Blackwood’s Annual General Meeting scored an epic goal with everyone on Tuesday with a packed programme built around activity and fitness to encourage people to take part. Taking place inside the Inverclyde National Sports Training Centre in Largs, this venue (possibly the most accessible sports facility in the U.K.) provided the ideal place for our customers, staff and board members to try out various new activities together.

Tea and coffee was served before kick-off along with the opportunity to try different virtual reality experiences including a virtual tour of the new Blackwood House in Dundee. Special thanks to Ryan from Euan’s Guide who spoke to our guests about how they can help boost the award winning online network and its ongoing campaign for public accessibility. Thanks also to Ilene Campbell from the Tenant Information Service who travelled to support the event and offer advice at our customer engagement stand.

We were privileged too to count among our guests the captain of the Scottish Wheelchair Rugby League team Graeme Stewart who gave us a brief speech about his life and career, and his passion for sports to get us started on the day’s activities. Going around the centre in coloured T-shirts, each group tried a series of sports including archery, boccia, gym training (with an accessible twist), and the charity Indepen-Dance got everyone busting out their best moves.

Blackwood tenant Jennifer Evans got stuck in at the gym and has vowed to return after seeing that the right equipment and facilities makes it possible. The Chair of Blackwood’s Board, Max Brown got in touch with his inner Robin Hood by trying out archery. Lawrence Kemlo, a resident in Dundee tried out wheelchair basketball for the first time and had a riot. Blackwood’s very own Head of Business Solutions Paul King revealed some impressive wheelchair basketball talents of his own.

The feedback we have received has been incredible and we are absolutely delighted with how the event went. The smiles, the laughs and the overall energy of the event spoke volumes. For the finale, Indepen-Dance gathered everyone in the big sports hall and essentially triggered a flash mob with staff, customers and board members all dancing to James Brown! What an end to the day that was!

Congratulations too to all the winners and runner ups in our gardening competition, Blackwood in Bloom, as well the winner of our Margaret Blackwood Helping Hands Award. The latter honours people who have made a significant impact within their community or development and helps people around them to live life to the fullest. Thank you so much to all who attended and we look forward to seeing you next year.