As the world’s best surfers prepare to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games, keen surfer Ceitlin Lilidh presents a new BBC ALBA series on the world history of surfing.
From the super waves of Tahiti to the winter wave challenges of Thurso – and now, the Olympics – BBC ALBA journeys through the rich spirituality, sport and culture of surfing in Surfing: Marcachd an Tuinn/Riding the Wave.
Airing on Tuesday 23 July at 9pm, the two-part documentary is the latest series from producers MacTV, co-produced with French company Yami2 and directed by John Murdo MacAulay.
Producer Ann Morrison said: “It’s much more than a sport to the people of Tahiti where surfing was born, it is an expression of the culture – the culture of the people of the water, the Polynesians.
“While much of the rich culture and history of the Polynesian people was almost wiped out, thanks to guardians like Tom Pōhaku Stone, the traditions of dancing on wooden boards was passed on to future generations and to the rest of the world where it is now practiced by tens of millions of enthusiasts.”
From being an exotic distraction for Westerners vacationing in Hawaii in the early 20th century, to exploding on the west coast of America as part of the burgeoning California beach scene, it didn’t take long for surfing to reach the cold Scottish shores as a brave few donned their swimming gear and makeshift surfboards.
Margaret Cameron, MG ALBA director of content, added: “Surfing has taken the sporting world by storm – so much so that it has now earned its place at the Olympics.
“After making its debut appearance at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, it’s now a firm fixture in the Olympic schedule. We’re excited to share the history of surfing with audiences across the country before we keenly watch how its next chapter plays out at the Paris Olympic Games later this month.”
Join Ceitlin Lilidh for a whirlwind world history of surfing – covering everything from the spirituality, celebrity, fashion and fun of the sport, with Surfing: Marcachd an Tuinn/Riding the Wave premiering on BBC ALBA and iPlayer on Tuesday 23 July at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles).
The second part will air on Tuesday 30 July. Watch live or on demand:
THURSDAY saw the conclusion of the Sprint World Orienteering Championships (www.woc2024.org) which took place in Edinburgh.
The city welcomed over 3,000 fans across the week with start and finish venues at Princes Street, Heriot-Watt University and Saint John Street. Locals and orienteering fans alike came to cheer on the competitors, marking another successful world sporting event for Scotland.
Over 250 world class athletes from 45 countries competed in the event and the inaugural ‘WOC Tour’ participation race also proved a huge success, as 1200 people from across the orienteering and Scotland community signed up to take part in multiple events over the course of five days.
The GB team also saw success across the week with Megan Carter Davies competing in the Sprint Knockout final, she finished fifth narrowly missing out on the medals, while Grace Molloy also secured a 6th place in the individual sprint on Friday afternoon.
Andy Mitchelmore, Event Director at WOC 2024, said: “We are absolutely delighted at the success of WOC 2024. I can’t thank everyone enough for making the last few days an unforgettable experience.
“To see so many people come out to watch Orienteering in this fantastic city has been overwhelming. Whether that has been just to watch the athletes, compete in our amazing WOC Tour races or to enjoy the atmosphere, everyone has played their part.
“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our amazingly hard-working staff and all our volunteers who have worked tremendously hard and without whom the event would not have been successful.
“Also, to all our stakeholders and commercial partners who have played an integral role in bringing this event to life. In particular, Event Scotland, Edinburgh City Council, British Orienteering Federation, Scottish Orienteering Association and the Scottish Orienteering six-day event Company Ltd for their unwavering support.
“The hope is that we have now created a legacy for the sport’s future and helped put orienteering on the map in Scotland.”
Paul Bush OBE, Visit Scotland Director of Events, said: “Edinburgh has provided the perfect stage for the Sprint World Orienteering Championships 2024. Our capital city has certainly never seen anything like this before as athletes raced through our medieval tenements, narrow and intricate alleys and sweeping landscapes in search of World Championships glory.
“Scotland is one of the best places in the world to experience events and the successful delivery of the Sprint World Orienteering Championships reinforces our reputation for delivering innovative and world-class events.
“Thank you to the organisers, partners, volunteers and most importantly the athletes for making this a truly memorable event.”
Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron said: “It has been a delight to welcome, and to watch, the world’s best orienteers compete in elite sprint races across our city.
“Hosting the Sprint World Orienteering Championships has not only showcased Edinburgh to the world but also the wonderful, exciting, outdoor sport of orienteering – the mental and physical skills it involves, and the health and wellbeing benefits it offers participants of all ages and abilities.
