A MAJOR STEP has been taken this week in the creation of a new sports centre for Moray with the appointment of an experienced sports industry professional to manage the project.
Kathryn Evans is to oversee the project from funding to design – and ultimately to its creation. She will then head up the team responsible for operating the new centre.
The driving force behind delivering a new multi-purpose centre for Moray has been Springfield Properties chairman Sandy Adam, who announcing the appointment said: “In Kathryn we have someone with vast experience of operating sports centres, delivering capital sports projects and taking part in sport.
“We need someone who can look at the project through the eyes of the customers and the operators to make sure we get it right at the design stage – and someone who has the experience to make a success of the Centre once it’s open. Kathryn is that person.”
Ms Evans has been involved in sports throughout her life, having represented Wales in the heptathalon. She is also a netball umpire and coach, and has enjoyed a professional career that included management of the National Badminton Centre as well as the largest David Lloyd Centre in the UK.
Speaking of her new challenge in Moray she said: “I feel very lucky to have been chosen to bring the Moray Sports Centre project together.
“The aim is to bring as many sports and exercise facilities under one roof as we can, that’s an exciting challenge. It means we’ll be able to offer wide ranging programmes promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles for all.
“The Centre will facilitate sport at all levels and become a hub helping to build capacity and expertise in sport across Moray in areas like coaching, training, sports psychology and nutrition.
“I was so impressed by the Moray countryside and beaches I decided to take the role after just one visit. I am very much looking forward to meeting Moray’s sports people over the next few weeks.”
Over recent weeks Moray Sports Centre have been collecting more information from Sports Forums and representatives to help build a clearer picture of what is needed. With Kathryn’s appointment work will begin on funding applications and design of the Centre.