Sport Aberdeen has won a prestigious award for its work with young people and children during the pandemic.
The organisation’s Supported Physical Activity for Care Experienced (Space) project was recognised at the virtual UKActive Awards 2021 ceremony last week.
The project, developed with the city council, aims to promote healthy, active lifestyles.
It was the first of its kind to be launched in Scotland, and has supported scores of young people to use sport and exercise as a positive momentum for change in their life.
Opportunities include mentorship through football, boxing, cycling, horse riding, accessing green space and free access to Sport Aberdeen’s gyms across the city.
Space – which replaces the previous Looked After project – won the UK Active Awards’ developing and supporting communities during Covid-19 category.
A timely, ‘brilliant’ initiative
During lockdown, project leaders were sent out to educational hubs across the city to help support young people and children living in vulnerable situations.
In total, 1.095 hours were spent directly impacting three hubs, with another 5.000 hours of Active Schools time across six hubs for children of keyworkers.
Graeme Dale, Sport Aberdeen head of sport and active communities, said: “The impact that Space has had on young people, improving physical and mental wellbeing through sport and physical activity, has been incredible and with wider recognition it is my hope that we can continue to grow and develop this initiative and reach even more children and young people across the north-east alongside our partners, Aberdeen City Council.”
Council leader Jenny Laing added: “Exercise and activity – whether that’s participating in team games or accessing green spaces – can greatly enhance physical and mental wellbeing, and this brilliant initiative could not have been more timely.”