Praise for new Moray Sports Centre
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MORAY Sports Centre has made a big impression with one Moray youngster in the short time it has been open.
Elgin mother Izabela Davies was worried about how her son Dominic (7), who has down syndrome, would cope with the summer holidays – but her fears have eased after his first week at the facility.
Dominic has loved every second of the camp, and especially enjoys working with Mark Mclauchlan, a Buckie Thistle footballer who signed for the club towards the end of last season after six years at Aberdeen.
The centre, located on Linkwood Road in the south of Elgin, opened last week and offers inclusive summer camps.
Mrs Davies said: "Summer holidays are always a massive challenge for Dominic. He doesn't cope well with a change of routine. I was looking for summer activities for him when I came across summer holiday camps at the newly opened Moray Sports Centre.
"I was encouraged by the word 'inclusive' on the leaflet and decided to get in touch. The reply came really quick, saying they would be more than happy to accept him.
"Dominic has got very limited speech but he is very enthusiastic to play with other children.
"I was given a little information booklet about my son's likes, dislikes, medical info, signs of not coping and steps staff can take to help."
Dominic was one of the first users of the facilities and mum Izabela is thrilled with how he is enjoying the experience.
She said: "I was impressed by the exceptionally high standards of facilities, with multiple accessible toilets and a changing facility with a tracking hoist and changing bench. The interior is very modern as well but warm and welcoming.
"All the members of staff we met were smiling and saying hello. The leaders of the camp are young, friendly, energetic, confident and very well trained and suited for the role.
"Dominic felt comfortable around them from the start and they always encourage him to take part, which he happily does.
"At the end of each session they give me an update about Dominic's day. Everyone is open to ideas to accommodate Dominic's needs and make his time at the camp amazing.
"I think this has been achieved because he's happy to come back, having fun and doesn't want to go home. I'm looking forward to the rest of his time at the centre."
Mark Mclauchlan (17) has just started at the centre, in what is his first job since leaving Elgin Academy.
Mark hopes to play football professionally and recently signed for Buckie Thistle in search of regular first team minutes.
He has loved working with Dominic and has enjoyed his first week in the job. He said: "As soon as I walked in the door this morning he ran up and hugged me. That's what it's all about.
"He is always smiling and coming up and cuddling you. We weren't sure if Dominic would like the camp but he has enjoyed every second."
