Teenager up for sport award
Hop on board and nominate your young heroes
The Young Scot bus tour got under way yesterday with a stop-off at Murrayfield, where Scotland took on Ireland in the Six Nations.
Hundreds of rugby fans took time out before the match to take selfies, with many jumping on board to make a nomination. The tour, in association with Scottish Citylink, continues this week with pitstops at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday and St Johnstone Football Club and the University of Stirling on Thursday.
Nominations for Young Scot close at midnight on February 27 so we hope our readers will visit the bus and nominate their heroes in person.
Robert Andrew, MD of Scottish Citylink, said: “We’re delighted to be on board with the Young Scot Awards and look forward to hearing more for a Young Scot Award, said: “Rhys has had a difficult, rollercoaster ride so far in life but it has never got him down.
“He was born with four holes in his heart and spent time in intensive care as a baby. He fought then and he is still fighting, despite being diagnosed with five other disabilities and learning difficulties.
“Boxing has been a life-changer for Rhys and he had to battle his way into it as there is no disabled strand in boxing within Scotland. Luckily, consultants gave him the green light to be a mainstream boxer and he has excelled.
“His hard work and dedication have not only led to him winning medals and titles but also many admirers at his sheer bravery and unwavering belief that everyone should be treated equally.
“Last year Rhys won the Inverclyde Disabled Sports Personality Award.
“He has also been asked to be a junior ambassador for Fighting for Autism.
“He is such a well- mannered, respectful and grateful boy. He is always smiling despite problems he faces and he is kind to everyone he meets. I feel privileged to be in his life.”
The boxer’s mum Louise, 35, said: “Rhys just never gives up. He has always been a fighter and gives his all to everything. He trains six nights a week and still makes time for his studies. I could not be more proud of him and the young man he has become.”
Greenock Boxing Club’s Graeme Baillie said: “Rhys is an inspiration to all the other young boxers coming through.
“He is very talented and goes the extra mile to make sure he is ready for matches. He is a truly incredible young man.”
For more information, see www.youngscotawards.com.
Rhys has always been a fighter – inside and outside of the ring
about the inspirational young people who make up Scotland.”
Louise Macdonald, chief executive of Young Scot, said: “We are thrilled to be going on the road with Citylink and are excited to hear the inspirational stories of Scotland’s young people.”