Behind the Scenes: March ‘23
There’s a distinct whiff of spring in the air as we look back on March here at Atlantis Leisure. It’s been another very busy month as the gradually stretching days and creeping temperatures remind us of the perks of brighter days just ahead. Read on to find out some of what this month held in store for your community health and leisure centre:
Oban Lorne players in the Atlantis Gym
Community News - ‘representing Oban on the global stage’
We’ve teamed up with Oban Lorne RFC Men’s 1st XV to help them get all the extra training they need for the first ever Amateur Rugby World Cup where they will represent Scotland in France this September. This is a fantastic achievement for OLRFC that really puts Oban on the international map. The team are planning several fundraising events over the next 5 months to raise funds that will support 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 local area with the financial burden associated with the use of training facilities. Our Elite Squad programme provides discounted access to our facilities, enabling our talented local 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, please visit: Memberships
Staff News - ‘the team behind the action’
Our team have had an incredibly busy month when it comes to training and qualifications. Kevin, Isla, Lucy and Rory all completed Level 1.1 of the Scottish Football Association’s Coaching Award. They’re all now working towards securing their Level 1.2. Meanwhile, Lucy, Isla, Robert, Amy, Jessica and Rory will all undertake their Level 1 LTA Tennis Coaching course this month, working through to completion at the end of April.
Winter Warmer Project - ‘increasing Atlantis’ impact in our 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 those in our community that need us most, offering free off-peak access to over 650 users. The project has also brought the community together through social sessions that have included 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 sat 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 some 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 that we’ve decided to extend it for another two months for qualifying participants.
Did you know? - ‘lifting the lid on Atlantis’
Did you know that Atlantis Leisure turns 30 years old this coming 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 all the sport, exercise, classes, activities and events. As we’ve carried along this wonderful journey though, 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!