Recognising talent in disability sports
Scottish champions, record breakers, cup winners and a world champion were among the winners at the South Lanarkshire Disability Sport Awards last month.
The annual awards event, held at the Palace Grounds Bowling Pavilion on April 20, recognised both the success and the hard work of adult and young athletes in a wide range of sporting disciplines, including swimming, athletics, golf, tennis, football, bowls and boccia.
The commitment and vital role of coaches, organisers and volunteers who support individual athletes, teams and events wasn’t forgotten either, with awards for Coach of the Year, Club of the Year and Service to Sport.
Guest speakers included world champion and Paralympian Stephen Mcguire from Hamilton, who spoke about his career in the sport of boccia, about competing in major tournaments and the importance of setting goals. Award winners were: Junior Male Sports Performer of the year: 1 - Nathan Fleetwood (athletics); 2 - Adam Donnachie; merit - Cameron Steer.
Junior Female Sports Performer of the Year: 1 - Shiona Mcclafferty (swimming); 2 - Jade Mcgoldrick (tennis).
Adult Male Sports Performer of the Year: 1 - Andrew Harrison (bowls); 2 - Ross Mcquilken (golf)
Adult Female Sports Performer of the Year: 1 - Diane Gillan (badminton and athletics).
Coach of the Year: 1 - John Gardiner (Lanark Grammar); merit - Anthony Mcculloch (Blantyre Soccer Academy); Steven Moffat (Claremont Colts, East Kilbride).
Club of the Year: 1 - Claremont Colts.
Junior Team of the Year: 1 Lanark Grammar LD football team; 2 - Claremont Colts white.
Outstanding Sporting Achievement Award: Stephen Mcguire (boccia).
South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture general manager Gerry Campbell said: “These annual awards are not only important as a celebration of individual and team achievements, but also as a means of recognising the terrific amount of enthusiasm, commitment and hard work of all the athletes, coaches and volunteers involved in participating in and supporting disability sport in South Lanarkshire.”
Ian Gray, vice-chair of South Lanarkshire Disability Sport, commented: “It is always a great pleasure and privilege to be part of this annual award ceremony and to learn of the outstanding achievements in sports in South Lanarkshire.
“Each and every one of them is a great advert for disability sport and I hope their achievements will encourage more individuals to get involved in disabled sport, either taking part or in a supporting role.”