Sport Aberdeen is still on a high after a fantastic evening on Saturday 17 September at P&J Live, celebrating some remarkable third sector organisations at the Celebrate Aberdeen Awards.

Making a return for the first time since 2019, the Celebrate Aberdeen Awards welcomed more than 570 attendees who came together to recognise the amazing work carried out by charities, social enterprises, volunteers and fundraisers in the city and the positive, life changing impact this makes to society.

With thirty-three finalists shortlisted across 11 award categories, Sport Aberdeen was truly honoured to be a winner in two categories.

WeToo! and Sport Aberdeen were named Team of the Year, recognising their strong partnership established to pull together an itinerary of sports activities as part of Summer of Play 2021 – funded by Aberdeen City Council (ACC) – for children with additional support needs.      

The collaboration between the two charities ensured that families were able to access relaxed sessions and meet the Summer of Play criteria for children and young people to ‘reconnect, socialise and play.’

Graeme Dale, Head of Sport and Active Communities, said: “It is always humbling to accept award recognition and we are absolutely delighted to receive special appreciation for our work with WeToo!

“WeToo! is a fantastic charity, empowering parents and carers of children with additional support needs and we look forward to our continued strong partnership working in the future.”

Phionna McInnes, Chief Executive at WeToo! said: ““I am thrilled to have our work and continued partnership with Sport Aberdeen recognised with the Team of The Year award. 

“Teamwork within any single organisation is important, however for two organisations to come together and appreciate that as a team, we could achieve better, is incredibly special.

“I am proud of how much we have grown together and delighted to have this recognised by the panel and judges at Celebrate Aberdeen.”

Bob Thow was awarded Volunteer of the Year, recognising his commitment to volunteering at Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports Centre weekly, delivering lessons to individuals with additional support needs and private lessons for children aged 4 or those who are struggling.

Bob also volunteers with Special Olympics Grampian group, taking them to competitions in the UK and abroad, and he volunteers with the Special Olympics GB team.

Commenting on his win, Bob said: “I felt privileged to make the shortlist for the Volunteer of the Year category but to win was a complete surprise!

“I thoroughly enjoy volunteering with Special Olympics GB and with Sport Aberdeen at its Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports Centre – it is so rewarding to watch the individuals I work with flourish and become more independent. “I really appreciate the recognition of this award.”