Press Release
Parkour proves hit with young Shetlanders
A new space for Parkour is being provided for young people by Youth Services at 60 North Youth Club each Friday night. The sessions will enable young people to share and learn new skills and experiences. They will run between 7pm – 9.45pm during the school term.
Parkour is a physical and mental discipline expressed through human movement. It involves travelling along a route, attempting to navigate obstacles in the most efficient way possible, using only your body. Parkour can be practiced anywhere, often using items of street furniture, benches and walls as obstacles to be climbed, vaulted, or rolled over. It also comes with an ethic of being positive in your actions and helpful to others.
Youth Services were recently delighted to host a parkour workshop at Clickimin Leisure Centre run by Chris Grant from Glasgow Parkour Coaching. 20 young people from all over the islands turned up to participate and learn new skills demonstrated by Chris. The workshop consisted of warm up exercises, skills development and body maintenance. Young people that participated in the session commented that:
"It was really fun! There really should be more stuff like this"
"It was absolutely brilliant, I learned a lot more techniques and more training methods, very grateful getting to train with Chris"
"I thought it was fantastic! The best way, in my opinion, to spend a Friday evening!"
Chris Grant said “It’s extremely positive to see such a united and open community of young people who are focussed, driven and mature. With an established community and classes I think Parkour can have a big impact on the fitness and the attitude of young people in Shetland.
“Parkour has the power to break down barriers between young people, divert them away from antisocial behaviour and shake up their attitude towards their environment, their community and its residents. I hope to see this happening in Lerwick and all over the islands”.
Youth Services is working alongside local based youth Parkour group ‘Northern Focus’ to establish the group with a constitution. This will empower the young people to actively participate and engage in the promotion and growth of Parkour in Shetland. The AGM will be held on Saturday 4th June at 2pm in Islesburgh Complex. All young people in Secondary 1+ are encouraged to come along and see what they have to offer.