“I hope Edinburgh residents, visitors and spectators alike will have been inspired to give orienteering a go. My warmest congratulations and gratitude go to all the competitors, medallists, and everyone involved in making WOC24 such a terrific success.”
The activity across the week has also seen Scotland embrace the family feel the event has brought to the city, with free activities on offer throughout the week, including orienteering mazes, fun ‘come and try’ races and all the action on live screens in major locations across the city.
The event has been hugely successful in attracting commercial partners across the city and beyond. Many of which provided the base for the event to be a success.
1500 sandwiches were provided by Scotmid Co-op, 2200 snack bars by Nairn’s, 4000 water bottles from Actiph Water and 1500 Sausage rolls were given to the event from PieSports.com. Eight kilt sets for ceremonies were also provided by Gordon Nicholson Kiltmakers, while SOS provided all the essential printing requirements for the event and Cullen Property also supported the event throughout.
To see all the results visit WOC 2024. WOC 2024 highlights can be found on www.eurovisionsport.com, the European Broadcasting Union (IBU)’s new free streaming platform and on the IOF YouTube channel.
One of Musselburgh Racecourse’s most popular family events returns on Tuesday (23 JUL) with the Luca’s Ice Cream Family Raceday.
On the turf seven competitive Flat races will keep the adults on their toes but off the track a whole host of fun activities will entertain younger family members.
Gates open at noon and one hour before the first race (provisionally scheduled for 2.15pm) the next generation of jockeys will compete in pony races, while a dedicated Clip Clop zone offers free fairground rides for all ages and free face painting.
Hosted with support of Honest Toun ice cream producer Luca, each child will receive a free ice cream – more than 1,200 were handed out last year.
The day will also feature the Mini Queen’s Cup which will see 5 year olds take to the track on happy hopper inflatables.
Musselburgh Racecourse’s Head of Marketing, Aisling Johnston, said: “We know the kids love to dance so we have organised a kid’s disco which will take place in between the racing throughout the day.
“For the pony loving children or those youngsters who want to try their hand at horse riding, we will also have free pony rides.”
Two of Australia’s favourite furry TV pups will also make a popular return to the East Lothian track to say “g’day” to young racegoers.
Aisling added: “Luca’s Ice Cream have kindly donated one free ice cream per child, and with free entry for children aged 17 years and under when accompanied by an adult, it really is the perfect day out for all the family.”
Gates open at noon on Tuesday, first race is scheduled for 2.15pm and the last race at 5.20pm. A courtesy bus from Wallyford and Newcraighall rail stations will take racegoers to and from the racecourse.
Expert on how to cope with the disappointment of England’s defeat – and why singing is the perfect way to banish the disappointment of England’s loss to Spain:
AFTER days of expectation we now know … it’s NOT coming home.
And the washout summer is unlikely to lift the mood in the wake of England’s defeat against Spain.
But according to a leading mental health expert the disappointment millions are now feeling isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
And, channelled in the right way, Nathan Sherman, the director of therapy and training at Red Umbrella says, it can be turned into a positive.
Here, Nathan, a qualified psychotherapist and counsellor with a background in private practice and 10+ years of experience in the field, offers his advice on how fans can cope with the aftermath of Sunday night’s defeat.
And one of his tips for coping is singing.
“A surprisingly good way of releasing disappointment and frustration is actually singing,” he says. “Singing releases emotion, including anger, so put that favourite song on in the car, turn the volume up, and sing like no one is listening.”
Why do people get so disappointed in the aftermath of a sporting defeat?
Nathan says: “Disappointment is a normal human emotion to feel, but in many ways it can be healthy and helpful – disappointment might drive us to try harder, practice more and grow as a person.
It also helps us appreciate the wins more; if we always won at everything it would probably feel quite shallow and unsatisfying.
We experience a more emotional response when we attach more meaning to something. If it matters to me, I’m going to feel more disappointment if it goes wrong than if I don’t think something is that important. Sport is emotive to us because we value it – the camaraderie, the value we place on success, and how we view our national identity.
The England team represent us, we vicariously live their glories. Very few of us get to compete on a global stage, so we attach meaning to the actions of those who we feel represent us, as a way to experience some of that glory. Of course, when they lose, we feel the disappointment and loss just as keenly.”
How can we channel disappointment in a more positive way?
