Award for top coach Eddie
One of Scotland’s leading swimming coaches has had his years of dedication and contribution to the sport in the Inverclyde area recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award from sportscotland.
Swimming coach Eddie McCluskey ( 68) has been awarded the top accolade for his commitment and developing young people with a disability for over 40 years.
In his career, Eddie coached four Paralympian’s, including Maggie McEleny and Kenny Cairns, to multi- gold medal success over five Paralympic Games and for many years was a ‘ first- pick- coach’ for British squads.
After his fifth Paralympic Games, Beijing, 2008, Eddie retired from coaching Britain’s top international swimmers as part of Team GB and concentrated on coaching at his local club, Port- Glasgow Otters.
Delighted Eddie said: “My first experience as a coach was at Port- Glasgow Otters, the club I still coach at now. I was helping out poolside and progressed from mainstream swimming to eventually help coach people with disabilities.
“I like to see people improving. Some of our members that come to this club have hard lives, but when I see them enjoying themselves and that I’m helping to enhance their quality of life– I absolutely love it. There’s no better feeling than seeing them happy – and sport does that.
“Whether it’s in Syndey, Beijing, Greenock or Glasgow, I love to see my swimmers be successful. I am so proud of them all. It’s an honour to receive this ‘ Lifetime Achievement Award’ from sportscotland, I can’t quite believe it.”
Reflecting on her career with Eddie, Paralympic champion Maggie McEleny said: “Eddie changed my life, he was someone who inspired me. I have three Gold medals, five Silver and seven Bronze, and if it wasn’t for Eddie none of that would have been possible.”
Eddie picked up his award on an evening where nine other leading coaches, officials and volunteers from across Scotland were recognised for their significant contribution to sport over the past twelve months.
The prestigious sportscotland Coaching Officiating and Volunteer Awards 2016, were held last night ( 23 November) at Glasgow City Halls where leading athletes congratulated the winners and thanked them for their work in supporting and developing sport in Scotland.
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said: “Eddie’s not only being recognised for his successes this year, but for his lifelong dedication to sport. His inspirational achievements has made him one of Scotland’s most influential coaches. His positive attitude inspires disabled people to become local, national or international athletes.”
“Eddie’s a truly inspirational coach.”