Commonwealth countdown to include Shetland Sports Week

The SIC’s sport and leisure service has been awarded funding from Games for Scotland to celebrate the diversity of club sports in Shetland.

Games for Scotland is a programme of events designed to inspire, motivate and engage people in sport and celebrate the countdown to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014.

Shetland Sports Week will run from 3rd-9th September and will give everyone in Shetland an opportunity to watch and take part in a wide range of sporting activities and get involved in celebrating the 2014 games.

SIC head of active schools Philip Ashley-Smith hopes the week will encourage those not normally involved in sports to “have a go” and find out the benefits of a more active lifestyle.

“We want to raise the profile of Shetland’s sports clubs to let people see the range of activities that are available locally,” he said. “There will be a real mix of events to watch, take part in and sign up for and everyone can get involved because it is for all ages and all abilities.”

The event is inspired by 14 of the Commonwealth sports and centres around the theme “what can sport do for you?”. The council wants people to be inspired to try new activities after talking to members of local clubs.

“There will be taster sessions and the opportunity to speak to people about their experiences of sport and what they get out of it,” Mr Ashley-Smith said.

“Some people may just think that sport isn’t for them; perhaps they had a bad experience at school or feel they aren’t fit enough to join in. But when you actually have a go, the rewards are clear to see – you feel better, both physically and mentally, you become healthier, and importantly have fun being part of a team.”

The week will kick off with an opening ceremony at Clickimin on Saturday 3rd September, including a gymnastics display, netball match and exhibitions from some of the clubs.

Event Scotland’s chief operating officer Paul Bush said the week “epitomises what the Games for Scotland programme has been designed to accomplish” which “promises to be a fantastic event”.

You can find out more information on the Shetland Sports Week webpage at www.shetland.gov.uk/sport/ShetlandsSportsWeek.asp