“Start by remembering, firstly, disappointment isn’t a bad thing. We like to attach meaning to emotions – this one is good, this one is bad, but all feelings are valid. The first thing we can do to help is talk through what we’re feeling.
“Bottling up disappointment not only helps it to build, but can easily turn that disappointment into anger and resentment.
“Firstly, we should talk it through with someone we trust, who is going to allow space for us to feel disappointed. Secondly, we should allow ourselves the space to feel this. It’s okay to feel this way in the day or two after the final.
“We don’t want it to last forever, and the feelings will subside, but for now, giving ourselves permission to feel what we feel is important. Thirdly, don’t fixate on the negatives. The team might have lost, but they also reached a second consecutive final. They are competing at the highest level and that’s a positive thing.
“We felt the disappointment of losing, but also the joys of winning along the way, of scoring goals and celebrating success.”
How can you avoid disappointment leading to anger?
“It’s easy to get angry when we feel powerless, as none of us could control the result. Many people may feel upset at the result, and for men in particular, upset is not an emotion we’ve been allowed to express. So that upset turns to anger instead, because that’s been seen as a more acceptable emotion.
“Start by asking yourself if you really feel angry, or if you actually just feel sad. Recognising and expressing the right emotion is important. If you do feel angry, safe physical expression can help. Going for a walk, kicking a ball in a park, clenching and unclenching your fists or punching a pillow can all help express the physical energy of anger safely.”
What strategies can people have in place to avoid disappointment and overcome it?
“How we perceive disappointment can help with how we feel about it. If I told you that I could see the future and that England would lose in the next two major tournaments, but win the third, how would you feel about the next two tournaments? Probably some disappointment, but maybe not so much because you’d see it as one step closer to the one they would win.
“Seeing progress as a journey, not an end point, and knowing that losing helps us to grow and develop and often then leads to success, can change how we feel in the moment. Focusing on the good that we have experienced rather than the end point can shift how we feel, too.
How exciting was it to see young players performing well? How did we feel when England scored? What we choose to remember and focus on matters.”
When should you start to worry about the way you are feeling?
“Disappointment is normal to feel – but if that feeling persists longer than a few days, it’s best to reach out for help and support. Sometimes we might just need to have an outlet for our feelings, but if we weren’t feeling great to begin with, a disappointment like this can be the trigger for something more serious.
“Don’t be embarrassed or afraid to reach out for help. It might feel like something we ‘should’ cope with, but everyone is unique and we all respond differently. It’s okay to not be okay.
“Disappointment can feel worse if we’ve experienced other disappointments recently too. So, while we might think we don’t care that much about the football result, maybe that’s coming on top of a missed promotion at work, a relationship breakup, or any other kind of loss or disappointment.
“If you start to feel like you’re not quite yourself and you can’t work out why, because the football wasn’t that big of a deal to you, be aware that it could just be the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
About Nathan Shearman
Nathan Shearman is the director of therapy and training at Red Umbrella, an organisation that’s improving the mental wellbeing of the UK workforce by working in partnership with large employers to deliver bespoke mental health training and support solutions.
Nathan is a qualified psychotherapist and counsellor with a background in private practice and 10+ years of experience in the field.
Tennis fever may be over but as the world hots up for the next big sporting occasion, Paris 2024, Edinburgh Leisure is encouraging kids to go for gold this summer with their own mini-games challenge.
Featuring a variety of kids and family summer activities including AquaDash, Clip n’ Climb, soft play, Come & Try Coaching sessions, Holiday Camp & Coaching programme, racquet sports and more, kids are being encouraged to try as many activities as possible to complete a Game Card, which will be entered into a prize draw for some amazing prizes.
Go for Gold Game cards can be picked up from any participating Edinburgh Leisure venue. Each game card has a 5 x 5 grid of activities. Once an activity is completed, children will receive a bespoke gold sticker to fill their card. After completing at least one activity from each column, the finished card can be submitted at any participating venue to enter a prize draw.
The prize draw will take place during the week commencing 19 August.
*There will be three winners who can choose from a choice of:
Soft play membership for one month for up to 2 children
Clip ‘n Climb for 2 children or 1 adult and 1 child
Aquadash for 2
1-1 35-minute dive lesson with European Junior Athlete
Angela McGowan, Edinburgh Leisure’s Coaching Programme Manager said: “Few of us will ever be Olympians, but we know that keeping active is good for everyone and our Go For Gold summer mini games is Edinburgh Leisure’s way of encouraging kids to get the active habit in a fun and sociable way during the summer holidays, while encouraging kids to achieve their own medal.”
