Aberdeen-based Team Zariba, has benefited from support from Sport Aberdeen at Linx Ice Arena for a number of years. This is set to be extended as Team Zariba was selected to represent Team GB at the international championship being held in Colorado Spring, USA in April this year.

Sport Aberdeen today revealed that it is pledging two hours additional ice time every week at the Ice Arena and a further 15 hours land based training per week at the Beach Leisure Centre to Team Zariba to enable it to prepare for the championships. This is in addition to the 5.25 hours ice time the Synchornized Club currently has at Sport Aberdeen’s popular Linx Ice Arena.

Team Zariba is currently seeking to raise £25,000 through crowdfunding to support the entry in the championships.

Commenting, Sport Aberdeen Director of Operations and Asset Development, Keith Gerrard, said:

“Sport Aberdeen has been a long-standing supporter of Team Zariba. We’re delighted to reveal that we are pledging even more ice time at our Linx Ice Arena venue to enable the team to prepare.

“We are committed to supporting local talent because we know of the powerful impact it can have inspiring others to take part in sport and physical activity. Every bit of support can make a massive difference.

“I know that the city will rally behind our ice superstars ahead of their World Championships. Sport Aberdeen wishes them every success and urges everyone to do what they can to support them on the road to Colorado.”

Team Zariba coach Sara Paterson said:

“We are hugely grateful to Sport Aberdeen who have supported us from the beginning of our journey. The programmed 5.25 hours of ice training each week has helped us to where we are today and meant that we can continue training for the world championships whilst remaining with our families and local community. This is in itself is a huge benefit.

“We hope that people from across the city will give what they can as we prepare to represent Team GB in the USA in April.”