Donovan and Bank Foundation’s Post

Feature - Making a Splash “There were times when I felt like I’d hit a roadblock, but Tony was always there, providing pearls of wisdom and, at other times, acting a little like an agony aunt.” When Phil Groom, founder and director of Nemo Swimming and SwimNE, the two-time Swim England swim school of the year, looked to expand by opening his own PaddlePod-branded venues, he turned to the RTC North-delivered Scaleup North East programme and the expert counsel of Tony Brooks, who Phil is quick to credit for his practical advice and unstinting encouragement. Now with three purpose-built PaddlePod sites in Killingworth, Shiremoor and Whitley Bay, which welcome more than 4000 swimmers each week, Phil has continued to diversify his offer, adding cafés, play areas, activity and sensory rooms, as well as plans for a day care nursery at their Killingworth venue, again following Tony’s recommendation. Read more about Phil’s journey and the support he has received from Scaleup North East, as PaddlePod is primed to continue its growth and inspire the next generation to swim for life: https://lnkd.in/eTAShAkz The Scaleup North East programme is funded by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the The North East Combined Authority acting as lead organisation and RTC North operating as delivery partner. #sponsored #NET #northeasttimes #SwimNE #NemoSwimming #PaddlePod #RTCNorth #swimminglessons #businessgrowth #guidance #support #diversification #drivingconversations #makingconnections

Are you a winter sports enthusiast who cares about the #environment? Or are you someone interested in the initiatives #nonprofits are taking to protect our #winter climates? If so, check out my latest blog post highlighting the non-profit Protect Our Winters (POW) and all the work they have done to promote sustainability within the ski industry.

Golf for the HEROs Vision and Motivation: Enhancing the Game of Golf: We aim to foster new relationships and enhance the game of golf through innovative tournament concepts that allow professionals to compete alongside beginners. Inspiration from Mentorship: Inspired by my mentor, Dick Garn, and his Oldsmobile Scramble, I designed the Big Blitz to provide a unique tournament experience leveraging modern technology. Key Features: Financial Structure: One of the most significant features of the Big Blitz is the ability to use 20% of the fees to support PGA HOPE, The HERO Project, and the Wounded Warriors Project while awarding 70% to the prize pool. This ensures substantial support for noble causes and a significant return for participants. Event Types: We offer various event types to cater to different preferences: $10 winner-take-all $10 and $26 events with one winner for every 10 participants $25 events with one winner for every 40 entries Inclusivity and Accessibility: The format includes a free-to-play component and ensures that participation does not impact amateur status, making it accessible to players of all skill levels. Global Reach: With the capability to access the tournament from a smartphone, our goal is to add a global component, connecting golf enthusiasts worldwide. Personal Commitment: Long-Term Dedication: I have been working on these ideas since the late '70s and am committed to their long-term success, believing in their potential to revolutionize the sport. Community and Relationships: Our project aims to bring people together, fostering new relationships within the sports communities. Call to Action: Support and Participation: We are now seeking support to publicize and expand the project. Join us on this journey, contribute to the growth of this innovative golf tournament, and help us support PGA Golf, The HERO Project, and the Wounded Warriors Project. Our website can be found at www.thebigblitz.com. Events are FREE while we build the members' roster. Register once and then Sign in each day you play, with a fake Credit Card 4242 4242 4242 4242, any date, or security  number to see if it works for you

🏅 Looking for Your Next Event? Whether You're Local or on Vacation, We've Got You Covered! 🌎 If you’re searching for your next race or event, whether you’re close to home or exploring new destinations, check out 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗔𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲! (https://lnkd.in/etqGk85t) This awesome platform lets you find events across a variety of sports, including: - 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 - 𝗖𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 - 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 - 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗼𝗻𝘀 - 𝗗𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗼𝗻𝘀 - 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗺𝗥𝘂𝗻𝘀 - 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗸𝗲 - 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 You can even filter events by location and find ones that support a charity close to your heart. Perfect for staying active and giving back, no matter where you are! Ready to take on your next challenge? Start exploring today! 🌟 #FindARace #ActiveLifestyle #RunningCommunity #BridgeRehabAndPerformance #EventFinder #StayActive

