Get into Summer campaign launched

After a challenging year for many children and young people and with the school holidays fast approaching, the Council’s Sport and Leisure Team are delighted to announce Orkney’s participation in a national campaign to further develop and enhance the range of activities on offer locally this summer.

By working with a range of partners including the Pickaquoy centre, Scottish Disability Sport and local sports clubs it is hoped that there will be something for everyone to participate in, with the majority of activities being free or at a discounted rate.

The national Get into Summer campaign, which is supported by Parent Club, aims to create opportunities for children and young people impacted by COVID-19 to socialise, play and reconnect this summer.

Orkney Islands Council received £68,000 out of a £15 million Scottish Government allocation shared between all Scotland’s councils. The priority of the investment is to help address the negative impacts associated with extended periods of isolation and lack of participation in normal activities during the pandemic. A further £5 million was allocated to a coalition of 18 national partners to further strengthen and build on existing summer provision. sportscotland received £1.4 million which was split between all 32 local authorities with Orkney’s allocation being £23,119.

OIC Leisure and Culture Service Manager, Garry Burton, said: “Orkney’s children and young people have experienced significant disruption to all aspects of their lives as a result of the pandemic and the funding Orkney has received has enabled us to offer a really exciting and inclusive programme which aims to provide opportunities for children and young people to socialise, take part is activities and generally just have fun over the summer.

“There’s nothing better for everyone’s wellbeing than getting out and about, meeting old friends and making new ones, and getting active. So why not make full use of the longer days and better weather.”

A booklet has been produced which contains details on all the activities available locally, this can be accessed from any local sport and leisure facility and will also be distributed in schools. For more information and to make bookings please visit the Council's 'Get Into Summer' webpage.

Get into Summer is also calling on families to take advantage of everything that’s on offer not just in Orkney but further afield if opting to go on holiday, such as free and discounted events. There are also ideas for activities families can do at home. Check out the Parent Club website for further information.