre.
“The treatment really took it out of me. It was rough at times. After the operation, it was a struggle to walk. Doing the classes is helping me get my confidence and fitness back.
“The instructor is there to help and guide you through. I am trying to turn my setback into a comeback.”
Ian is also using the GetActive tracker to monitor his steps.
“It’s pretty straight forward. Every evening you log onto the page and click update and it syncs with the tracker. You can look back every day and over the weeks to see how you have improved.
“I started with 3,000 steps a day but I have been building it up from there to 8,000 steps. It’s baby steps but I’m getting there.”
If you would be interested in taking part in this project, please call the Move More Aberdeen team on 01224 047925 or email nhsg.movemoresa@nhs.net
Almost 400 students from all over the North East paraded their skills before an examination panel which included Master Wood, the founder of Aberdeen born Sooyang Do Martial Art.
Master Wood had travelled to Scotland from France to take part in this end of year extravaganza and was very impressed by the high standard of technical ability and enthusiasm shown by the North-east students.
Commenting on the event, Master Wood said:
“The events of the weekend provided further evidence of the quite phenomenal progress we are making and of the magnificent contribution of our instructors, who continue to inspire our students to ever greater efforts and ever higher technical standards.
With students from as young as five, taking their first steps on their Sooyang Do journey, to those who have trained for over a decade graduating to EE Dan status, I cannot remember a time when I was so proud of everyone involved.
The unique spirit we have successfully sought to maintain continues to prevail, with the pursuit of technical and athletic excellence unhampered by any compromising of our adherence to our tenets of Courtesy, Integrity, Humility and Respect and the rejection of the win at all costs pursuit of personal glory, to the detriment of all else, which has come to denigrate the sporting arena in recent years.
This unique spirit was particularly evident at the event, with experienced and highly skilled student’s always encouraging fellow participants and compelling the spectators and instructors to spontaneous applause.
It is a testament to the professionalism and integrity of our instructors, that so many, young and not so young, continue to put their faith in us and permit us to play a small part in the development of so many young people, all of whom are a great credit to those responsible for them.
I very much look forward to 2017 with great enthusiasm and hope that it is a happy and successful year for all of those concerned with Sooyang Do and hope to see more exciting developments in the near future.”
The North East’s well-established road event, organised by registered charity Sport Aberdeen in partnership with Baker Hughes, will take place on Sunday 14th May 2017 at the Beach Boulevard.
The long standing event, which is officially affiliated with ten charities, will see runners raising money and awareness in support of their favourite charities for the 30th time next year.
The 10K has gained momentum over the years to become a staple event for runners both local and out with the city, regularly drawing in 5000 racers with many more lining the streets to cheer on the participants.
The corporate team challenge is a great chance for some healthy competition whilst raising money for great causes, with the fastest three times from each corporate team coming together to win.
The triumphant team will receive a voucher for up to 12 people to take part in the Adrenaline Rush Experience at Transition Extreme, plus the prestigious Corporate Team trophy. Businesses can enter the Corporate Team Challenge by emailing CityofAberdeen10K@sportaberdeen.co.uk.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Business Development Jill Franks said:
“Through uncertain times for the local economy it’s increasingly important to have fun and engaging events which rally the community together. We have always been overwhelmed by the support North-east businesses have shown, and this backing ensures Sport Aberdeen can continue to create opportunities and inspire others to take part in community sporting events”.
She continued by acknowledging the hard work that goes into bringing this anticipated event to Aberdeen:
“This race is another shining example of how our dedicated team of staff and volunteers work to bring a dynamic energy and sense of community to the city of Aberdeen through local charitable events.”