This year, of all years, is the time to salute our wonderful sports women

These are our seventh annual awards and it is certainly going to be different this year. The ceremony will be virtual for a start.

And instead of serving up a fancy meal and cocktails, we’ve drafted in the professionals to show people how to do it at home instead. We can still dress up in our finery and have a good time, it will just be a new experience.

The fact is, if there was ever a year to celebrate women in sport and bring them to the forefront of everyone’s attention, 2020 is it.

While there hasn’t been much sport played during the Covid-19 crisis – and where there has been, the majority has been male sports at top level – there has been so much going on behind the scenes for women. Athletes, clubs and sporting organisations across the country have pulled out all the stops to help each other – and the wider community – since the pandemic hit.

And that merits cause for a celebration. Every year, we aim to recognise the hard work, determination and commitment that enables young girls and women to participate in every aspect of sporting life.

In 2020, we have awards for website for example, so it’s all about innovation and preparing for the future. And role models.

They show young girls what can be done and where they can go – and there are plenty of them in Scotland and featuring in the awards.

The role that Kathrine Switzer has played in bringing equality of opportunity to women cannot be underestimated and in Scotland we have some trail blazers who continue to break down barriers.

In football, we have Shelley Kerr the first woman to be appointed as manager of a men’s club in the United Kingdom and Hannah Rankin, Scottish professional boxer and classical musician.

She held the IBO female superwelterwight title in 2019 and is ranked as the fifth best active female middleweight.

Also, we never forget the day-to -day inspirational women, mothers, sisters, aunts, cousins, who inspire others through their commitment, dedication and passion to keep themselves and their families fit, healthy and happy.

It feels like the biggest impact of Covid in sport has been on women – but there’s a part of us that wants to give people inspiration for fitness and let them know that life goes on.