Tag: Sport

Sporting Memories Club seeks volunteers to support older adults through sport

Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland (SMFS) and Edinburgh Leisure are calling for volunteers to help launch a new weekly club that tackles depression, dementia, and loneliness through the power of sport.

The proposed Sporting Memories Club would be based at Meadowbank, with plans to start in the new year, pending volunteer support.

Following a successful one-off session at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, to mark the launch of Edinburgh 900 exhibition, organisers are eager to establish a regular programme for older adults passionate about sports.

Volunteer Opportunity Highlights

The clubs are run by trained by Sporting Memories volunteers who use a wide range of Sporting Memories reminiscence resources developed specifically to help prompt conversation and discussion. There is always great fun and laughter, friendships are forged, and some remarkable sporting stories often emerge.

Sporting Memories has developed an innovative and engaging approach to tackling the challenges of our ageing society. Their work focuses on reducing loneliness and isolation; getting older people physically active; and helping people to live well with dementia.

Donna Mackey, Partnership Manager at SMFS, emphasised the need for volunteers: “We’re looking for people with a love of sport and some spare time. No expert sports knowledge is required – we’ll provide full training and resources.”

Key points for potential volunteers:

  • No specialised sports expertise needed
  • Comprehensive training will be provided
  • Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in community health
  • Support for older adults, including those living with dementia

Community Impact

Sam Scott from Edinburgh Leisure explained the broader significance: “These clubs support Edinburgh Leisure’s mission to keep people active and well, no matter what age or stage.

“Using the rich history and heritage of sport, we’re creating a space where older adults can connect, reminisce, and build friendships through their shared love of sport.”

The clubs offer:

  • A welcoming environment for sport enthusiasts
  • Opportunities to share sporting memories
  • Social connection and support
  • Activities designed to combat isolation and support mental well-being

Who Can Participate?

The club welcomes:

  • Older adults who enjoy talking about sport
  • Individuals living with dementia
  • Carers interested in supporting their loved ones’ social engagement

Contact Information

Volunteering Enquiries:

Donna Mackey, donna@thesmf.co.uk

Further information on running a club: 

https://www.sportingmemories.uk/volunteer/

Attendance Registrations:

Sam Scott, active@edinburghleisure.co.uk

Sean Woodburn Memorial Trust support for local footballers

Craigroyston Community Youth Football Club would like to take this opportunity to thank Denise Syme of the Shaun Woodburn Memorial Trust for their very generous donation of £1,465.

This donation will go towards helping our teams who are travelling to Craig Tara Tournament in May 2025.

The purpose of the Shaun Woodburn Memorial Trust was to raise funds for children up to 18 yrs of age and to help them in any sporting endeavour that they have. The fund is registered as an SCIO in Scotland and is registered with the appropriate government bodies.

The funds generated by the Trust will be used to help individuals, and clubs to purchase equiptment to be used in any sporting endeavour, football, rugby, hockey, basketball etc, these funds will only be used within Edinburgh and the Lothians and focusing on the more under priveliged areas of our community.

Shaun was a very talented young man, and not only in a sporting sense.

He regularly sponsored and mentored others in various ways , particularly fitness, and the trustees are all family and close friends of Shaun , and as such we are determined to keep his legacy going forward into the future.

Thank you from all at Craigroyston CYFC

Rising boxing star Lee McGregor prepares for career-defining moment at Meadowbank Sports Centre

Scottish boxer Lee McGregor is gearing up for the biggest fight of his career at the state-of-the-art Meadowbank Sports Centre, ahead of his upcoming bout on the high-profile Tyson Fury – Oleksandr Usyk world title rematch undercard in Saudi Arabia on 21 December.

Just days before his 28th birthday, McGregor sees this opportunity as the culmination of his lifelong boxing journey. He will face Isaac Lowe in what promises to be one of the most anticipated fights of the year.

McGregor has been meticulously preparing at Meadowbank, adapting his training schedule to match the fight’s timing in the Middle East. His camp has included diverse sparring partners from England, Glasgow, France, and Spain, ensuring comprehensive preparation for the crucial match.

The venue holds special significance for McGregor, who previously trained at Meadowbank’s amateur boxing club as a young kid, where he represented Meadowbank Amateur Boxing Club, training in the old gym.

“Being able to train back at Meadowbank with their state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated boxing gym, is incredible,” McGregor said. “It’s where my boxing journey began, and now I’m preparing for a world-class event.”

