The local business has sponsored the Volunteer of the Year – Adult category, celebrating the city’s unsung heroes who give up their time to bring sporting opportunities to communities throughout Aberdeen. 

Jim Livingstone, 2016 Adult Volunteer of the Year winner today said if volunteering did not happen there would simply be no community sport. Jim volunteers with Aberdeenshire RFC and has been a member of the club for over 55 years. (See full case study below)

Aberdeen’s Sports Awards celebrates and recognises the wealth of sporting achievements and contributions made by local athletes, volunteers and clubs in encouraging individuals to be active.

The ceremony, hosted by the Active Aberdeen Partnership, will be held at the AECC on Thursday 26th October with 18 categories in the running.

Commenting on the awards, Active Aberdeen Partnership Chairman Tony Dawson said:

“These awards are a brilliant opportunity to recognise the clear culture of sporting excellence and outstanding performance that the Aberdeen has fostered.

“The annual awards ceremony allows us to celebrate our city’s sporting communities and acknowledge those who go the extra mile by helping to provide opportunities for people to take up sport and physical activity in Aberdeen.   

“I am delighted that Hall Morrice have chosen to sponsor this fantastic award category, recognising some of the many inspirational people who give up their own time to create opportunities for others to participate in sport and reap the many benefits.”

Mike Innes, Business Development Director for Hall Morrice, said:

“Hall Morrice is delighted to sponsor the Adult Volunteer category. Volunteers remain the life blood of many community clubs in Aberdeen. The work they put in year in year out is invaluable to keeping people active and healthy.”

Case study: 2016 Adult Volunteer of the Year winner Jim Livingstone on the importance of local volunteering:

1) How important is it for people to volunteer their time in order to allow local sports clubs to thrive?

If it did not happen there would simply be no community sport. Paying people to run local sports club is financially unsustainable and more importantly the spirit and ethos of the clubs would splinter.

2) What inspired/ inspires you to start volunteering with Aberdeenshire Rugby Football Club? 

Seeing the hard work done by others and a wish to put back some of the effort which had supported my playing career.

3) What advice would you give anyone who was considering volunteering with a sports club?

Be prepared to be frustrated and disappointed at times but remember the club is always bigger than any individual or current problem.

4) What does your role cover as a volunteer with Aberdeenshire Rugby Football Club?

I help to maintain the three pitches and prepare them for games. I also do refurbishment work within the club house and dressing rooms.  I support every week and photograph games for the club website. 

5) You give so much of your time to help support the club, but what do you get in return for giving up your hours?

Comradeship and the pleasure of seeing players do their best regardless of ability. Rugby is a hard game and anyone who crosses the white line deserves respect no matter the score line.  Mixing with and getting to know the young men and women who play for ‘Shire’ keeps and old man young at heart if not body, plus there is always the occasional celebration night.