Money will be raised for the 2016 Appeal by staff, volunteers, associated clubs and members of the public cycling on stationary exercise bikes for 24 straight hours at the Beach Leisure Centre.
The challenge aims to rack up 1206 miles, the equivalent of cycling the length of Britain and back with all raised money going towards Sport Relief. This includes a number of volunteers and staff cycling through the night, all to raise money for the cause. Regular updates on progress will be announced on social media as the challenge continues.
Sport Aberdeen staff are already buzzing for the event and can’t wait to start racking up the miles.
If you would like to help by volunteering for a stint on the bike please email here.
If you would like to make a donation to the cause simply visit the Sport Aberdeen Giving page here.
An exciting new opportunity is coming to Aberdeen as former Internationalist and local netballer, Emily Gray, visits the city.
After forming a company specialized in running sports camps in multiple fields, the Netball sessions have finally reached Aberdeen.
The Camps were created to boost local participation rates in partnership with Netball Scotland and Local Talent Camps. They offer children aged 12 – 16 of any ability the opportunity to pick up a new sport or brush up on their skills whilst being coached by past and present Scottish National Athletes.
The 2-day long fun and action packed camps are tailor-made for all sporting abilities, whether a budding internationalist or a complete beginner, and provide a great forum for young people to improve their skills, make new friends and benefit from LTC’s top quality coaching!
The first netball camps here in Aberdeen have been launched and are running at the following venues:
– 27th/27th March – Cults Sports Centre
– 9th/10th April – Alex Collie Sports Centre
– 28th/29th May – Beach Leisure Centre
All information on times, costing’s, camp timetables, national athletes involved and the easy to use booking form are available on the LTC website at: www.localtalentcamps.co.uk
The website it LIVE and you can BOOK ONLINE NOW: www.localtalentcamps.co.uk
If you need any further information or would like some LTC flyers to distribute to children please get in touch with Emily at info@localtalentcamps.co.uk
As part of Apprentice Week with Skills Development Scotland, Sport Aberdeen is praising the program and the success it has bred.
Sport Aberdeen introduced a new 12 month modern apprentice program in 2014 which invites anyone aged 16 – 24 to gain a relevant S/NVQ qualification over the course of a year while gaining vital experience in their sporting field and being paid.
Launching on 1st December, The Sport Academy Apprenticeship was the first of its kind in Scotland. Kick-starting a career in sport, mentors were allocated to each participant as they underwent personalised training based on their needs and preferences while teaching core skills and industry specific training
As well as full Sport Aberdeen staff benefits and gaining imperative knowledge and understanding of the workplace, apprentices could potentially find themselves fast tracked for future roles within the company.
With the programs first full year concluded, a number of apprentices have spoken about their experience.
Amy Morrison left school unsure of her direction but soon found her feet with Sport Aberdeen. Assigned to a role within the Booking Department, her responsibilities whilst also undertaking on the job training such for SVQ Modules, dementia awareness, walk leader, external customer service and fire warden.
“I have received great support from all the office colleagues and have felt like a valued member of a great team. I have grown in confidence and have accomplished such a lot over the year. I was given sole responsibility for the booking office within 10 months and am learning new skills all the time. I am happy I have been offered full time work with Sports Aberdeen and feel I have more to offer and to learn from them.
Cassie Cowper is an eager young lady with a bright future ahead of her. Eager to get stuck into work, she has also had to find the balance between her new apprentice role and representing Aberdeen FC Ladies and the Scotland Football Team! Coaching in multiple sports, she quickly adapted and valued her experience.
“Working from Sports Centres, I was able to develop my social and coaching skills so I was always learning a lot. Overall I am very happy with my decision to leave school and join the scheme. I have learned lots of news skills and met a lot of new people.”
Arran Buchan began his year at The Beacon Centre, where his main focus was customer service and coaching. Staff at the venue, including his mentor, were quick to praise Arrans growing confidence, skillset and ability. His willingness to help with any task earned him the Sport Aberdeen Employee of the Month Award for April and such was his level of commitment and improvement, he would later win the prestigious Employee of the Year Award. A hugely impressive feat for an Apprentice.
