A pioneering group of young people from schools across Aberdeen celebrated a staggering number of attendees at a local event aimed at getting more girls physically active.

The all-girls event was run by The Active Girls Committee, facilitated by Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools team, whose main aim is to increase physical activity amongst girls by 10% by the end of school year 2019/20.

The event, now in its second year, took place on Friday 7 June at Aberdeen Sports Village and saw almost 300 girls from 11 citywide secondary schools attend the annual girl’s celebration. The event consisted of various activity stations which the girls took part in, encouraging them and their peers to engage in physical activity, breaking down barriers and building self-confidence.

Commenting, Keith Gerrard, Director of Healthy and Active Communities with Sport Aberdeen said:

“Since launching in 2016 the Active Girls Committee, with ongoing support from Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools Coordinators, has gone from strength to strength. From winning a prestigious Community Leisure UK award, to the mention of the pioneering work in parliament, the initiative is very much an active catalyst for positive change within out city and the wider area.

“The energy and commitment shown by each and every member of the committee is astounding, and they are undoubtedly inspiring more of their peers to get more active, with participation from girls in Aberdeen City schools significantly increasing.

“I am sure the committee has a very active and successful year to look forward to.”

Aimee Work, Active Girls Committee Chairperson, also commented:

“The event marked a great ending to an amazing busy year where we have achieved so much as a committee.

“We have so much to look forward to going into the next academic year as we look to focus our efforts on the transition period from girls going from primary to secondary schools. Organising events within local primary schools will be a goal of ours so that girls are aware of who we are before moving up to academies.

“Furthermore, we are slowly expanding the number of members on the committee and hope to offer many leadership programmes for the girls to be put through as well as inspiring more girls to get involved in leadership roles.”