Team Scotland Awards Archives - Page 6 of 8

After an incredible year for women’s sport in Scotland, three major championship medallists have been named as finalists for Female Athlete of the Year at the 2017 Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards on 21 September.

Finalist in 2016, cyclist Katie Archibald is in the running once again, alongside middle distance runner Laura Muir and short track speed skater Elise Christie, for the prestigious award sponsored by Brand Oath.

Olympic gold medallist in the Team Pursuit in August 2016, Katie was straight back on her bike, winning two gold and one silver at the European Championships in France in October. Her success has continued into 2017 with a first individual global title, winning the Omnium at the 2017 World Championships in Hong Kong.

Overall Diamond League winner over 1500m in 2016, Laura put in a stunning performance to win her first major championships medals at the European Indoor Athletics Championships in Belgrade. Laura broke the 32-year-old championship best performance to win gold in the 1500m and followed up with a second gold, also with a new championship best, in the 3000m. She came agonisingly close to a medal at the World Championships in London, just seven hundredths from bronze in the 1500m, also finishing 6th in the 5,000m.

At the 2017 World Short Track Speed Skating Championships in Rotterdam, Elise won gold in the 1000m and 1500m, also taking the overall World title – the first British and first European woman to do so. These titles came on the back of her superb form in late 2016, including breaking the World record over 500m in November.

Paul Bush, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “All three finalists have excelled on the international stage and each would be a worthy winner of this award. I congratulate them on their success and look forward to celebrating their achievements on what will be a memorable and inspirational night.”

Sponsor of the Female Athlete of the Year Award, The Scottish Sun is the number one selling daily newspaper in Scotland. Sponsor of the Sporting Moment of the Year category in 2016, they continue their support of the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards with coverage of all finalists and winners in addition their sponsorship of the Female Athlete category.

Winners across all award categories will be crowned at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards in a star-studded celebration of Scottish sport on 21 September at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

Four of the biggest names in Scottish sport make up an incredibly strong shortlist for Male Athlete of the Year at the 2017 Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards on 21 September.

Winner of this award on three occasions, tennis ace Andy Murray is once again in the frame, alongside swimmer Duncan Scott, also a finalist in 2016. They are joined by boxer Josh Taylor and distance runner Callum Hawkins as the four go head to head for the prestigious award sponsored by Brand Oath.

Andy capped an outstanding 2016 by reaching the final of the ATP World Tour Finals in November, where he defeated Novak Djokovic to become World No.1, a ranking he held until mid-August 2017. Named by the International Tennis Federation as 2016 Men’s World Champion, Andy had an injury hit start to 2017 but regained his form when reaching the semi-finals of the French Open and Wimbledon quarter-finals.

Winner of Young Athlete of the Year on 2015, Duncan has gone from strength to strength in the senior ranks, coming away as a double 2017 World Championship medallist. He took a sensational gold alongside fellow Scot Stephen Milne and GB team mates Nick Grainger and James Guy in the 4x200m Freestyle Relay before going on to add a silver as part of the 4x100m Medley Relay quartet.

With ten wins from ten since turning professional in 2015, Josh lifted the Commonwealth super-lightweight title in October 2016, defeating England’s Dave Ryan with a fifth round stoppage. He put on another brilliant display against South African Warren Joubert in March to retain the title with the referee stepping in to end the contest in round six. He followed up with a superb defence of his title against England’s Ohara Davies in July, adding the WBC Silver Belt to his list of accolades.

Individual bronze and team gold medallist at the European Cross Country Championships in December, Callum started 2017 by becoming the first British athlete to beat Mo Farah for seven years when finishing second at the Great Edinburgh International Cross Country. He continued this rich vein of form, setting a new Scottish Half Marathon record in Japan in February. At the World Championships in London in August he put in the run of his life to take 4^th in the Marathon, equalling the best result ever by a British athlete.

Paul Bush, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “The names on this shortlist show the strength of Scottish sport at the top level. Each of these athletes would be a worthy winner, representing the absolute pinnacle of achievement. I look forward to celebrating their many successes with them at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards on 21 September.

