SPORTS STARS CROWNED
THE annual South Lanarkshire Council Sports Awards has honoured the area’s top sporting men, women, young athletes and coaches.
The event provides an opportunity for South Lanarkshire to showcase its talented performers and coaches who are already successful local Sports Council Award winners.
The winners of South Lanarkshire’s Sports Awards were:
Coach of the Year - Brian Ross, Senior Games Coach with Lanark and Upperward Pony Club;
Senior Female Performer - Athlete Emma Canning from East Kilbride;
Senior Male Performer - Rowing’s Graham Ord from Hamilton;
Junior Female Performer - East Kilbride Swimmer Meg Finnon; and
Junior Male Performer - East Kilbride Athlete Aidan Gilbride. South Lanarkshire Leisure & Culture, which operates sports, recreational and cultural facilities on behalf of South Lanarkshire Council, hosted the 17th annual Sports Awards ceremony.
General Manager Gerry Campbell said: "The awards are about recognising achievement in sport but they are also about highlighting the valuable work undertaken by volunteers, clubs and a range of other organisations who work very closely with SLLC and SLC to promote sport and physical activity.
“This year’s awards are also about celebrating ‘Everybody Active in South Lanarkshire’ and we have showcased some great examples of members of the community who are making a commitment to be physical active. In addition to this, we have also taken the opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of some of South Lanarkshire’s aspiring talented young athletes, celebrating the success of Swimmer Adam Donnachie, gymnast Rebecca Dunn and Netballer Niamh Mccall. “
Councillor Hamish Stewart, Chair of the council’s Community Services Committee and Chair of the Board of South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, formally welcomed guests to the ceremony at the Hamilton Town House. Councillor Stewart said: “The ceremony is about celebrating success – success of our athletes and our coaches – whilst also recognising the crucial role played by parents, families, teachers and volunteers. We commended their dedication and commitment the inspiration they provide.”
Trophies were presented on the night by Deputy Provost, Pam Clearie, who said: “Tonight has been a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge all the excellent achievements and sporting stars from across South Lanarkshire. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to succeed to the level that our award winners have achieved this year and I’m sure they will continue to go forward and achieve even greater heights in the years ahead.”