“I would 100% recommend the Modern Apprenticeship to everyone. You will gain a lot of experience in both Operations, the behind the scenes running of Active Schools clubs and Coaching. Also, you will gain a qualification that relates to most Industries and will get full guidance throughout the year by Direct Partners.”
Alex Wilkinson applied for the Apprenticeship after hearing about it through his career advisor at school. Assigned to the Marketing Team, Alex developed a whole new range of skills throughout his year. He also worked with Active Schools helping with after school clubs and events.
“I really enjoyed my time as it’s a good feeling to know you are helping kids progress their skills while having fun and I am now confident enough to deliver sessions on multiple activities.
I felt this year has been a very successful one for me and I have matured a lot and it was given me a good idea on what I want to do when I am older.”
A hardy crew of Sport Aberdeen employees are set to take on the Kiltwalk Challenge in aid of the STV Children’s Appeal.
Following on from a successful fundraising event for the charity, staff from the Aberdeen organisation were eager to continue their involvement with the appeal and happily accepted the offer to face the infamous Kilt Walk.
Sport Aberdeen successfully raised over £360 for the STV Children’s Appeal during a ‘Super Sunday’ event, where the public were invited to take part in a full day of various exercise classes and make a donation towards the cause.
The event was a great success with classes at full capacity throughout the day as participating fitness fanatics trudged through hours of intense workouts, all in the name of charity and fitness.
Following the fundraiser, staff from Sport Aberdeen were also eager to do their part for the charity which had proved to be a remarkable cause. Enthusiastic employees were quick to agree to march in this summer’s Kilt Walk when approached by STV to raise more money for the appeal.
Consisting of two routes, Sport Aberdeen staff will take on the longer of the Kiltwalks routes, the Mighty Stride. A 26 mile slog starting from Duthie Park through beautiful local scenery before concluding at Potarch.
A rigorous test even for experienced walkers, Sport Aberdeen employees are looking forward to the challenge and more importantly are eager to raise as much money as possible for the charity.
The STV Children’s Appeal was launched to support children in Scotland affected by poverty. The Appeal raises funds to help make a real difference to those who need it most, by providing practical help like food and warm clothes; creating opportunities for training and employability; and enabling social and emotional support.
Since the launch in 2011 the Appeal has changed countless lives and continues to support children and families across Scotland.
Commercial & Events Manager, Sam Begg, will also be taking part in the trek and was full of praise for the charity. “The Appeal has gone from humble beginnings to one of the biggest charities in the country and the good work they do is nothing short of incredible.”
“We are proud to be involved with the appeal this year and hope we can continue to raise even more for such a worthy cause.”
If you would like to donate to the cause please visit our donation page.
Thank you! Wish us luck!
We want to see pictures of you and your running buddy out training this weekend!
You can win TWO spaces for this year’s race plus FOUR double personal training sessions for you and your buddy to share with the Sport Aberdeen Health and Wellness team!
Head over to our Facebook and Twitter to share photos of you and your running buddy out training this weekend using the hashtag #bakerhughes10k -That’s it!
We will pick a winner on Monday the 15th of February.
Good luck!
2016 promises to be a year to remember for Aberdeen Warriors Rugby League which celebrates its 5th Anniversary this season, beginning with its first ever home game against Northumbria University on Saturday, January 30th.
Aberdeen City Council’s Chief Executive, Angela Scott has rallied behind the club and is offering fantastic support to enable the players the best preparation to give them a winning edge come game day. The team are expected to meet with Lord Provost and expressed their appreciation to the Aberdeen City Council and the City of Aberdeen for the pouring of support for their home game. Especially from Sport Aberdeen which secured the Rubislaw Playing Field for the home game in lieu of the severe weather that made their home pitch at Woodside unsuitable.
This is the first time that a Round 1 fixture in the Challenge Cup will be held in Scotland which is appropriate considering the History of Rugby League in Scotland goes back to 1909. In 1989 a Scotland students’ side was formed at the University of Aberdeen and this proved to be the catalyst for the formation of a number of other clubs. The national team first played in 1995 and a domestic league followed in 1997. In 2000 and 2002 the Rugby League Challenge Cup final was held at Murrayfield in the home of the Scottish Rugby Union.
