A pilot project aimed at Polish families within Elgin is in its final stages helping families access sports and language facilities within the area.

The project began in November 2007 in response to research that indicated problems in this area for new residents from Poland.

Sport po Angielsku was launched with the emphasis on learning as a family, and giving parents the skills and confidence to take an active role in helping their children enjoy life locally. 

It ran weekly from Moray College for two hours. 

The first hour was spent learning and improving English skills via a native Polish tutor, and the second hour was spent learning and practising sports with a qualified coach. 

The families had the opportunity to try out a variety of sports including football, basketball, badminton and hockey.

Elgin Library supplied Sport po Angielsku with a variety of books related to the different sports for the families to borrow to assist with their learning.

The project concluded with a celebration skating session at Moray Leisure Centre and the presentation of certificates to each participant by Moray councillor, Mike Shand.

Each family was provided with a handy booklet detailing what sporting and language activities were available within Elgin – the families are currently being supported to take up further education.

Funding was secured via the Moray Community Learning and Development Partnership’s ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) project fund. This was awarded by the Scottish Government.

A project group consisting of Moray Council’s community learning and development adult team staff service, sports development officer, active schools co-ordinator and adult literacies co-ordinator was formed to develop and deliver a project which looked at some of the issues Polish families were experiencing.

For more info contact Denise Gormley call 01343 559309.