As part of the Get Into Summer funding available through councils, Grampian Disability Sport and the Grampian Regional Manager were able to secure £8,000 through Moray Council and Aberdeenshire ClubSport to run 14 outdoor adventure activities and activity days in the 2 local authority areas.

Additionally, SDS worked with Aberdeenshire Council’s education team to put on a further 16 activity days and sessions for young people living in Aberdeenshire.

Activities were offered as full and half day options at various activity centres, and standalone sessions in water sport disciplines were also up for grabs.

Our young people, who often face challenges and barriers when trying to access adventure and experience appropriate risk, had the opportunity to try a number of different activities including climbing, archery, clay pigeon shooting, surfing, karting, laser tag and off road driving.

Combined, 415 outdoor adventure opportunities were offered to children and young people aged 8 – 17 with disabilities and additional support needs living in Moray & Aberdeenshire.

Helen, parent of 2 children who attended the Moray activities, said “It was lovely meeting other families with similar struggles, and we can’t wait for paddleboarding and surfing this week! It’s made our summer holidays a little brighter!”

Paddleboarding in particular has been so successful this summer that a number of families have invested in their own equipment, and we’re investigating setting up a monthly session with one of the providers after an overwhelming number of requests from families.

Thank you to Live Life Aberdeenshire, Moray Council, Aberdeenshire ClubSport and Aberdeenshire Council for distributing the funding that made this possible.

If you, or anyone you know, lives with a physical, sensory or learning disability in Grampian or Shetland & is interested in getting involved in sport, please get in touch with Alison on alison.shaw@scottishdisabilitysport.com or 07828 744 848.