After Great Britain’s recent success in the Davis Cup, Sport Aberdeen is proud to announce a new tennis programme starting at the end of May at Ruthrieston Outdoor Sports Centre.
Tennis Scotland has supported the initiative with funding support, enabling the appointment of a professional coach to develop and deliver tennis activity at the facility.
Mike Kolacz, Regional Development Manager for Tennis Scotland said:
“The programme at Ruthrieston is a great way for people of all ages to get involved with tennis and I’m sure this weekend’s open day will be a huge success. Tennis Scotland is committed to investing into community tennis across the City and the site at Ruthrieston is another example of a facility where people can play our sport as often as they want and take advantage of a fantastic and varied programme.”
The program will be led by Tennis Aberdeen’s Head Community Coach, Sam Price. Sam has been working as a coach with Tennis Aberdeen at Westburn Tennis Centre for the last 3 years, coaching both juniors and adults as well as running outreach sessions in the local community and schools.
Sam said:
“I am excited to get tennis going at Ruthrieston and engage the local community at this fantastic site. The aim is to develop tennis regardless of experience or ability, as Tennis is a great sport for advancing a range of skills at any age.’
Matt Kerswell, Sport Aberdeen’s Tennis Development Manager said:
“I am thrilled we can utilise Ruthrieston and offer an opportunity for the local community to play tennis. The potential is huge; Sam is an enthusiastic coach and I look forward to seeing him grow the programme. We have put together an offering that hopefully caters for all: Mini Tennis, Junior and Adult programmes plus a FREE adult matchplay evening on Fridays’
Sam will also be working closely with local schools in the area to help establish a pathway into the sport, promoting opportunities to engage.
Join Sam and other members of the Tennis Aberdeen team at Ruthrieston on Saturday 14th May, 10am – 2pm as they launch the programme with a ‘GREAT BRITISH TENNIS WEEKEND’. This is a free open day where all the family can come and give tennis a try. Tennis activity and games will be delivered by the tennis team who will showcase various opportunities for everyone to get involved and play this year. Visit the website for more details and sign up.
Move More Aberdeen, funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and delivered by Sport Aberdeen, provides free therapeutic physical activity groups to help people following a diagnosis of cancer to get active and feel good.
The Move More Aberdeen programme plans to deliver free therapeutic gardening sessions though their programme. They have secured a lease to a plot at Garthdee Fields Allotments and hope to transform this into a vibrant therapeutic growing space.
Commenting, MacMillan Development Officer Mark Brown said:
“Gardening is a fantastic activity, for both body and mind, improving physical and mental well being among people affected by cancer.
“We want to create a space that is suitable and welcoming to our participants at the therapeutic garden. The allotment needs work before we can put the programme into action.
“We’re asking the local community for help to provide building materials for gravel boards, bark mulch, a shed and more. If you can help in any way we would love to hear from you!”
The public are being asked to contact Mark Brown if they are able to donate any items.
Phone: 01224 577729
Email: MoveMore@sportaberdeen.co.uk
Both teams made sure that spectators got a true taste of wheelchair basketball as the players fought fiercely to win. Each team took a little runs leading the game in the first half, with some excellent outside shooting from Dundee. However the composed team play of Grampian and use of their height advantage in Scotland U23 Centre, Katie McBriety, allowed Grampian to slowly extend their lead in the 3rd quarter. The final score of the game was 44 to Grampian Flyers Vs 33 to Dundee Dragons, with everyone performing their roles expertly.
The Flyers and Dragons are very equally matched, as both clubs started basketball in the last few years and have developed by playing a number of matches against one another throughout the years. Dundee Dragons started as a wheelchair rugby team that then diversified into basketball due to interest from players, whereas Grampian Flyers is a running basketball club that wanted to expand to include wheelchair athletes.
Both clubs now have players in the Scotland youth squads as well as their coaching staff being involved as well. The Flyers would like to thank all the companies that have supported them and purchased equipment to allow them to play at such a high standard, also we would like to thank the Beach leisure centre for being so accommodating and working with the team to ensure accessibility and storage is not a factor that stops this great activity from taking place.
Greig Smith, 15, from Bridge of Don picked up the medal in the Advanced Novice category with his performances on the 1st and 2nd of April at the AVAS Cup International Figure Skating Competition.
Coached by Kerrie Brown and Daniel Manson at the Linx Ice Arena, Greig has quickly progressed through his levels, competing in various competitions around the country. He also secured a place on the GB Development Squad allowing him to attend squad training camps to further his skating.
After achieving an impressive silver in the British Championship last December, governing body Nisa chose Greig to represent GB in Hungary and he successfully brought the gold home to Aberdeen.
Greig’s training regimes prior to the competition on and off the ice was rigorous with registered charity Sport Aberdeen offering him extended ice hours at the Linx Ice Arena to help his preparations. 28 hours of Greig’s week is occupied with training whilst also balancing school with his regime.
