Community Stories August 2011

Great British Youth Climbing Open Champion 2011

My name is Angus Davidson. I have been climbing for almost 6 years and I'm 13 next month (September). In 2009, I was the youngest person ever to be selected for Team GB, Junior Lead Climbing Team. On Saturday, 30th July, 2011, I won the British Open Lead Climbing Championship, held at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, Ratho. In June, this year in Imst, Austria, I came 7th - competing against 42 competitors from 14 different countries. I have also won the Scottish Junior Bouldering Championship (twice).

My dad was brought up and went to school in Oban. We often come to stay with the Strachans (Holly, Jack and Matthew) from the Glenburnie Hotel, on the Esplanade. I love my climbing, and as a member of Team GB, I need to train – A LOT. I train to improve my Power, Endurance, Flexibility, Fitness and Technique. A lot of my training is actually done on 'Boulders'. When we come up to Oban, we have previously had to go to the Ice Factor for training. But now The Cube has been built, I can train there instead.

The new climbing wall in the Sports Centre is a fantastic place for a climb. You have many different boulders to try and complete and they are all very good. The grades ranging from VB-V9 (VB very easy-V9 very hard). All the boulders are set by one of Britain's top climbers, Dave MacLeod.

You need to book an induction if you want to climb there. We were lucky, as we just turned up and somebody was available to do this for us, and it only took 5-10 mins.

Everyone was really friendly. I would highly recommend this place to anybody

Angus Davidson

S2, Edinburgh Academy

Men Behaving Dadly Club

In 2010 a pilot project was run that aimed to provide fathers and toddlers an opportunity to come together in a nursery environment so that they could engage with others in a similar situation. The original organising group recognised there were a number of fathers in the area who were the sole carers of young children or who looked after their children while their spouse or partner worked. It was felt that there was no provision for them in the area and that a weekly drop in session would benefit them socially, help to improve their parenting skills, and allow them an opportunity to engage in a community setting.

Following on from the pilot a steering committee was formed that evaluated the early pilot and looked at the best way forward. Dads who attended the original pilot sessions were consulted so that their views were taken in consideration when developing the next steps to be taken. Like minded partners from the Early Years Team, Active Schools, Community Learning, NHS Highland, Atlantis Leisure and other Argyll & Bute Council services have all come together to launch the “Men Behaving Dadly” programme which will be based at Atlantis Leisure community sports centre.

The dads and toddler club will launch on Friday September 2nd running from 12:00 – 2:00 pm each week. The programme offers an excellent opportunity for dads and toddlers to come together and experience “mini movers gymnastics”, soft play area, sports and games, arts & crafts, & play. The sessions will also be supported by the partner agencies and a qualified child care and education worker will be on hand each week. Admission is free for the first session and after that it will only cost £2.50 per week to attend.

The “Men Behaving Dadly” programme demonstrates the quality partnership work going on in the Oban area and offers a chance for dads and toddlers to meet have fun and socialise in a fantastic community setting. It is hoped that this exciting new programme will address the lack of provision for dads in the area and will promote healthy relationships between the dads, toddlers, staff, and providers.

Annual Pink Aerobics - Saturday 10th September

Photo - courtesy of The Oban Times

Atlantis Community Leisure Centre takes on the Pink Aerobics challenge for it's 3rd year in a row. Hopefully, over 100 participants from the Oban area will be performing their 'grapevine' and their 'box step' in pink in aid of the Pink Ribbon Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness.

The ladies will push themselves with a mixture of Zumba, Body Attack, Body Balance, Body Pump and much more for 2 hours on Saturday 10th September at 11 am. Women of all fitness levels can take part as low and high options will be given throughout. This is to raise more money to relieve the needs of people who are suffering from, or who are, or have been affected by breast cancer.

Karen said " We are hoping for a huge turn out at our Pink Aerobics event. It is a really simple way for women to get involved in fundraising without having to give up weeks of your life training. This event is open to women of all fitness levels - so if you are available, please come along, have fun and raise money for this great cause . Over the last couple of years we have raised over £4,000 which is a fantastic amount."

Sponsor forms can be collected from Atlantis Leisure reception desk. For more information contact Karen MacInnes on 01631 566800.