General News:

Children across the city enjoy day of inclusive racquet sports

14.2.19

Over fifty children with additional support needs (ASN) from six schools across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire took part in the ASN Racquet Sports Festival at Sport Aberdeen’s Aberdeen Tennis Centre.

Organised by Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools team, with support from Tennis Aberdeen, Badminton Scotland and Aberdeen District Table Tennis Association, the event has become a regular fixture on the ASN calendar.

The non competitive event aims to create a positive, fun atmosphere where children with additional support needs are able to try their hand at sports they may otherwise not get the opportunity to.

Lead Active Schools Coordinator, Grant Wilson, who was in attendance at the event said:

“It was great to see so many children from across different schools have the opportunity to participate in sports they may not usually have access to. This is a great example of working in partnership with national governing bodies, local clubs and our tennis centre.

This sentiment was echoed by Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Healthy and Active Communities, Keith Gerrard, who commented:

“It is fantastic to see partnerships bringing new activity opportunities to children with additional support needs across the city and shire.

“At Sport Aberdeen, we work with communities to create opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to feel welcome, inspired and empowered to take part in physical activity.”

The 2019 Racquet Sports Festival marked the first time that badminton has been included in the festival programme.

Each of the three sports involved in the festival – Tennis, Badminton and Table Tennis – offer youth pathways, which will allow the participating children to continue their preferred activity within the relevant clubs across the city.