The winner is...
Spirit of Sport Awards result announced tonight
Live Active Leisure’s Spirit of Sport Awards takes place online this evening.
Sponsored by Perth and Kinross Sports Council, the one-off celebration is replacing this year’s Sports Personality of the Year Awards.
The event has been organised to recognise the efforts made and achievements gained by sports clubs, groups, organisations, athletes, volunteers, and coaches during Covid-19 lockdown in 2020.
Nominations have been received ahead of the online ceremony on April 22, which will be aired on the Live Active Sport Facebook page from 8pm.
Among those listed is Katherine Bailey, a talented swimmer who was honoured last year for her efforts by Auchterarder and District Rotary Club.
The Glenalmond College pupil was selected to be a member of the Scottish Swimming Youth Squad and had been due to attend the Olympic trials in London after qualifying for four events – namely the 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle and 200m butterfly.
In February last year, at the McCullagh International meet in Bangor, she took silver in the 1500m freestyle and bronze in the 800m freestyle, picking up the times she needed to qualify for these events at the Olympic trials. She made finals in three of her other four events in Bangor.
The Edinburgh International Meet became the last one of the season before lockdown came into force.
Katherine swam three events in the capital coming ninth in the 400m freestyle, picking up the final qualifying time she needed for the Olympic trials.
Katherine, who is a member of Perth City Swim Club and also trains in the Glenalmond pool, says she loves swimming because, while it is hard work, it is also great fun in a very friendly community.
In advance of the winners in the various categories being unveiled, a Live Active
Leisure spokesperson said:
“We were overwhelmed by the quality and number of nominations we received.
“It was really reflective of the amazing work done by organisations and individuals over the past year to keep sport and communities in
Perth and Kinross going.”
David Taylor, chair of Perth and Kinross Sports Council, said: “We are delighted that our long-standing partnership with Live Active Leisure is in a position to recognise the individuals and clubs who have gone over and above to keep the spirit of sport alive during what is undoubtedly one of the most challenging times any of us has ever faced.”
The finalists in each category are: Creative Activity Award - Perth City Swim Club, Salle Ossian Fencing Club, Perth Triathlon Club.
Community Support Award - St Johnstone Community Trust, St Madoes Active Sports Hub. Inspiring Athlete Award - Katherine Bailey, Chloe Grant, Luke Bibby. Inspiring Volunteer Awa rd - Carol McPartland and Gordon Currie, Fiona Dodds, Ross Paterson. Community Inspiration Award - Fraser Bissett, Graeme Doig, Willie Donaldson.