A popular annual event providing games and entertainment for people with additional support needs celebrated its milestone 25^th anniversary this year.

Organised by Bill Farquhar, supported by Andrinne Craig from Sport Aberdeen and Jim Byers from the Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels Association (ACSHA), Aberdeen Funolympics took place on November 12 at the Beach Ballroom and hosted a variety of team challenges inspired by different sporting activities.  

Volunteers from across the Aberdeen hotel community and Sport Aberdeen employees were on hand to support teams as they navigated through the sports activity stations.

Recognised as a civic event, Aberdeen City Council kindly provided use of the Beach Ballroom as well as the post-games buffet and disco.

15teams participated, and the winning team was Henry Rae Centre. The Endeavor Award is presented to the participant who shows determination, teamwork and joy in taking part, and this year the winner was Courtney Reid from Create Aberdeen. All participants were awarded a medal from the Lord Provost Dr David Cameron and his wife Hazel, Len Ironside CBE and Frank Whitaker, Chair of ACSHA.

Sport Aberdeen received a generous donation of £1,000 from ACSHA to arrange further sports activities for individuals with additional support needs. 

Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron, said: “I was delighted to be present for the 25^th anniversary of the Fun Games. The event has been established on the community calendar as one that celebrates all that’s good about sport – teamwork, camaraderie, and of course the sheer enjoyment.

“The games are an enduring example of what can be achieved when organisations and volunteers get together behind a great idea. The success is down to the efforts of many, not least the participants and the enthusiasm they bring to the event.”

Andrinne Craig, Healthy Communities Manager, said: “Funolympics is always a joy to be a part of – it provided an afternoon full of fun, entertainment and laughter and it was great to witness all the teams enjoying themselves.

“Thank you to everyone who helped to organise the event and those who volunteered, the afternoon would not be possible without your contributions. 

“We are so grateful to Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels Association for its £1,000 donation to Sport Aberdeen. This will go towards providing more regular sporting opportunities open to those who attend the Funolympics each year, such as our new Boccia sessions at Cummings Park Community Centre.”

Frank Whitaker, General Manager at Park Inn by Radisson and Chair of Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels Association, said: “When you see first-hand how much fun everyone has at the Funolympics, it’s easy to understand why teams from ACSHA Member Hotels look forward to supporting this event every year. It is very worthwhile and a testament to the hard work from Bill, Andrinne and Jim that it continues to be the success that it still is after 25 years.”

Bill Farquhar, said: “It has been an amazing journey to witness the growth and continued success of the Funolympics and to celebrate its 25th event held in November this year.  

“Quite a few of our participants have been with us since the very first Funolympics which was held in the Duthie Park in 1997. The event continues to attract new teams of all abilities and ages and the joy on all their faces competing in the fun filled games gives testament to the popularity of the Funolympics.

“The continued support from Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels Association throughout the years has been fantastic and very much appreciated. 

“I would also like to thank Sport Aberdeen and Aberdeen City Council for their support in making the Funolympics the success it has been.”