His future plans involve creating a new junior level short and free programme with his next competition at Coventry in June.
Our very own Josefine Bjorkqvist will continue her impressive running record when she takes part in next week’s London Marathon.
Josefine is fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support in the famous race as she adds to her already impressive repertoire of international races.
Originally from Finland, Josefine currently lives in Aberdeen where she works as a Support Assistant for Macmillan, a charity she has strong connections too.
“I am running in memory of my grandmother who passed away in May 2015 after battling breast cancer for 8 years. She was a truly extraordinary woman and my inspiration in life. I started running for cancer charities when she was first diagnosed and have completed five marathons in five different countries since, which is something I never thought I would be able to do.”
Josefine’s role has given her first-hand experience of the work Macmillan do including the successful Move More Aberdeen programme, which is run in partnership with registered charity Sport Aberdeen.
“I am raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support to help them continue their wonderful work. Macmillan fulfil a vital role in making sure that no one faces cancer alone and that when cancer strikes there is always someone to turn to for advice and support. The Move More Aberdeen programme is just one example of a local Macmillan service, which supports people affected by cancer to get active and feel good.“
As well as raising as much money as possible for a good cause, Josefine is aiming for a solid time in one of the world’s most recognisable marathons which is reflected in her training regime.
“Training for a marathon requires planning and there is no room for excuses. I started training four months prior to the race and run 5-7 times per week, gradually increasing my Sunday long run every week. I save time by running to and from work every day and am currently running 50 miles per week. Training in the Scottish winter is half the battle and I have ran through snow, sleet, wind, rain and the occasional sunshine. I eat a standard diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and fibre and drink plenty of water after a training run. I aim to cross the London Marathon finish line with a sub 3:20 time.”
People can donate to her cause by by visiting her Just Giving page here.
Walk Aberdeen, an Aberdeen based walking programme facilitated by registered charity Sport Aberdeen, is set to receive new funding to introduce dementia friendly walks.
The funding for this has been received from Paths For All, a national organisation that champions walking for everyone, everyday, everywhere. As part of this new initiative, Paths for All have been funded by The Life Changes Trust to help develop the wider walking network in Scotland to become more accessible to people living with dementia. The funding received by Walk Aberdeen will help to ensure that everyone affected by dementia has the opportunity to enjoy walking, whilst benefitting from the social, mental and physical improvements.
Paths For All are supporting six projects to develop this work, with Walk Aberdeen among the candidates chosen for development. The additional funding aims to improve support for those living with dementia and their carers to access walking opportunities, highlight the benefits of walking and increase awareness and understanding of dementia amongst the local community.
Ian Findlay, Paths for All Chief Officer said: “We are delighted to be working with Walk Aberdeen again to take forward this important new initiative. Through already established networks and expertise, Paths for All aim to improve support for those with dementia and their carers to access walking opportunities, highlight the benefits walking can bring, as well as provide respite. We also aim to increase awareness and understanding of dementia within local communities.
The Walk Aberdeen scheme has gone from strength to strength with additional routes added to the
Programme, including walks of varying lengths for people with differing needs, and even buggy walks. Walk Aberdeen is a Sport Aberdeen facilitated programme.
Walk leader Brian Harrison was particularly pleased with the investment and is looking forward to implementing new approaches to make walks even more inclusive:
“It is great to be recognised by Paths for All as an innovative project looking to widen our offer to our communities especially as regular walking has been shown to reduce the instances of developing Dementia by up to 30%”
The latest winner of our monthly survey giveaway has bagged herself 12 free months of fitness with Sport Aberdeen.
Katie completed a 2 minute survey on the Sport Aberdeen website and was chosen at random for the prize. Katie’s luck is definitely on a roll after she met a certain famous runner at the Great Scottish 10K Run, recognise her!?
Well done Katie! Visit our Survey Page for your chance to win Sport Aberdeen memberships!
The winning design for the Deeside Mineral Water Bottle Competition for 2016’s Baker Hughes 10K has been chosen.
After whittling down over 150 entries from school children across Aberdeen, judges from Deeside Mineral Water, Baker Hughes and Sport Aberdeen were able to narrow down the stiff competition to one lucky winner whose design will now feature on every bottle at the prestigious race.
Lewis and Marilyn of Forehill Primary School finished runner up to eventual winner Sam Duncan from Brimmond Primary School, who judges noted had an excellent understanding of the theme for the Baker Hughes 10K which he expressed in his design.
Over 14,000 bottles will be produced for the Baker Hughes 10K with Sam’s design set to appear on each and every one of them. Sam will also be invited to see the bottles being produced and has bagged a number of goodies and prizes too.
As an added bonus, Sam will also be starting the race and setting off thousands of runners on their 10K journey.
