A NEW group spearheaded by parents, to revamp sports facilities in Moray, is even more determined to get the ball rolling after being boosted by a positive public response.
Members of Moray TRACK (Training, Running and Athletics for the Community and the Kids) are looking for radical changes to athletics facilities, particularly those at Morriston Playing Fields in Elgin.
An article in 'The Northern Scot’ highlighted the plight of the parents, whose children are members of the Moray Road Runners group.
They have said their sons and daughters, many of whom are competing well at a national level in spite of having no all-weather track and poor facilities in general, deserve better.
The group was formed on the back of renewed calls for a new Moray-based regional sports facility, estimated to cost £6.5 million, which is still on Moray Council’s radar but has not secured funding.
Mum Laura Gibson, who is helping to lead the TRACK group, said this week that members had been encouraged by the public’s response so far.
"We have had a lot of really good responses about the article and a few emails about it. There certainly seems to be interest out there," she told ‘The Scot’.
"Most of the comments have been very positive and a lot of people have seen the article. It was really fantastic and a really good start, and now it’s just a case of keeping things going and in the public eye."
Ms Gibson said she is unsure whether the group, which is still seeking more members, will meet officially before a sports summit is held in Elgin on October 1.
The seminar, organised by Moray MSP Richard Lochhead in a bid to bring the regional sports centre closer to reality, is being staged in the main function suite at Elgin City Football Club from 7pm-9pm.
Ms Gibson said the group will be represented at the seminar, with a number of young athletes having been asked to speak on the night.
More information on the TRACK group is available at moray.track@hotmail.co.uk
Any individual, or member of a sports group, who wishes to attend the October 1 sports summit is asked to phone the Moray SNP office on 01343 551111.
For more on this story see 'The Northern Scot'.
