The Chis Smith Memorial Fund Trustees are delighted to announce that our first grant payment will be made to Aberdeen Amateur Athletics Club (AAAC).We were really keen to support AAAC as it was Chris’ first athletics club and is therefore very close to our hearts.
Chris was a member of AAAC from 1989 to 2000 (aged 12 to 23) and during this time won medals at the Scottish East District Cross Country Championships at U13, U15, Y17, U20 and Senior. He loved training with and representing AAAC and always spoke so fondly of his time there. He received excellent support from his coaches and teammates, and this set him on the path that led to him to so much success.
AAAC plan to use the grant to jumpstart their Community Development Programme as Club Manager Brian Pahlmann explains;“The grant from the Chris Smith Memorial Fund will be used to support Aberdeen Amateur Athletic Club’s community run, jump, throw sessions for children, supporting positive change in the community through athletics. The programme introduces children to the sport of athletics in areas of Aberdeen where these opportunities currently do not exist. Children are engaged in a new sport in a fun environment and learn the fundamentals of movement, creating the foundation for an active life, utilising sport to be happier, healthier, and more successful.”
We wish AAAC all the very best with their programme which sounds just fantastic and we know that Chris would agree.
We look forward to sharing the stories behind the other grants we have awarded and showing you how your kind donations will make a difference to so many people.