Embracing the winter wonders in our little community… ❄️🤍 Each winter the Eagle Ice Dads, a group of local volunteers, transform Centennial Park into a winter wonderland with free-to-use ice rinks. Whether it’s family skating, stick and puck practice, or simply gathering by the fire pit, the rinks offer a cozy winter escape! When visiting the park, you may also discover the job box filled with donated gear, fostering a true sense of community sharing. Got spare skates? Drop them in for others to enjoy! ⛸️ If you’re looking for the perfect weekend plans, this local favorite might be just the thing! 😉 Check https://lnkd.in/gjWZBU-x for updates. . . . #amypates #amypatesrealtor #coldwellbanker #luxuryhomes #coldwellbankerdistinctiveproperties #vailvalley #colorado #mountainhomes #coldwellbankerluxury #coloradorealestate #coloradomountains #coloradoliving #rockymountainhomes #skiinskiout #coloradoskihomes #mountainviewhomes #coloradoinvestmentproperties #coloradolandforsale #coloradoluxuryhomes #aspenrealestate #vailvalleyhomes #coloradopropertysearch #corealestate #coloradorealtor #cohomebuyers #coloradodreamhome #coloradorealty #eaglecommunity #iceskating #winterwonderland

6 TIPS TO MAKE YOUR RUN MORE FUN Do you want to run for fun or for a cause? Not every race has to be all in, super serious, do or die! Sometimes it’s better to just let your hair down, have a laugh, and contribute to someone else’s dream! If you’re feeling stuck or not particularly motivated, take the pressure off and run for fun or for a cause you believe in! Here are 6 reasons why you should Race For Fun and 6 reasons why you should Travel For Your Race! Race For Fun - No pressure, no super seriousness, just miles of laughter and giggles. - Experience the thrill of pushing yourself to meet the challenge at your own pace. - Run a race dressed in costume as a pirate, or a gorilla…or even a yeti! + Flying Pirate Race - North Carolina + Gorilla Run - Denver, Colorado + Bear Run - Colorado Springs + Yeti Run - Denver, Colorado - Do a bubble run or a color run wearing streaks of paint! - Take part in an obstacle race and roll around in mud and climb monkey bars. - Make it a virtual race without being confined to a specific course! Race For A Cause - Running for charity can motivate you with a cause that’s bigger than you. - It’ll help raise awareness in your community and friends. - It’s a chance to pay it forward. - Raise money for a cause you believe in: + St. Jude Memphis Marathon + Race For The Cure + Miles For Migraine - Help and inspire someone else in need to realize their own dream. - Join a community of like minded people working together to make a difference. For your next race, do you want to run for fun or run for a cause? #walkamonggiants @ben_running_coach #iloverunning #blessed #mindset #mindsetiseverything #fitnesslife #happyrunning #runninglife #runningempowerment #runninglife #5K #10K #halfmarathon #marathon #halfmarathontraining #marathontraining

Training is the cornerstone of team empowerment and a critical risk management tool. Great article.

Recent studies shed light on how dangerous Tucson streets are for cyclists. 🚴♂️🚧 Local non-profit, Living Streets Alliance is working with city officials to pedal towards a safer future. 🌟🛣️ Read today’s Tucson Agenda to see some of the ideas the group has come up with. 📰🔍 #TucsonCycling #RoadSafety #TrafficFatalities #UrbanDesign https://loom.ly/Coh7PUQ

🏔️ Inspiring Adventure for a Cause! 🌎 🌟 We worked with our Ensure NutriVigor team recently to proudly support global mountaineer and expeditioner Nick Hollis in his latest 721 Challenge! Nick is on a mission to raise funds for the World Land Trust, an incredible charity dedicated to safeguarding natural habitats from damage. Nick’s story involves: 🚣♂️ Rowing Across the Atlantic: As part of his challenge, Nick embarked on a remarkable 50-day rowing journey across the vast Atlantic Ocean. With stocks of Ensure NutriVigor by his side, it fuelled his endurance and managed muscle mass, helping him to push personal boundaries and capabilities. 🌍 Climate Awareness and Record-Breaking Attempt: Nick’s determination knows no limits. In April, he was poised to break a world record, but his attempt was cut short by broken sea ice—a stark reminder of the impact of warmer temperatures. Nick’s mission aligns perfectly with the cause he champions: raising awareness about climate change and its effects on our planet. ❄️ Being Back in Training for the North Pole: Undeterred by the setback, Nick is currently back in training. His sights are set on a North Pole ski re-attempt in March 2025. And once again, Ensure NutriVigor will be there, supporting him every step of his journey. 🌟 Please like and share this post to help Nick and the World Land Trust make a difference for our planet. 🌿🌏 #AdventureForACause #ClimateAwareness #EnduranceChallenge #Inspiration #Nutrition #ClimateChange #AbbottProud What a story! You can read Nick’s incredible journey for yourself, below:

Hope he has a speedy recovery. Not sure what the cause(s) are with this crash, but generally governments need to invest a lot more in making sure cycling, walking and rolling routes are safe and minimize conflicts. Otherwise, people suffer from crashes and often have to spend a lot of money as well as not being able to work. There is a link to a gofundme for him in the article. https://lnkd.in/gzp2jxq3