The Project Objectives/Beneficiaries

Objectives

The objective is to deliver an Indoor Sports Hall and associated facilities built to a high standard, which will encourage and support existing sports and recreational activity clubs and societies throughout the year but particularly during the winter, irrespective of prevailing outside conditions. A key objective is to stimulate the interest of new members in the community to try participation in sports and activities - maybe for the first time. Formal and informal consultation to date has shown universal support and enthusiasm for the project. Consultation both with specific interest groups and the general public has been an integral part of the project planning.

Constructing the Indoor Sports Hall and a multi-function recreational facility will be a significant investment so it is essential that the facilities to be established are used for 12 months a year. The design of the hall and recreational facilities has been created to be adaptable to meet different needs. Whilst the scope of the facilities is of fundamental importance to its success, the enthusiasm and expertise of the Board and Management Committee will at all times be vital in achieving the project objectives.

Another key objective is to ensure that there are educational aspects in the operation of the facilities, for example by offering placements to students from the local College. These placements may be into the fields of Sports Administration or Catering.

Catering, currently via 'vending', offers the exciting prospect of being able to demonstrate that a good and healthy diet can be 'cool'.

Beneficiaries

This Project seeks to counteract the negative effects of long hours of winter darkness and discouraging climate, by establishing an indoor sports hall - that will serve all ages of the population. The associated facilities will provide a location for positive social interaction and offer the opportunity for peer encouragement.

No matter whether a person is 6 or 66, physical exercise makes an important contribution to personal health and wellbeing. There is now much concern that the modern tendency towards sedentary lifestyles at all ages, coupled with diets based on pre-packaged and fast food, is resulting in a higher frequency of obesity within the population. One consequence of obesity is the potential onset of serious medical conditions such as Type II diabetes, even amongst young people.

The indoor sports hall will provide for those sports people who require a large covered playing area for training and coaching. There is no other indoor sports hall planned for the Far North that can cater for such requirements. The nearest equivalent facility is in Dingwall - about 100 miles away.

For the majority, whatever the sport or activity, participation will be about taking exercise and having fun. However, for those that wish to develop their sport, there will be opportunities to identify and nurture talent, develop skills and improve standards - creating pathways to excellence.

The benefit of an established Indoor Sports Hall will be felt throughout the Far North of Scotland.

The Halkirk Sports and Leisure Centre will become a hub for the whole community.