Summer at Atlantis has a character all of its own - longer days, busier pools, sound filling every corner of the building, and a team working flat out to make it all happen. Here's what's been going on behind the scenes at your community-run, charity leisure centre:
Staff News - ‘the team behind the action’
We have a bumper staff update for you this time around! - starting with a very warm welcome to Allan Wright, who has joined the Atlantis team as Assistant Manager. Allan brings over seventeen years of experience in sport, physical activity and community development across Argyll & Bute - including roles as Community Sports Hub Officer with LiveArgyll, Active Schools Coordinator for Oban, Lorn & Isles, and Rugby Development Officer for the region. He arrives with a wealth of knowledge and a strong network of connections across the area, and we're delighted to have him on board.
Congratulations are also due to Emily and Anna, who have both been awarded new full-time contracts - a well-deserved recognition of everything they bring to the team.
On the qualifications front, Katie and Kirsteen have both successfully completed their Swimming Teacher Qualification, and a further group of staff - joined by colleagues from MacPool down in Lochgilphead - completed their National Pool Lifeguard Qualification course during the first week of June. Well done to everyone involved!
Community Programme - ‘our biggest summer yet!’
This summer we're running our most ambitious camps programme ever, with four different types of swimming camp alongside gymnastics and primary school camps. It's a huge undertaking and a real reflection of how far the programme has grown - we're proud to be offering more to more families than ever before.
Getting up close with the Clipper Race!
Clipper Race - ‘and they’re off!’
Back in February, we launched the Clipper 6,500km Community Challenge to count down to the Clipper Race's arrival in Oban - and what an arrival it was! Oban hosted a Festival of the Sea from 10th to 19th July, welcoming the fleet as they completed the 3,115 nautical mile crossing from Washington DC on the final ocean leg of their round-the-world journey. It was a spectacular occasion for the town and a fantastic finish line for our community challenge. Thank you to everyone who rowed, cycled and pedalled their way to that total - you were part of something special!
Centre Life - ‘know your building’
It’s been a busy period on the maintenance side of things. SportSafe completed a full inspection of the main hall equipment, giving us confidence that everything is in good shape for the busy months ahead. A new rear door and frame have been installed at the back pitch entrance, replacing the previous unit which had deteriorated over time. Internal painting and touch-up works have been completed throughout the facility - including the back studio and gym - giving the building a lovely freshen up. Finally, a new water fountain has been installed in the Dryside area. It’s been a bit of a ‘small additions + big difference’ period.
Out on the pitches, we've also taken delivery of new goals and new pickleball nets - keeping our outdoor offer in great shape for the season ahead.