Strategy aims to get more people, more active, more often
31/08/09
Fit for the Future, a new sport and physical activity strategy, which aims to get more people, more active, more often, has been launched by Aberdeen City Council.
Fit for the Future sets out the priorities and direction for those working in sport and physical activity in Aberdeen.
The document was launched by Councillor Jennifer Stewart, former lead councillor for culture and sport, at Aberdeen Sports Village.
The strategy was produced by Aberdeen City Council's Sports Working Group in conjunction with the Active Aberdeen Civic Forum.
Fit for the future addresses some of the key sport and physical activity challenges facing Aberdeen. It provides a framework for making the best use of valuable resources and building on best practice.
The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games give Aberdeen the opportunity to focus on sport and physical activity to ensure these major sporting events deliver a lasting legacy of a city where more people are more active, more often.
Fit for the Future identifies five key areas of activity and sets o
bjectives to:
- promote and increase opportunities for participation in sport and physical activity for everyone in Aberdeen;
- provide a comprehensive and high-quality range of sports facilities in Aberdeen;
- maximise the social, educational, health and economic benefits of sport and physical activity in Aberdeen;
- support and sustain develop and sustain which nurture local, regional and national sporting people to reach their potential;
- raise the profile of sport in Aberdeen.
Councillor Jennifer Stewart said: "Fit for the Future encourages a healthy lifestyles approach for the residents of Aberdeen and encourages everyone to be as active as they can regardless of age or ability.
"The strategy promotes all types of sports, dance and all forms of physical activity from climbing stairs, walking children to school, getting off the bus one stop early.
"By working together we aim to address some of the key sport and physical activity facing Aberdeen."
Education, culture and sport vice -convener Councillor Martin Greig added: "The purpose of the sports strategy is to encourage and enable as many people as possible to get involved in physical activity. The council has worked hard with its partners to provide a very wide range of activities at all levels right around the city.
"Facilities are there to bring people into sport and to allow them to reach the standard they wish. Particular recognition needs to go to the many individuals who volunteer their time to coach and train sport. The enormous amount of time that they contribute makes a massive difference.
"Sport is not just healthy and a fun activity, it can bring massive social benefits by improving physical health and boosting self esteem. Fit for the Future is not just about sport. It is an action plan to raise the standards and the spirit of the whole city."
Grampian Institute of Sport manager Craig Faill said: "Success in high performance sport relies on a solid foundation being built from the early years of an athlete's involvement in sport. Strong partnerships are essential throughout the athlete's development including those involving coaches, parents, clubs and the governing bodies of sport.
"As the athlete reaches the higher levels of performance, a partnership such as the one that exists between Aberdeen City Council and the Grampian Institute of Sport becomes even more critical. Through Fit for the Future this partnership will continue to strengthen and will help to ensure that high performance athletes within Aberdeen are able to succeed at the highest levels."
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland added: "sportscotland would like to congratulate Aberdeen City Council on the development of its sport and physical activity strategy which demonstrates an excellent partnership linking sport, education and health.
"sportscotland looks forward to continuing to work with Aberdeen City Council to achieve its ambitions in driving increased participation among the residents of Aberdeen."
Click on the link below to access Fit for the Future strategy http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/Sports/nn_spr/spr_fit_future.asp
If you have any queries regarding this, or any other news story, please contact Aberdeen City Council on: 08456 080910.