Josh Anderson, Operations Manager at Meadowbank Sports Centre said: “It’s been a huge privilege to welcome someone of Lee’s calibre to our facilities.  We’ve enjoyed meeting him, his team and sparring partners for his final training camp, ahead of what will be the biggest fight of his life. 

“We wish him all the best and will be rooting for him.”

The £47m Meadowbank Sports Centre, reopened in July 2022, represents a significant investment in community sports and wellness, offering expanded facilities to support physical activity and athletic development.

The new venue supports accessible participation and has improved indoor facilities including two multi-sport games halls with seating, three fitness studios and a gym with triple the number of exercise stations and a boxing gym, among its facilities.

Fans interested in boxing can explore Hatton Boxing classes through Edinburgh Leisure: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/hatton-boxing

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/meadowbank-sports-centre

Musselburgh Racecourse set for another successful Jumps Season

As Musselburgh Racecourse launched its nine fixture winter jumps season last week, things are already looking good for a potential capacity crowd New Year’s Day celebration.

Back-to-back fixtures on Thursday and Friday 28-29 November heralded the start of the Jumps season at the popular East Lothian track.

And with strong ticket sales for the traditional Virgin Bet New Year’s Day meeting, boss Bill Farnsworth is confidently looking forward to a repeat 6,500 sell-out, with additional covered tented facilities being added in case the weather fails to keep its part of the deal.

With two races featured on ITV1, highlights of the 1 January meeting are the £40,000 Virgin Bet Auld Reekie Handicap Chase and the equally competitive £30,000 Virgin Bet Hogmaneigh Handicap Hurdle.

“We expect it will be another sell-out so the message is, if you want to welcome in 2025 in the most exciting fashion and plan to celebrate New Year with us at Musselburgh, buy your tickets in advance,” said general manager Farnsworth.

The premier attraction of Musselburgh’s jumps season is the February favourite – the two-day bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials Weekend on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 February – which is an important staging post for leading trainers looking to compete at the famous Cheltenham and Aintree festivals in the Spring.

Musselburgh has hosted some great prospects over the years with many of the country’s top trainers happy to make the trip north to take on Scotland’s best home-trained horses. So much so that the BHA have signalled that the £100,000 bet365 Scottish Champion Chase, which is currently a Class 2 handicap chase, could be upgraded to a Class 1 event if it continues to perform so well.

Bill Farnsworth added: “It is one of the season’s best quality two-and-a-half mile handicap chases but it has to perform at that level for three consecutive years.

“It would be great to have that sitting alongside our other Grade 1 race over that weekend, the bet365 Scottish Triumph Hurdle, and we will be doing our best over the next few seasons to make that a reality.

“With the £75,000 bet365 Edinburgh National Handicap Race our feature race on the Sunday, we have again lined up a strong programme over two days which gives our race goers a genuine opportunity to get up close to future Cheltenham and Aintree champions.”

The Farmers Race Day on Sunday 16 February and the Go North Finals Race Day on Friday 21 March, which features four finals with £30,000 prize money for each, round off the National Hunt programme at Musselburgh.

For full fixture details and to book tickets, visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Quality assured for race goers at Musselburgh with new AA grading

Musselburgh Racecourse underlined its position as one of Scotland’s leading racecourses with an “exemplary” rating in four categories of a leading quality assurance scheme.

The East Lothian track received top tier rankings in the AA’s Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme, with an impressive overall score of 94.03% across all judged categories.

The AA’s Quality Assured Scheme has replaced the previous VisitScotland Quality Assured Scheme in which Musselburgh consistently achieved five star status each year.

The AA assessor found Musselburgh to be “exemplary” in four categories – Spotless and Sparkling, Staff Customer Services, Warmest Welcome and Taste of the Racecourses – Food.

The report said: “Musselburgh Racecourse is an appealing venue that offers regular racegoers, families, and casual visitors an excellent day out. The course is immaculately maintained, with a stunning coastal and countryside backdrop that creates an excellent first impression.”

The racecourse achieved a score of 94.4% in the general Racecourse assessment, 94.6% for its Catering, 95.2% for Bars, and an outstanding 98.8% for its Staff, which included customer care, efficiency and knowledge of the racecourse. In all other categories – Pre Arrival, Arrival & Departure, Cleanliness and Toilets, it was given a 90% approval rating.

The AA assessor said: “The staff at Musselburgh Racecourse play a significant role in creating a welcoming and enjoyable experience for visitors.

