The beginning of a sporting summer

Shetland’s ‘Summer of Sport’ begins today, with a wide variety of events running right through until the end of August.

The Scottish government and Event Scotland have launched this year’s Games for Scotland programme across the country in the countdown to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, and as part of that programme the SIC’s sport and leisure service has secured £10,000 worth of funding to host a ‘Shetland Summer of Sport’. 

There will be school sports events, a midsummer cycle and sportive, summer holiday programme working with sports clubs and associations, community sports hub open days, a schools dance programme. Significant local sport fixtures and events over the summer months will also be promoted. 

A key highlight will take place on 23rd July to mark one year to go until the start of the Commonwealth Games, when Shetland’s event organisers are planning a family picnic in Gilbertson Park with activities such as mountain biking and mini-athletics, crafts and flag painting, music and an opportunity to meet some of Shetland’s sport representative squads. The organising team are also inviting two high profile athletes to visit Shetland to inspire young people to take part in more sport.

SIC’s active schools manager and project leader James Johnston said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of Shetland Summer of Sport 2013, and we are looking forward to working with sports clubs and associations over the summer to give everyone an opportunity to support local sports events and participate in a range of activities across the isles. 

“We are particularly looking forward to 23rd July when we are inviting everyone to pack a picnic and come and socialise in the Gilbertson Park, marking the occasion of ‘one year to go’ until the start of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. We are busy putting the events together and you can view the diary of events on the sport and leisure pages of the council website at www.shetland.gov.uk/sport_and_leisure and follow our progress on Facebook and through the council’s twitter feed.”

Co-ordinating the programme around the rural leisure centres, health and fitness manager with Shetland Recreational Trust Diane Legget said: “Shetland Summer of Sport is a chance to throw open our leisure centre doors to everyone and provide opportunities for clubs and organisations to attract new members through a variety of taster sessions. There will be community sports hub open days as well as activities for all ages to encourage people to adopt a healthier lifestyle.”