The Go For Gold promotion will run at most Edinburgh Leisure venues from 15 July – 11 August 2024.
Pub and bar licensing hours extended tonight after England reach the final of the UEFA European Football Championship
TONIGHT (Sunday 14 July), pubs and bars across England and Wales can keep their doors open until 1am as England bid to become champions of Europe, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has confirmed.
Following the Three Lions’ emphatic (Eh? – Never a penalty! – Ed.) semi-final win on Wednesday night, the team is set to go head to head with Spain in the final of the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship.
The heavyweight clash will kick off at 8pm, with fans up and down the country coming together to show their support.
Pub licensing hours can be relaxed to mark occasions of “exceptional national significance”, meaning pubs and bars will be able to stay open for an extra 2 hours tonight.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “We’re so proud of Gareth Southgate and the England team. It’s right that we can all come together tomorrow to enjoy the match and—do we dare to dream?!—hopefully celebrate an England victory.
“I want to pay special thanks to the police officers and first responders who will be working across communities to keep us safe.
“I look forward to getting behind all our brilliant players, who bring so much pride to our country, and I want to wish the team the best of luck. Let’s bring it home.”
As well as bringing fans together for longer, tomorrow night’s extension is due to be a welcomed boost to the hospitality industry.
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “As with the semi-finals, pubs will be licensed to stay open until 1am on Sunday night and thanks to the Home Office for making the changes to the licensing rules for allowing this to happen.
“The changes give fans even more time to enjoy the game, support our pubs and hopefully celebrate football finally coming home.
“Fans have shown us resoundingly this tournament that there is no better place to watch our teams and soak up the atmosphere than the great British pub. This Sunday the BBPA urges everyone to get down their local, support our pubs and get behind the boys. Come on England!”
UK Hospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “The Euros have provided a huge boost for hospitality businesses this summer, as fans pack pubs, bars and fan zones to come together and cheer on the home nations.
The extended licensing hours for the final will allow venues and fans to take advantage of the occasion, and hopefully celebrate an historic England win.”
IN THE INTEREST OF BALANCE IT’S ONLY FAIR TO SAY THAT NOT EVERYONE IN THE BRITISH ISLES IS LOOKING FORWARD TO ‘AN HISTORIC ENGLAND WIN’:
MAY the best – and not just the luckiest – team win tonight! – Ed.
THREE Scottish athletes will proudly pull on their Great Britain vests later this week as they represent their country at the Sprint World Orienteering Championships (www.woc2024.org), taking place in Edinburgh from 12-16 July.
Brother and sister Peter and Grace Molloy from Linlithgow and Freddie Carcas from Edinburgh will form a GB team of 10 athletes, as they take part in five days racing in the Capital.
Often thought of as a countryside sport, WOC 2024 will be staged in the intricate urban terrain Edinburgh has to offer, with the capital’s iconic landmarks providing the perfect backdrop for the elite courses.
The event is yet another opportunity for the public to watch elite sport in the capital – but this time for free. Fans will be able to watch the world’s best orienteering athletes tackle challenging routes which weave through the city’s historical and cultural attractions while enjoying a fun day out with the family.
There are free family activities are on offer throughout the week, including orienteering mazes, fun races and all the action on live screens. The orienteering maze and big screen will feature in Princes Street Garden on Friday (12 July), followed by fun races for kids and adults alike at The Meadows, as well as another orienteering maze, from Saturday 13 July until Monday 15 July.
With Great Britain finishing second in the medal table at the last Sprint World Orienteering Championships in Denmark in 2022, the host nation will be looking to go one better and top the table.
Grace Molloy from Linlithgow who is in contention for one of the top places explained how she is feeling about competing in front her home crowd: “I’m excited to race in a city as iconic as Edinburgh, especially as it is 30 minutes from my home, and I’m looking forward to truly challenging the best athletes in the world.
“This is the first WOC where I’ve had the speed to match the top women and I’m hoping to achieve top 10 positions in the individual races and a medal in the relay.”
The five-day orienteering festival also features amateur races for all ages and levels, with competitors as young as 10 and some in their 80s. The ‘WOC Tour’ will allow competitors, from those relatively new to the sport up to experienced recreational athletes, to experience the best of urban orienteering.
The first elite races will be the Individual Sprint taking place in Leith on the morning of Friday 12th July, with finals in the afternoon finishing in Princes Street Gardens. The action continues on Sunday 14th July at Heriot Watt University with the Team Sprint Relay.