Aberdeen Warriors are set to take on some of the biggest clubs to date, including reserve teams from Championship, Championship One and some of Europe’s up and coming teams.
The club will celebrate its Anniversary against local rivals Strathmore Silverbacks on Saturday 30th April. Strathmore are among some of the strongest teams to come out from Scotland in recent years, with Aberdeen Warriors determined to avenge a home loss in 2015 to celebrate their anniversary in style.
The line-up of matches for June promises an exciting season amidst even more iconic stadiums, beginning in Cardiff against South Wales Scorpions on June 4th. Cardiff Arms Park was the former home to the Wales National Rugby Union team and played host to the Commonwealth Games in 1958. This game will serve as the curtain raiser for the South Wales Scorpions Vs North Wales Crusaders Championship One Derby and expected to draw loyal followers to watch the ‘Warriors’ from Aberdeen.
Following on the heels of Cardiff, Aberdeen Warriors arrive at Odsal Stadium in Bradford to challenge the British Army. Odsal stadium continues to hold the rugby record for the highest British attendance of 102,569 spectators at the 1954 Warrington Vs Halifax final replay. Not only is the game vs the British Army big in its self, but will be played before one of the oldest rugby league derbies – Halifax RLFC Vs Bradford Bulls. It promises to be a cracker of a day.
Further games against top developing teams from Europe are in the pipeline. The club is in advanced talks with the current Belgium/Dutch Champions, North Brussels Gorillas and is holding similar discussions with Rotterdam Pitbulls. As Rugby League continues to grow in Europe, could trips to and from Europe’s powerhouse cities be on the cards for Aberdeen?
2016 promises to be an exciting year for Aberdeen Warriors. Keep an eye on social media and the website for more updates and news.
A local pensioner has urged the public to be more active and Move More in the face of cancer diagnosis.
Steve Stephenson, a regular attendee of Macmillan Cancer Support and Sport Aberdeen’s activity groups, encouraged everyone affected by cancer to learn from his experience as he continues his recovery by remaining positive and active.
A skiing enthusiast, Steve was forced to undergo knee surgery a number of years ago. At this time, routine examinations highlighted a major concern, resulting in a prostate cancer diagnosis. The 80 year old concluded his radiotherapy in February 2015.
However in a routine check-up his doctor would identify another issue Steve had to contend with, one he was not even aware of. After finding it difficult to stay motivated and active in light of his health issues he was diagnosed with depression.
Steve’s doctor recommended Move More Aberdeen groups where he would attend 12 sessions of Gentle Movement, a slow paced exercise focusing on breathing, movement and relaxation. He would then also attend 12 sessions of Circuit Classes, offering a variety of simple exercises to build on fitness.
Despite his mobility difficulties, depression and chronic asthma, Steve felt the mental and physical benefits of these at an early stage and was keen to build on his success. Now attending Sport Aberdeen’s Live Well Classes at Cults Sports Complex, Steve wants to highlight the progress he has made as inspiration to others in a similar position.
“When the doctor told me I was depressed I was surprised, I didn’t even realise it. He recommended the Move More Aberdeen Program and it worked wonders for me. I feel better both physically and mentally. You meet some lovely people and the staff are very supportive and understanding.”
“Given the number of cancer patients in Aberdeen, I would urge people to get involved. They’ve done so much for me and I know they can change people’s lives.”
For more information about the Move More Aberdeen program contact 01224 577729, email movemore@sportaberdeen.co.uk or visit the Sport Aberdeen website.
A local ice skater has won bronze at a prestigious competition in Sheffield.
Ruaridh Fisher from Kintore picked up the bronze medal in Junior category on 3rd December at the British Figure Skating Championships.
Ruaridh set a PB of 125 to take home the bronze and joins fellow skater, Greig Smith, who picked up silver in the advanced novice category. Both skaters train regularly at the Linx Ice Arena.
