Moray golden girl puts seal of approval on new sports facility
Olympian Heather Stanning returns to officially open Moray Sports Centre
Last updated 30th Aug 2019
Olympic gold medalist Heather Stanning has officially opened Moray’s newest sports facility.
The Moray Sports Centre opened to the public last month and Heather's had the privilege of returning to where she grew up to open the multi-million pound sports complex.
She said: “It’s an absolute honour to be asked to open the new Moray Sports Centre. It’s exciting to visit the centre for the first time. I’ve been following the progress as it’s been built and it’s great to be able to see the finished product.”
She added: “A centre like this is seriously important for the region. There are so few facilities like this in the North of Scotland, so for the residents of Moray to have it here on their doorstep is fantastic. I’m sure even after the excitement of having a new facility dies down, you’ll see it being used all year round, providing a space for sport, exercise and activity unlike what anyone locally has previously had.”
Stanning, who clinched Olympic gold with Helen Glover at London 2012 and Rio 2016 in the coxless pair, also held a question-and-answer session with pupils from local primary schools.
Located in the South of Elgin, the charity-run Centre offers a multi-purpose hall with separate gyms, indoor cycling room, and numerous studios which house fitness and mindfulness classes such as yoga and Tai Chi.
Construction on the first phase of the £12 million hub began in May 2018, while fundraising now continues for the next phases, including covered tennis courts being part of the next development.
The Centre brings improved access to sports and gym facilities to the region which it is hoped will unlock a generation of sporting talent for the North of Scotland.
It is currently employing 40 people, but once complete, it is expected to create a total of 100 jobs.
Chief Executive Kathryn Evans was thrilled to welcome Heather for the official opening, as well as to see the Olympian give those willing a run for their money on the rowing machine.
Kathryn added: “We are also pleased to be welcoming a number of pupils from local primary schools which'll no doubt inspire some sports stars of the future.”
The Moray Sports Centre which is being financed by the Moray Sports Foundation charity and secured a £250,000 grant from sportscotland, opened its doors on the 1st of July and now runs over 90 classes per week.