Council praised by Scottish Rowing & Scottish Volleyball

This is an archived article from 26 June 2023. 

South Ayrshire Council has been commended by Scottish Rowing and Scottish Volleyball following the success of two major sporting events in Ayr.

The Council's Thriving Communities team helped organise the Scottish Rowing National Beach Sprints Regatta which took place at Ayr Beach. The team also helped stage the Preliminary Qualifying rounds for the 2024 Olympics Beach Volleyball competition played at Kyle Academy.

The regatta was an opportunity for athletes to get selected for the Scottish Rowing squad while the Beach Volleyball saw teams from Scotland, Poland, Belgium, and the Czech Republic compete to get into round two.

Lee Boucher, Head of Performance Pathway for Scottish Rowing said: "It was fantastic to bring coastal sculling to South Ayrshire for the first time and see athletes travelling from across Scotland and England to compete on Ayr Beach.  This assessment was the first stage for rowers seeking selection for Scotland and Great Britain international teams this summer and there was some exceptional racing on display.

"We are grateful to all of the local partners and volunteers for their warm welcome and support with the delivery of the event and we are committed to working with South Ayrshire Council and others in the area to look at opportunities for more people to take part in coastal sculling as we build a Scotland team towards the 2026 Commonwealth Games and beyond."

Margaret Ann Fleming (MBE), CEO of Scottish Volleyball, Executive Vice President of European Volleyball and Non-executive Director of World Volleyball said: "What a fabulous event to host at Kyle Academy in Ayr. It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to have been the host organiser for European Volleyball. South Ayrshire Council, the weather and spectators were kind and generous both in their support and participation over the weekend.

"Scottish Volleyball would like to thank South Ayrshire Council, Kyle Academy, the University of the West of Scotland, Scaffolding Access and Supplies, QTV, Zeon Teamwear, SportScotland, CEV and all of the participating teams, volunteers, players, coaches, officials, staff and the board of Scottish Volleyball."

Councillor Brian Connolly, Sport and Leisure Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "I am delighted that we have received this recognition. Our Thriving Communities team worked closely with Scottish Rowing and Scottish Volleyball to make sure these events were a success. A special mention also goes to our Facilities Management team who provided breakfast, lunch and dinner to elite athletes competing at the Olympic Games qualifier."