“From the moment visitors arrive, they are met with friendly and professional team members eager to assist and ensure everything runs smoothly throughout the visit. The level of customer service is impressive.

“The staff are approachable, polite, and well-informed about the races and the venue. Their warm and approachable nature makes visitors feel comfortable and well looked after. The hospitality staff, including those at the bars and restaurants, provide excellent service. They are attentive and ensure that food and drinks are served quickly and to a high standard.”

Musselburgh Racecourse Commercial & Operations Director, Sarah Montgomery, said: “The consistently high scoring across key categories underlines our commitment to giving race goers, owners and regular and casual visitors alike, an experience to remember when enjoying a day at the races at Musselburgh.

“The overall rating of 94% and 90% plus ratings across all categories in the AA’s Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme is the icing on the cake of another successful year for the racecourse.

“These ratings speak to the wonderful efforts of racecourse staff at all levels who pull together each and every race day to provide excellent service, value for money, and an enthusiasm which translates into a hard-to-beat visitor experience.

“We, of course, will take on board all of the AA’s recommendations and pointers to ensure we improve year on year and continue to perform at the highest level.”

Musselburgh Racecourse has consistently been recognised for the high standards it sets and in 2023 was named the UK’s Champion Racecourse in the industry-wide Racecourse Association’s Showcase Awards.

Free SAMH event to help boost physical activity and sport as a mental health solution in Edinburgh

Scotland’s largest mental health charity is hosting a free panel discussion exploring how physical activity and sport can help tackle the current mental health crisis.

SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) are inviting anyone involved in local sport, such as coaches, personal trainers, jog leaders and more, to join the event, hosted at the stunning Playfair Library Hall at the University of Edinburgh on Friday 29 November.

Speaking at the event will be Stuart Campbell, Director of the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow—the first major event in Scotland to pledge to Scotland’s Mental Health Charter. Stuart will be joined by Professor Larissa Davies, a specialist in the economic impact of sport and physical activity. Attendees will also hear first-hand from people with lived experience of mental health problems, and the role physical activity had in their recovery.

Stuart Campbell, Director of the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2024, said: “My goal is to highlight what can be achieved through a social impact campaign in partnership with a major sporting event. We need input from all corners of our communities to challenge us to improve.

“This is a chance to start working together to ensure that upcoming sporting events truly resonate and prioritise your best interests. A Scotland that values wellbeing, supports mental health, and cares for its citizens is a stronger, prouder, and more prosperous Scotland.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to create connections with industry peers, share best practice, spread awareness of their work and ask questions directly to our panel of leading experts during a Q&A session.

Professor Larissa Davies, Professor of Applied Sport Economics at the Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “Physical activity is an important preventative health tool for combating poor mental health. 

“Being active reduces the likelihood of depression and anxiety, as well as the risk of non-communicable health conditions such as dementia. In addition, it also improves life satisfaction and general wellbeing.

“The case for investing in physical activity to address Scotland’s mental health crisis has never been stronger.

“My research focuses on measuring and valuing the social value of sport and physical activity, including the impacts on health, wellbeing, and social capital, both in the UK and internationally.

“Recent projects include the new social value model for sport and physical activity in England, and a study of Gaelic Games on the island of Ireland.

“I am looking forward to sharing more about my social value research, which spans across more than 15 years.”

The event is delivered in partnership with sportscotland and the University of Edinburgh and is free to attend for anyone who is interested.

Sign-up here Active Lifestyles: A high impact, low cost mental health solution Tickets, Fri, Nov 29, 2024 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

Special offer from Civil Service Strollers

There are no SPFL games this weekend, so why not come to Christie Gillies Park on Marine Drive for your football fix?

You can watch The Strollers battle it out with Irvine Meadow XI for a place in the 5th round of the SFA South Challenge Cup.

As a special bonus for coming along, we’ll let you watch another home game for free!

Here’s how the offer works :-

send us a personal message to let us know your coming and which game you want to watch for free (choose from the list below),

check in at the gate this Saturday, and pay the relevant admission.

You can then look forward to your chosen free game!

Thats it!

We look forward to seeing you and are sure you’ll enjoy both games!

Thanks

Snooker’s biggest stars heading for Edinburgh

Snooker’s all-time greats head for the Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh next month for the BetVictor Scottish Open, with the star-studded line up and first round match schedule now confirmed.

Gary Wilson will be aiming to win the title for a third consecutive year, in a fantastic field which includes Scotland’s top player John Higgins, world number one Judd Trump, World Champion Kyren Wilson and many more green baize giants. The event runs from December 9th to 15th at the superb Meadowbank Sports Centre venue in the heart of Edinburgh.