Martin Simpson, MD of Deeside Mineral Water said; “I was delighted to be part of the label judging and really enjoyed going through the designs. The number and variety of entries was amazing and it was great to see such diversity and some really great ideas. We look forward to welcoming Sam to the factory in Ballater to see his winning design being produced for the Baker Hughes 10k.”
The 2016 Baker Hughes 10K will take place on Sunday 15th May with entries still available here.
A local rugby side are boasting three major accomplishments across various levels.
Sport Aberdeen clubCAP members, Aberdeen Wanderers R.F.C, recently celebrated reaching the Scottish Shield Girls Final, winning the Club Youth Red Conference League and a morale boosting victory in the quest for second place in Division 2 North.
Four of the Wanderers U18 Girls side combined with girls from Ellon, Huntly and Montrose for the Scottish Shield Final. Just a week after celebrating the one year anniversary since the first girls’ training session with Aberdeen Wanderers, the combined team travelled to Murrayfield for the final against Auchterarder on 25th March. Despite losing 66-5, it is a truly remarkable achievement to reach this stage and a sign of the continuing progress in girls rugby, particularly after just one year.
Commenting, Aberdeen Wanderers Youth President Guy Mullinor said:
“The club are over the moon with the girls’ achievements. This shows how determined our girls’ section is and demonstrates their hard work and dedication.”
The celebrations continued on 2nd April when Deeside Wanderers were presented with their pennants and certificates for winning the Club Youth Red Conference at Groats Road. Both Deeside R.F.C. and Aberdeen Wanderers combined to create a single entry into the newly formed SRU youth conference structure which allowed boys from S1 to U18 to play competitive league games.
Involving over 600 boys, the league produced an excellent competition with the final weekend deciding the eventual winners, with Deeside Wanderers crowned champions.
The award was presented by Mike Monro, SRU Caledonia North regional representative.
The celebrations would continue in the afternoon as the senior side put on a fantastic performance to see off Shetland in the Division 2 North clash. The clubCAP members were able to produce a dominant display as they defeated their league rivals emphatically, 148-0. The result keeps the side in second place in the league as they look to cement this position going into the final round this coming weekend with another home tie against Garioch.
The club are eager to ride this wave of momentum and continue promoting the growing club to any players regardless of age, gender or ability which is reflected in the clubs effort to introduce a 2ndXV into a league next year.
Should anyone be interested in training with the club they are encouraged to contact them via info@awyrfc.com
Visit our clubCAP page to find out more about the accreditation scheme.
Following Great Britain’s historic win against Belgium in the 2015 Davis Cup Final, when Team GB hoisted the trophy for the first time in 79 years, the LTA wanted to celebrate this momentous occasion by delivering the Davis Cup Trophy Tour across the country to thank the tennis community including players, coaches, venues and volunteers who supported the team on its incredible journey. It also wanted to inspire a new generation to pick up a racket and get involved in tennis.
The events are free for all to attend and give people a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see and be pictured with the impressive Davis Cup Trophy up close and personal. In addition, there was a host of free tennis activities on offer enabling tennis fans of all ages to have a go.
The Davis Cup Trophy Tour will visit over 50 destinations, the fourth being Tuesday’s visit at Westburn Tennis Centre, Aberdeen. If you would like to visit the Centre to see the trophy in all it’s glory click here for sign ups and more information.
Leon Smith, Davis Cup Captain, said; “Winning the Davis Cup was an incredible moment for me and all the team. Lifting the trophy on the court in Gent was an amazing feeling and I’m eager to ensure a lasting legacy following this historic achievement. Taking the trophy across the country and being able to share this momentous achievement with the nation is an important part of this legacy. I can’t wait to see everyone’s reaction when they see the Davis Cup and sharing a bit of that passion we had on court will hopefully encourage others to get involved and choose tennis as part of their everyday lives”.
Michael Downey, LTA Chief Executive, adds; “The Davis Cup win is one many will remember for the rest of their lives and is a key vehicle that can drive interest in our sport. The LTA is proud to be able to share this incredible achievement with the British people and those who loyally supported and backed the team. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to inspire and captivate a nation and we want to use this Trophy Tour to bring more children and adults into our great sport and thank the tennis community for believing we could do it.”
Matt Kerswell, Sport Aberdeen’s Tennis Development Manager, said; “It’s been thrilling to watch GB’s Davis Cup teams, and especially the contributions of ‘our’ Scots to that exceptional run of victories. Sport Aberdeen is proud to be associated with the Trophy Tour and we’re looking forward to renewing acquaintance with the Trophy after a successful 2016 campaign.”
Tennis Scotland Regional Development Manager Mike Kolacz said; “Winning the Davis Cup with such a huge Scottish involvement was an unprecedented achievement and it is entirely appropriate that the tour begins north of the border. I’m sure people of all ages will be inspired to pick up a racket for the first time as a result of us lifting the Davis Cup.”
To find out further information about the Davis Cup Legacy visit: www.lta.org.uk/daviscuplegacy