Ruaridh was nominated by the National Ice Skating Association of Great Britain and awarded SportsAid Scotland funding for 2015 to help with competitive training & attend National and International Skating events.
After a break in competitions during April-June to achieve the all-important SQA Highers, Ruaridh used this financial support to attend training camps with a Team USA Olympic skater, US & GB Olympian coaches and an International Skating Judge.
He achieved his ISU competitive scores at Junior Men’s level, winning the Short programme at Skate Southern International in September with the 3rd highest UK score in this category , and exceeding the minimum qualifying scores for the British Figure Skating Championships 2015.
In November he represented Team GB at the Romanian International Crystal Skate competition, achieving a Bronze medal in Junior Men.
The Robert Gordon College Pupil was delighted with his performance but already has his eyes on the future.
“Skating is my passion and my life, my goal is to achieve the highest technical standard I can before moving up to Senior Men’s in two years time and be selected to compete at International level for my country and my Clubs.”
Coach Andrea Law was very proud of his performance and also predicts a bright future for the youngster.
“Ruaridh has shown dedication, hard work and a huge passion for the sport and I’m so very proud of his achievements. Having done so well winning the Bronze medal and receiving personal best scores he is well on target for bigger and better things and I have no doubt that he is a star of the future.”
The Active Ageing Table Tennis group celebrated Christmas after another year of impressive growth.
The Table Tennis sessions, held at Jesmond Sports Centre, has grown rapidly since its inception doubling in both the number of sessions and those who attend.
Regular attendee Christine has witnessed first-hand the benefits of the session to both her and her husband. “My husband has had issues with his lungs for 3 years now and started coming to these sessions a year and a half ago. He’s already up to playing 3-4 times a week now and the benefits have been immeasurable.”
Head Coach Dick has watched the club grow from strength to strength and is delighted with the progress. “It’s a fantastic group we have here. We’ve grown over the years from one session with sometimes less than 8 attending to 2 sessions with 16 coming at a time. This growth has not gone unnoticed with organisation across the country looking to replicate what we’ve done here, and we aren’t finished yet!”
Active Ageing Table Tennis is an activity with numerous health benefits. Physically it allows people of all abilities to remain active and physically fit developing, stamina, concentration and balance. It also has immeasurable mental benefits too with the sport being a very social day out for those who attend. The session is also dementia friendly.
If you would like to know more about the session or any other Active Ageing Activities visit the Active Ageing page here.
From all the Table Tennis players at Jesmond, have a Merry Christmas!
A selection of staff at Sport Aberdeen have celebrated over two hundred years of service.
The eight employees were recognised during a Long Service Awards presentation at the Inspire Building on 2nd December.
Among the staff were Leisure Attendant at Mackenzie Championship Course; William Bannerman, who reached 26 years of service in June while Duty Manager for Sheddocksley Sports Centre; Edward Wood also celebrated 26 years. Marilyn Ingram, also of Sheddocksley, celebrated 27 years of service.
The employees were presented with their awards before members of the Sport Aberdeen Board who were delighted to recognise their impressive milestones and years of hard work.
Human Resources & Organisational Development Manager, Nickie Scorgie, says their knowledge and insight are invaluable to both the company and the City of Aberdeen and the award is a symbol of our recognition.
Human Resources & Organisational Manager, Nickie Scorgie, said, “It is with great pleasure that Sport Aberdeen can boast over 100 years of experience between just three employees. Their knowledge and insight are invaluable to both the company and the city of Aberdeen. But more than this, they embody hard work and determination as evidenced through their years with Sport Aberdeen. As a company, we cannot thank them or congratulate them enough for their endeavours.”
The complete list of long service awards are as follows:
Anne Low – 25 years on the 01 April 2015
Edward Wood – 26 years on the 16 October 2015
Helen Morley – 29 years on the 16 April 2015
Iain Hunter – 26 years on the 05 June 2015
Kenny Seivwright – 27 years on the 01 August 2015
Marilyn Ingram – 25 years on the 27 March 2015
Neil Tennant – 26 years on the 02 October 2015
William Bannerman – 26 years on the 29 June 2015