Four Aberdeen-based charities have been confirmed as the beneficiaries of a prestigious corporate sports quiz as it celebrates its 10th
anniversary.
Organisers behind Sportschallenge, the North-east’s sports-themed corporate fundraising dinner, have picked Archway, Friends of the Neuro Ward, Aberdeen Lads Club and Archie’s Child Bereavement Service as this year's chosen charities, in addition to long-term beneficiaries Maggie’s Aberdeen and Children’s Aid (Scotland).
Sportschallenge, which is sponsored by Piper Sandler with support from CNR International, is a popular highlight in the local social calendar and has so far raised more than £800,000 for more than 20 third-sector organisations across nine previous events.
Nick Dalgarno, a trustee of Sportschallenge and managing director of Piper Sandler, said this year’s event in September will be the best yet.
He added: “As the preparations continue for our 10th
event, we are growing increasingly excited as we look forward to what will surely be our biggest and most popular Sportschallenge event so far, marking a decade of supporting local worthy causes.”
“During our recent call for beneficiaries, we received more nominations than ever before. The applications highlighted the real struggles faced by many in our own communities, which have been made even more challenging given the economic climate, and we are grateful to be able to play our part in supporting as many charities as we can with our fundraising efforts. In fact, the scale of September’s event means that we will be able to extend our assistance further than in any previous year.
“Following a very difficult selection process, the Trustees have chosen four fantastic charities in Archway, Friends of the Neuro Ward, Aberdeen Lads Club and Archie’s Child Bereavement Service to join our long-standing beneficiaries Maggie’s Aberdeen and Children’s Aid (Scotland).”
Aberdeen-based Archway provides care and support to local children and adults with learning disabilities, many of whom also have associated physical disabilities and complex health needs, and their families.
Ed Gardyne, chair at Archway, said: "We are just delighted to have been chosen by Sportschallenge as a beneficiary this year. It means we will be able to introduce a range of initiatives and activities to ensure those we support are valued and included in local community life while parents and carers get the information and support they need."
Friends of the Neuro Ward works closely with NHS staff to buy the right "extras" to improve the comfort and care of patients on the neurological wards at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and the rehab unit at Woodend Hospital. This can range from large pieces of medical equipment, like bariatric walking bars and shower hoists, to games, activities and home comforts for the patients.
Penny Gravill, secretary of Friends of the Neuro Ward, said: "We're delighted to have been chosen to be part of Sportschallenge 2024. It's a huge opportunity for more people to find out about us and what we do to support patients in the north of Scotland.
"The funds raised will be invested directly onto the wards and our goal of making it a little easier for patients, who due to the nature of their injuries can spend long periods of time in hospital."
Aberdeen Lads Club provides a range of childcare, youth engagement and family support services from its base in Tillydrone, Aberdeen.
Angie Johnston, charity manager at Aberdeen Lads Club, said: “We cannot thank the Sportschallenge team enough for choosing Aberdeen Lads Club as one of its beneficiaries this year. Sportschallenge is such a well-attended and high-profile event, which gives us a great opportunity to raise the profile of our organisation and let people know what we do.
“Any funds we receive will go such a long way in helping us deliver vital services to children, young people and their families in Tillydrone and beyond.”
Archie’s Child Bereavement Service, part of The Archie Foundation, supports children who have experienced bereavement and provides them with age-appropriate support and guidance to help them to manage their grief.
Paula Cormack, chief executive of The Archie Foundation, said: “We are so grateful to have been chosen as one of the charities to benefit from this year’s quiz and dinner. Our share of the proceeds will go a long way towards supporting local children who have experienced a bereavement and need support from our team, either on a one-to-one basis, in school or as a group.”
The Sportschallenge event brings together teams from businesses across the region to compete in a Question of Sport-style quiz in a bid to lift the coveted Sportschallenge Trophy.
This year’s 10th anniversary celebration will take place at Aberdeen’s P&J Live on Thursday, September 12.
Previous events have been hosted by famous faces from the sporting world, including former footballers and sports personalities Alan McInally, Charlie Nicholas and Ally McCoist. This year’s event hosts will be announced shortly.
A limited number of tables and sponsorship opportunities are still available for this year’s event.
To register a table of 10 people for Sportschallenge 2024 please visit: https://www.pandjlive.com/events/sportschallenge-2024/
To enquire about sponsorship, please contact the event organisers at emma@esme-ltd.com.