Behind The Scenes @ Atlantis
Signs of spring are in the air as we look back on March at Oban’s Atlantis Leisure.
It’s been another busy month as the gradually lighter days and increasing temperatures remind us of the perks of brighter times just ahead.
Read on to find out some of what has been going on in your community health and leisure centre.
Community news: Representing Oban on the global stage
We’ve teamed up with Oban Lorne Rugby Football Club (OLRFC) men’s 1st XV to help them get the extra training they need for the first Amateur Rugby World Cup where they will represent Scotland in France this September.
This is a fantastic achievement for OLRFC that puts Oban on the international map. The team is planning several fundraising events over the next five months to raise money to fund their trip to France. Keep an eye online for links to support them.
Our work with OLRFC is part of our Elite Squad activity. Since Atlantis’ beginnings, we’ve sought to support high potential athletes in the area with the financial burden associated with the use of training facilities.
Our Elite Squad programme provides discounted access to our facilities, enabling talented sportspeople to train and reach their full potential more easily. Members of the Elite Squad are required to be competing in their sport at a regional level.
For more information and how to apply for our Elite Memberships, visit www.atlantisleisure.co.uk/memberships
Staff news: the team behind the action
Our team has had a busy month. Kevin, Isla, Lucy and Rory completed Level 1.1 of the Scottish Football Association’s Coaching Award. They are all now working towards securing their Level 1.2.
Meanwhile, Lucy, Isla, Robert, Amy, Jessica and Rory will undertake their Level 1 LTA Tennis Coaching course this month, working through to completion at the end of April.
Scott Anstruther will sit his Royal Lifesaving Society Trainer Assessor course in the coming weeks, continuing our practice of undertaking and approving staff lifeguarding training inhouse.
Winter Warmer Project: Increasing Atlantis’ impact in the community
The Winter Warmer project comes to a close this month as the funding period supporting its delivery ends.
The project has been a fantastic opportunity for Atlantis to directly support people in our community that need us most, offering free off-peak access to more than 650 users. The project has also brought the community together through social events including games nights, quizzes and blethers over a cuppa.
There has also been a focus on extending the impact of the project through working closely with project partners AliEnergy, Healthy Options, Hope Kitchen and Oban Youth Café. This work has run alongside some of the project’s skills sessions that have helped participants with things like clothing repair and swap shops.
The project has ultimately shone a light on much-needed community development in the Oban area, opening up new ways for the community to access Atlantis. Having originally been funded through the Scottish Government, such is the project’s success we have decided to extend it for another two months.
Did you know?: Lifting the lid on Atlantis
Did you know Atlantis Leisure turns 30 years old this September?
September marks the 30th anniversary of the Oban community taking over the running of its own health and leisure centre. And what a 30 years it has been.
The past three decades have been packed full of all the things that make Atlantis, Atlantis. A huge part of that is the sport, exercise, classes, activities and events.
As we’ve moved along on this wonderful journey, we also recognise Atlantis as a place that brings the community together - and when Oban comes together, amazing things happen.
We therefore think our 30th anniversary is an excellent excuse to do just that: come together as community and get stuck into a programme of celebratory events and activities. We’ll keep you posted.