Broch Councillors Welcome Choice of Town for Aberdeenshire Youth Games

School pupils across Aberdeenshire are being offered the chance to get into the spirit of next year’s Commonwealth Games, with a One Year To Go event. Up to 300 youngsters from across Aberdeenshire will be able to take part in the One Year To Go Aberdeenshire Youth Games in Fraserburgh on 17 August 2013.

The event will be held across a range of venues in Fraserburgh and will give young people aged 11 to 14 the chance to compete in a range of sports which will feature in next year’s Commonwealth Games, to be held in Glasgow.

Aberdeenshire Council has been awarded £10,000 from EventScotland to host the celebration.

Pupils will have a chance to try activities including basketball, swimming, gymnastics, hockey, rugby, tennis, cycling athletics and bowling, at the event being held at the Fraserburgh Community and Sport Centre and neighbouring facilities, including the Fraserburgh Fitness Centre and Kessock Park.

One Year To Go will also feature opening and closing ceremonies involving music and dance.

Commenting, Fraserburgh & District SNP councillor Charles Buchan said:

"It should be a great day, and could be a starter event for young people to participate in the many and varied sports that Fraserburgh and district has to offer.

“Our young people should be encouraged to attend by their parents and teachers, and to try as many new activities as they possibly can."

Fellow Fraserburgh & District SNP councillor Brian Topping added:

“I am delighted this event is coming to Fraserburgh - the same day as gala - and wish all competitors the very best. I hope that any visiting participants and supporters also find time to visit our many local attractions.”

sportscotland Chief Executive Stewart Harris said:

“With the Commonwealth Games now firmly on the horizon, it is wonderful that Aberdeenshire Council is set to hold an event which will undoubtedly captivate the imagination of all the pupils involved and we welcome this initiative.

“sportscotland is committed to ensuring more children and young people become involved in sport and physical activity and, through our Active Schools network and Community Sport Hubs, we are making significant progress.”

Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland, Paul Bush OBE, said:

“We are delighted to be working with Aberdeenshire Council in the delivery of what promises to be a fantastic event. The One Year To Go event epitomises what the Games for Scotland programme has been designed to accomplish; inspiring, motivating and engendering pride amongst the people of Scotland.

“With one year to go, the diverse programme of sport and dance events taking place across the country as part of the Games For Scotland project are undoubtedly extending the legacy of the Games far beyond the host city to the benefit of communities throughout Scotland.”

Youngsters can book a place at the One Year To Go event online (www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/holidayprogrammes) or by phoning Rachel Boal on 01467 628158.

The day is about fun and participation and no prior experience in any of the sports is necessary. All competitors will be able to try at least three sports, all supervised by council staff and local club coaches. All children will receive a T-shirt and a goody bag at the end of the day. Parents and carers are encouraged to come and watch the events and have a fun day out.