On Tuesday 16th July the Knockout Sprint qualifications take place at Wester Hailes with the finals finishing on St John Street in Central Edinburgh.
WOC 2024 will be broadcast on Eurovision Sport (www.eurovisionsport.com), the European Broadcasting Union (IBU)’s new free streaming platform and on the IOF YouTube channel.
Scotland’s European Championships are officially over following a heart-breaking 100th minute defeat at the hands of Hungary.
But while 200,000 Scottish fans will be feeling the hangover of an underwhelming tournament, Euro 2024 continues in Germany and the question is, who are they supporting as their second team for the remainder of the competition?
Betway conducted data through social media tool Brandwatch to determine which teams remaining have received the most positive comments online since Euro 2024 started.
The positive sentimental data can reveal the following for fans in Scotland:
Hosts Germany have 4,792 positive comments, putting them in first place.
Arch-rivals England are in second place with 4,354.
France, Ukraine and Spain complete the top five while Hungary, who knocked Scotland out, are in sixth spot.
The top 10 most popular teams for Euro 2024 in Scotland are as follows:
Rank
Team
Positive Sentimental Data
1
Germany
4,792
2
England
4,354
3
France
1,509
4
Ukraine
1,345
5
Spain
765
6
Hungary
762
7
Portugal
740
8
Switzerland
720
9
Italy
619
10
Denmark
419
ENGLAND? Shurely shome mistake! It’s Austria for me! – Ed.
After a dramatic draw against Switzerland, Scotland go in to tonight’s match against Hungary in Stuttgart knowing that a win is needed if Steve Clarke’s side are to have a chance of making history by progressing to the knock-out stages of a major tournament for the first time ever.
After the bitter disappointment in Munich in the opener against Germany, Scotland were much-improved in an entertaining draw against the Swiss.
Scott McTominay broke the deadlock, smashing home from the edge of the box via a deflection, after a swift counter-attack, before Xherdan Shaqiri curled home a stunning equaliser.
Scotland returned to their picturesque base in the Bavarian Alps on Thursday, where Steve Clarke’s squad recovered from the exertions of Wednesday night and prepared for their crucial final match of Group A.
Team news:
Scotland have suffered a blow with Kieran Tierney – who was stretchered off on Wednesday night – being ruled out of EURO 2024 through injury.
Ryan Porteous also remains unavailable as he serves the second game of his suspension, while Ryan Jack’s fitness is being monitored as well.
Scotland assistant coach John Carver addressed the media on Friday in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and issued the following words of encouragement to his players: “Let’s see how the game develops and plays out but if we do it we will be the first team to do it and people will remember the team to do it for the first time.
“That’s what they have to think about in the back of their minds. These guys have got us to this tournament and we deserve to be there.
“They have put all the work and effort in to get us to where we are – why can’t we go one step further and take it to that next level? Because that’s what we want, we all want that and there is no reason why we can’t after what we saw a couple of days ago.”
The assistant coach also reflected on the performance of the Tartan Army in Cologne and the rousing rendition of the anthem, in particular, adding: “When I listened to Flower of Scotland – and I am getting a little emotional here – it was the loudest I have ever heard.
“It brought a lump to my throat. If that can’t inspire these guys after that they did the other then …
“We might get beat because the opposition is better than us but it won’t be for the want of trying.”
Defender Hendry also spoke to the press, looking back on Wednesday night and looking forward to the crunch clash against Hungary. He said “It was an action-packed evening, a very emotional evening.
“We obviously felt we had to put in a performance and I think we did that. Obviously a massive contrast and hopefully we can continue this momentum.
“It felt good, we felt we gave a bit of justice in the performance and hopefully we made the county a bit more proud than they felt after the evening against Germany.
“There is a lot to look forward to now. Obviously it is in our hands and it is something to really relish.”
“The squad is aware that have never got out of a group before so this squad is hungry to change that. The squad is determined to make history on Sunday against Hungary.”
Heading to the game?
For the supporters who are travelling to the Stuttgart Arena, have a look at UEFA’s guide to Stuttgart for advice on travel, getting to the stadium and things to do in the host city. (If you’re reading this in Germany, hopefully you’re in Stuttgart already! – Ed.)
Where to watch
The match will be broadcast live on BBC One with coverage starting at 7pm in the UK. Gabby Logan will be presenting, with punditry from David Moyes, Alan Shearer and Rachel Corsie.
