Macduff Marine Aquarium was thanked recently by the Antigua and Barbuda Commonwealth team for their support during this summer’s games.
The north-east aquarium had backed the team as part of a ‘support a second team’ initiative. Uniquely showing their support, the tourist hot-spot had constructed a temporary exhibit of Antiguan fish – the first time tropical species have been displayed at the cold-water aquarium.
Last week, the management team at the aquarium were contacted by Turriff man Grahame Ross who passed on the thanks of the Antigua and Barbuda athletes. Mr Ross had worked as a volunteer driver for the team during the Commonwealth Games.
Conveying that the team were very impressed, he gifted the aquarium a signed photograph of the Carribean competitors along with a bottle of special hot sauce on their behalf.
Mr Ross said last night: “I was lucky enough to get one of the roles in the athletes village itself. I was basically driving them around. Because it’s a small team, I got to know them quite well. It was great.”
He added that, after showing the team press clippings detailing the support from the aquarium, they were “absolutely flabbergasted”.
Aquarium manager Claire Matthews said: “We were so chuffed that Mr Ross thought to show the Antiguan team the press cutting about our little fish tank – it was great to know they heard about our efforts to cheer them on and were pleased about it.
“Not exactly sure if the hot sauce is to be put on the fish food in case the Caribbean critters prefer their food a bit spicy!”
The team picture and hot sauce are now on display alongside the fish which will remain on exhibit for the rest of the season.
The 20-person Antigua and Barbuda team had competed in five sports at the games including the light-heavyweight boxing and cycling road race events.