Behind the Scenes: April ‘24
What a difference daylight makes – even better, those days that the sun feels brave enough to shine. The feel-good energy has been fuelling another busy month at Atlantis, read on to find out what’s been happening at your community-run leisure centre as April blazes a trail into Spring:What a difference daylight makes – even better, those days that the sun feels brave enough to shine. The feel-good energy has been fuelling another busy month at Atlantis, read on to find out what’s been happening at your community-run leisure centre as April blazes a trail into Spring:
Centre Life – ‘new goals please!’
An important part of looking after Atlantis is keeping track of our equipment, looking after it well and knowing when to invest in new items. We count this as a mark of pride, it shows that our Centre is being well-used and well-loved by the community. This month, that meant replacing the worn-out goals on the front pitch. After a short closure, the pitch is now back open - complete with its new goals. The upgrade is part of a wider project that we’re working on behind the scenes. As some of you may be aware, the front pitch is only available for use by under 16 year olds at the minute. We’re investigating funding options to upgrade the whole facility so that we can have all ages using it once again – we’ll keep you up to speed as things develop.
Staff News – ‘the team behind the action’
Huge congratulations to Andrew Boyle who this month passed his Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification. Andrew has been an integral part of the team for many years, working through the Atlantis and Otters framework so this latest achievement is a fantastic completion of the cycle. Another member of the team, Rory Dowd, is nearing the completion of his training too whereupon he will join the team as another much-needed teacher. Rory is also part of our PlaySport team and has been working his way through other qualifications related to this since joining Atlantis at the start of 2023. Well done both!
Activities Programme – ‘feel that ‘Atlantis buzz’’
A little while ago, we told you about a trial period for toddler football. We’re very happy to say the trial went so well that Toddler Football is returning as of the 22nd of April. Sessions will run every Monday in accordance with the school term before stopping when everyone breaks up for the summer holidays.
Also returning is the Weekly Gym Challenge! A previous regular feature in the weekly rhythm of Atlantis, the challenge offers a bit of friendly competition for our gym users to aim for. Each week’s winner will receive a free sauna session or a free swim for under 16 year olds. Keep an eye on the Gym whiteboard for details of each week’s challenge.
Community – ‘making a difference beyond the Centre’
This month, we’d like to introduce you to FAIR. FAIR is a charity that focusses on increasing opportunities for children with neurodiversity in and around Oban. Over the last month, we joined up with the FAIR team when they hired the Sports Hall and Back Studio, running sessions with Atlantis coaches to provide a few hours of fun for the children. Huge thanks to our staff team and Emily, Mia and Stephen at FAIR for entertaining and looking after the children as part of what is an important lifeline to them.