North-east businesses are being urged to take part in the inaugural Aberdeen Corporate Games, which have been launched by Aberdeen Sports Village (ASV).
The Games, which are set to kick off in May, will see teams compete against each other in a range of sporting events between May and September.
ASV, which is the top sporting and exercise venue in the country, has launched the initiative to promote a healthy and active workforce.
Launching the Games, ASV highlighted that promoting health and wellbeing in the workplace could save businesses an estimated £1600 per year, per employee, with reduced stress, depression and anxiety, less risk of back pain, reduction in sick leave, fewer industrial injuries and a lower staff turnover. *
The Games include a team rowing challenge, table tennis, touch rugby, diving, football and volleyball. Teams taking part will also secure free limited entries to the Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run 10k and half marathon with the Games culminating in a Highland Games closing ceremony on September 7, with teams taking part in traditional events such as shot putt, tug of war, egg and spoon race and a team relay.
Launching the initiative, Kyle Greig, corporate wellness manager at ASV, said: “It is hugely important that companies and organisations look after their employees and support their health and wellbeing. ASV has always been focussed on encouraging people of all ages and abilities to improve their fitness and launching the Aberdeen Corporate Games is another step towards supporting the local workforce to team up with their colleagues to get fit together. The activities and the training for the various events will encourage team building and staff camaraderie, as well as bring obvious health benefits which could save businesses money in the long run.”
ASV chief executive, Duncan Sinclair, added: “As business optimism begins to return to the North-east we recognised that there was a space in the market for a corporate type challenge, and the timing of this launch felt right as more companies place staff welfare and wellbeing at the top of their agenda. There is also a growth in adventure sport and an appetite to try something different, so the first Aberdeen Corporate Games will provide the opportunity to give new sports a go, such as diving, with the expert support of the team at ASV.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for businesses and organisations of all sizes to step up to the various challenges and work together to be corporate champions. It’s a superb initiative to encourage team building and promote a healthy workplace, whether you work for an SME or a corporate business. The main message to all business is to give the Aberdeen Corporate Games a try and have some fun, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
Businesses can enter as many teams as they wish with squad numbers no lower than eight for the larger events for a minimum donation of £1400 (+VAT) per team.
Launched as a charity in 2009, ASV boasts a state-of-the-art gym, more than 100 group exercise classes, an eight-lane 400m track, a six-lane indoor running straight, squash courts and sports studios. The world class Aquatics Centre offers access to an Olympic standard 50m pool, 25m pool and full diving facilities, including springboard and platforms up to 10m and two health and relaxation suites.
With a focus on providing everyone in the city’s communities with access to first-class sporting facilities, ASV works to inspire anyone to achieve their fitness goals and deliver a range of activities for children from ages 0-15 up to the Evergreen over 60’s programme.
