VOTE for your sporting heroes
Help us choose our most inspirational stars
Sport pumps through Scotland’s veins.
For years the country has kicked, ran, jumped, hit balls and punched above its weight.
The past 12 months have been no different, and we have had no shortage of heroes.
Elise Christie overcame Olympic heartache to rule the world at the Short Track Speed Skating Championships in Holland.
Middle-distance runner Laura Muir struck gold – twice – at the European Indoor Athletics Championships in Serbia.
In tennis, Jamie Murray teamed up with Martina Hingis to put wee brother, Sir Andy, in the shade by winning the mixed doubles title at both Wimbledon and the US Open.
Rugby union icon Stuart Hogg and boxer Josh Taylor were another two of the many to distinguish themselves over the past 12 months.
Now it’s once again time to celebrate the brightest sporting heroes the country has to offer.
The Sunday Post has teamed up with music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins Scotland to celebrate the Scottish Sporting Awards.
We want to recognise the most inspirational sporting figures from around the country.
It doesn’t matter whether they’re performing superhuman feats at the Olympics or putting cones out on the park on a wet Saturday morning.
From the finest coaches to the outstanding newcomers, over the coming weeks we’ll bring you all the nominees in each of 10 fantastic categories.
Then, on Friday, March 23, all our nominated sporting heroes will gather at a star-studded bash at the glitzy Prestonfield House in Edinburgh, the venue for last year’s star-studded bash where Dame Katherine Grainger and Alex McLeish took top billing.
Categories include team performance of the year, which will recognise the players who came together as a group to beat the odds.
While the breakthrough award will celebrate the new sporting stars
aiming to emulate the likes of Sir Chris Hoy and Sir Alex Ferguson by becoming tomorrow’s legends.
And a special recognition award will honour one of Scotland’s biggest sporting heroes.
Their identity will be revealed in an exclusive interview with The Sunday Post five days before the ceremony on March 18.
But the NRS Scottish Sporting Awards isn’t just a glittering ceremony. Nordoff Robbins Scotland is the country’s largest music therapy charity, dedicated to changing the lives of vulnerable and isolated people.
Sunday Post columnist Donald MacLeod is chairman of its fundraising committee.
Donald is head of the Hold Fast Entertainment Group, which runs many of Glasgow’s top nightclubs.
He said: “I’m delighted that everyone at The Sunday Post feels so very strongly about supporting Nordoff Robbins Scotland’s work, as they provide support and music therapy to people affected by autism, dementia, stroke and so much more.
“As with music, Scotland produces exceptional results in all areas of sport and we celebrate their achievements.
“It promises to be a brilliant night and I can’t wait to honour our sporting icons and unsung heroes.” The Sunday Post has teamed up with charity Nordoff Robbins Scotland to promote the NRS Scottish Sporting Awards, which were launched last year to much acclaim.
Nordoff Robbins Scotland is the largest independent music therapy charity in the country, dedicated to changing the lives of vulnerable and isolated people. Music therapy helps people who find it difficult to express themselves in words – like those with autism or dementia – to communicate.
Therapists use singing, playing instruments, dancing and listening to music as a type of treatment.
Studies have shown it can help physically rehabilitate, motivate and provide emotional support.