Tickets are STILL AVAILABLE but must be booked fast now that the draw is out. They start at just £15 for one session, or £25 for an all-day ticket which gives fans the chance to watch a wide range of the world’s top stars. For all ticket details visit www.wst.tv/tickets

Gary Wilson, who beat Joe O’Connor in the 2022 final and Noppon Saengkham to retain the title in 2023, starts his defence against China’s Long Zehuang on the opening morning of the tournament on Monday December 9th.

Huge first round clashes over the first two days include:

Gary Wilson v Long Zehuang – – Monday December 9th at 10am

John Higgins v Ian Burns – Monday December 9th at 1pm

Mark Allen v He Guoqiang – Monday December 9th afternoon

Judd Trump v Ishpreet Singh Chadha – Monday December 9th at 7pm

Mark Williams v David Lilley – Monday December 9th evening

Kyren Wilson v David Grace – Tuesday December 10th at 1pm

Mark Selby v Stuart Carrington – Tuesday December 10th afternoon

Luca Brecel v Julien Leclercq – Tuesday December 10th afternoon

Shaun Murphy v Daniel Wells – Tuesday December 10th at 7pm

Ronnie O’Sullivan v Xing Zihao – Tuesday December 10th at 7pm

Neil Robertson v Fan Zhengyi – Tuesday December 10th evening

WST’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Tom Rowell said: “Edinburgh has proved a fantastic location for this event and the players have enjoyed packed crowds and a sensational atmosphere over the past two years.

“So we’re delighted to return to the Meadowbank Sports Centre especially with an incredibly strong line-up of our sport’s leading players. Tickets are already selling fast as this is the opportunity to watch world class sport from as little as £15. With such a high standard on the tour and so many epic matches already this season, there has never been a better time to watch snooker live.”

This is the third of four events in the BetVictor Home Nations Series, with the leading money winner across the series to bank an extra £150,000 bonus. Neil Robertson currently leads the way, just ahead of Kyren Wilson, with Judd Trump third. So there’s plenty at stake aside from the battle for the Stephen Hendry Trophy in Edinburgh.

The BetVictor Scottish Open is televised by Eurosport, discovery+, DMAX and many other broadcasters worldwide.

Eric Liddell’s legacy lives on

‘THE FLYING SCOTSMAN’S’ INSPIRING STORY IS CELEBRATED AT THE NATIONAL ERIC LIDDELL AWARDS

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, presented eight winners with the National Eric Liddell Award, with Eric Liddell’s daughter and Scottish Rugby Icon, Chris Paterson, in attendance.

On Friday, November 1, 2024, over 360 guests gathered at George Watson’s College for the National Eric Liddell Awards presented by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. The awards celebrated some of the outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to Scotland’s athletics, sports and community work.  

The Eric Liddell 100, which is led by The Eric Liddell Community, partnered with four other organisations throughout 2024 – Scottish Athletics, Youthlink Scotland, Scottish Rugby, and Scottish Disability Sport to honour individuals who have demonstrated the charity’s core values of passion, compassion, and integrity. 

Throughout the year, 100 individuals have been recognised with ‘Eric Liddell Recognition Awards,’ receiving a unique pin badge and certificate. Each of the five organisations nominated one individual to attend the National Eric Liddell Awards with Jamie Murchie from Largs Academy nominated by Scottish Rugby, Luke Davidson of Inverness Harriers nominated by Scottish Athletics, Orlagh MacIver from the Black Isle nominated by Youthlink Scotland (above), Andy Biggar from Edinburgh nominated by The Eric Liddell Community, and Ron McArthur, from Forth Valley nominated by Scottish Disability Sport. 

Additional awards were also presented during the evening by the event’s Gold Sponsors Optos, with The Optos Science and Technology Award being awarded to The Data Education and Schools Project, run by The University of Edinburgh and received by Professor Judy Robertson and Jo Spiller.  

Scottish Olympians, Eilish McColgan and Stephen McGuire were also recognised with Eric Liddell Sporting Achievement Awards, recognising Eilish’s participation in four Olympics and Stephen’s Gold Medal success in the Paris Paralympics this summer.  

Launched by The Eric Liddell Community charity, The Eric Liddell 100 campaign honours the centenary of The Flying Scotsman’s famous Olympic Gold medal in Paris 1924, 100 years on, celebrating the life, sporting and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s iconic figures through a series of initiatives, events and activities, with the final event of 2024 being the National Eric Liddell 100 Awards. 

