Duo set for Sports Awards

A PARA athletics world champion and his coach will rub shoulders with some of the country’s top sporting stars at a glamour awards ceremony this evening (Thursday).

Fife AC star Ben Sandilands, who raced to World Para Athletics Championships gold earlier this year, and his coach, Steve Doig, has been shortlisted for honours at the Scottish Sports Awards 2023.

Hosted by sportscotland and Team Scotland at Glasgow Science Centre, the event will celebrate the success of individuals, schools, clubs and teams across the whole of

Scottish sport.

Steve, who leads a training group based at Pitreavie Athletics Centre that features Ben and Commonwealth Youth Games medallist Owen Miller, has been shortlisted for Coach of the Year, alongside Scotland men’s national football team manager Steve Clarke and Caledonia Gladiators basketball coach Gareth Murray.

Ben will go up against Kirsty Muir (Skiing) and Matthew Ward (Swimming) in the Young Athlete of the Year category.

Steve has been nominated for his “athlete-centred approach which allows athletes to develop and succeed within their discipline and pathway”.

He’s been recognised for his “commitment, expertise and inclusive style which is integral to his athletes’ success and enjoyment in the sport”.

Mel Young, sportscotland chair, said: “This year the judging panel had an incredibly difficult job narrowing down the finalists for each award category, which is testament to the hard work and dedication of athletes, coaches, volunteers, and clubs right across the Scottish sporting system.”