Night of celebration to mark 50-year milestone
Even Danish deputy mayor attends bash
Dignitaries from home and abroad helped East Kilbride Sports Council celebrate their 50th anniversary recently.
Lolan Ottesen, the Deputy Mayor from EK’s twin town of Ballerup in Denmark, was among the guests for the celebrations, aptly held at the Ballerup Hall.
And she was joined by Provost Ian McAllan, Linda Fabiani MSP, Dr Lisa Cameron MP as the town came together to mark the council’s contribution to our sporting success stories. Representatives from Sport Scotland, SALSC and the other Sports Council’s within South Lanarkshire were also in attendance alongside local politicians and members of local sports clubs.
Over the last five decades EKSC have helped fund the likes of Commonwealth Games stars Sandra Whittaker (now Seenan) and Graeme English in the 1980s and, more recently, trampolinist Pamela Clark and women’s footballer Megan Sneddon fulfil their potential.
And after a three-course meal, EKSC founder member Angus McConnell kicked things off with a brief history on the sports council from the original meeting in the Stuart Hotel in May 1967 to the current year.
Provost McAllan then replied making reference to the valuable work of all four sports councils within South Lanarkshire and highlighting the fact it was the forward thinking of EKSC that has created the strong and healthy contribution of sports councils not only in South Lanarkshire and Scotland but very much further afield and overseas.
Lolan Ottesen spoke about the many successful activities and exchanges between EK and Ballerup during the last 50 years and concluded by looking forward to many more in years to come.
Attendees were then treated to some entertainment from well-known after dinner speaker, Bill McDougall.
Bill told hilarious stories about his life as a superintendent in the Strathclyde Police Force, followed by his life after retirement, as head of security with the Scottish Football Association.
Guests then danced the night away with a ceilidh thanks to music from the Loudon Ceilidh Band. Sports council treasurer, Bob Anderson, said: “The Committee of EKSC were indeed delighted with the support and success of the evening.
“It was a great reunion for many of our past committee members and former sports personalities.
“All the hard work and organisation was indeed worth it as numerous compliments were received, including a motion from the Scottish Parliament congratulating EKSC on their 50th Anniversary with the very best for the next 50 years and beyond.
“I’d also like to thank the local shops, restaurants and businesses for their numerous donations towards our raffle.
“A great night was had by all.”