The awards were hosted by Sally Magnusson – respected broadcaster and author of ‘The Flying Scotsman: The Eric Liddell Story’ – and sports broadcaster David Tanner.

Throughout the evening, Sally Magnusson shared stories behind the creation of her brilliant book on Liddell, ‘The Flying Scotsman’, nodding to important people in attendance on the evening, including Patricia Liddell Russell, Eric’s Daughter, and Sue Liddell Caton, Eric’s Niece. 

John MacMillan, Chief Executive Officer of The Eric Liddell Community, said: “The National Eric Liddell Awards were an incredible finale to what has been an unforgettable year celebrating Eric Liddell’s legacy.

“We were absolutely delighted to honour the eight award winners at the National Eric Liddell Awards and thrilled to have such esteemed hosts, along with the presence of our Patron, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, to mark this special occasion. 

“This is the first year of these awards, and we hope to make this a bi-annual tradition, continuing to commemorate Eric Liddell’s legacy.”  

In her welcome message for the National Eric Liddell Awards Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, said: “As Patron of Eric Liddell 100 it has been a pleasure to recognise and celebrate the life, sporting and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s and the UK’s most remarkable individuals, ‘The Flying Scotsman’ Eric Liddell.

“The 2024 Olympics took place in Paris, 100 years since his Gold medal success at the 1924 Games in the same city. This provides us with an opportunity to remember, and share, his remarkable story.

This celebration highlights not only his sporting achievements but also his life, beliefs, and the legacy he left behind, which continues to inspire people around the globe.” 

As the centenary year of Eric Liddell’s Gold medal win in the 1924 Paris Olympics comes to an end, the work accomplished in 2024 will ensure that Eric Liddell’s Legacy will live on for generations to come.

To find out more about Eric Liddell 100 please visit: 

https://ericliddell.org/the-eric-liddell-100/  

Gregor Townsend enjoys friendly rivalry with Fijian veteran at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory

The Scottish Rugby coach chatted with Rav Ravutia about the upcoming Scotland V Fiji match at Murrayfield to be played today – Saturday, November 2 with a 5.40pm KO

Scotland international rugby coach Gregor Townsend enjoyed some friendly rivalry as he chatted with a Fijian veteran, whilst launching the Scottish Poppy Appeal 2024.

The rugby legend was visiting Lady’s Haig Poppy Factory in Edinburgh when he was introduced to staff member, Fijian national Rav Ravutia, ahead of his side’s Nations Series opener against Fiji on November 2.

Aswell as discussing the upcoming match, Gregor was interested to hear about Rav’s story and how he came to serve in Scotland and later work for Poppyscotland.

Rav, 51, was first introduced to Scotland after visiting the capital with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Band who were invited to perform in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 1998.

Upon returning to his homeland, the following year Rav resigned from the Fijian Army after eight and a half years service and flew to Scotland to sign up for the British Army.

Serving from 1999 to 2023, Rav was a member of the Royal Scots and later the Adjutant General Corps. 

After leaving the Army he was a member of the Royal Scots Regimental Association Fijian branch in Edinburgh but found himself unemployed and with a forces disability was unsure where to turn.

With the help of fellow veteran friends, Rav was introduced to Poppyscotland.

Rav said: “Last year I was introduced to the work of Poppyscotland and very quickly was made extremely welcome. That is when I began my new career here as a veteran poppy and wreath maker.

“It is an absolute honour to work for this charity and goes to show just one of the many ways they can help veterans following service.”

Rav continued: “It was great to meet Scotland international coach Mr Townsend as he launched the Poppy Appeal and in particular ahead of Scotland playing my national team Fiji next month. We spoke about my time in the army and of course had some good chat about the rugby. In fact, I asked him to please go soft on Fiji!”

Gregor said: “It was a real privilege to meet the veterans at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory upon launching the Scottish Poppy Appeal, and great to meet Rav and share some friendly rivalry ahead of our Nations opener with Fiji.

“Every year Poppyscotland supports hundreds of veterans and their families, helping them live life fully after service.

“Show them you care, wear a poppy. Your donation can change lives for our Armed Forces community.”

The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with more than three million poppies already being distributed around the country.

The money raised from the Appeal has enabled Poppyscotland to help countless men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the Armed Forces or with struggles adjusting from military to civilian life.People can find out more and support the Scottish Poppy Appeal at www.poppyscotland.org.uk.