Sponsor of the Male Athlete of the Year Award, Brand Oath is a branding agency with a distinctive track record. Their skills have been honed in the high pressure and deeply scrutinised world of international sports and major events branding. They combine the positive values associated with honest sporting endeavour with design and branding experience to provide you with that competitive edge that could be the difference between winning and losing. Whichever sector you operate in, whether that’s within the sports arena or outside it, you operate in a competitive world, prepare to win with Brand Oath.

Bernie Shaw-Binns, Managing Director at Brand Oath said: “As part of our ongoing involvement with Team Scotland we are delighted to sponsor this award and congratulate all the finalists on their fantastic achievements this year.”

Inspiring performances at the highest level have landed three of Scotland’s top sporting names a chance to add to their accolades, named as finalists for Para-Sport Athlete of the Year at the 2017 Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards on 21 September.

Last year’s winner Gordon Reid is once again shortlisted and is joined by global champions of track and pool, Sammi Kinghorn and Danielle Joyce. The three will go head to head for the prestigious award sponsored by Team Scotland’s Systems Integration, BPS and IT Outsourcing partner, CGI.

Rio 2016 and reigning Wimbledon champion, Gordon reached the Wheelchair Doubles final of all four Grand Slams in 2017, winning three times. He took the Australian Open title in January and finished runner up at the French Open before going on to defend his Wimbledon doubles title in July. Most recently he and Hewett took the US Open title, with Gordon just missing out to Hewett in the Singles semi-finals.

A phenomenal season saw Sammi break World and European records in the T53 sprint events, she claimed her first global title with gold in a world record time in the 200m at the World Para-Athletics Championships in London. She went on to take bronze in the 400m, before capping a fantastic championships with a second gold, this time in the 100m. She now turns her attention to Gold Cost 2018 and is set to make her debut over the marathon distance in a bid to be selected for both 1500m and Marathon at her second Commonwealth Games for Team Scotland.

Following an incredible display at the Scottish Championships in December 2016 where she set five World short-course records in three days, Danielle was the star of the pool at the Deaflympics as she claimed four of the British team’s nine medals in an outstanding week in the Turkish city of Samsun. She took bronze on the opening night of competition as part of the Mixed 100m Freestyle Relay before going on to add two gold and a bronze in her individual events.

Paul Bush, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “Scotland’s para-sport athletes have thrilled and inspired over the past 12 months and our three finalists represent the absolute pinnacle of achievement. I look forward to celebrating their many successes with them at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards on 21 September.

Sponsor of the Para-Sport Athlete of the Year Award for a second year, CGI is one of the world’s largest independent information technology and business process services firms, employing around 65,000 professionals across 40 countries. With around 300 people based in offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, CGI is ideally placed to serve Scotland’s key economic centres. They are proud to be the official Systems Integration, BPS and IT Outsourcing partner to Team Scotland.

Janine Bailey, Vice-President, UK Marketing & Communications at CGI said:

“As part of our ongoing involvement with Team Scotland, CGI are proud to once again support this award as a demonstration of our commitment to excellence and inclusiveness. Congratulations to all the finalists and I wish them the best of luck on the night.”

From double acts to multi-sport teams at major events, Scotland’s team sports have given the nation a lot to celebrate over the past year. From a lengthy list of nominations, three superb finalists have been shortlisted for the title of Team of the Year at the 2017 Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards on 21 September.

Scotland Women’s Football, Scotland Men’s Rugby Sevens and Celtic Football Club are vying for the prestigious award sponsored by PSL Team Sports and Canterbury of New Zealand.

Shortlisted for a second year in succession, the Scotland National Women’s Football team have had a standout 12 months. Following a successful qualifying campaign which saw them win seven of their eight games, they took their place at Euro 2017, their first ever major championship. Improving with each game throughout the group stages, they ended their campaign on a high with a 1-0 win over higher ranked Spain, missing out on progressing to the knockout stages by a single goal. The team now turn their attentions to qualifying for the 2019 World Cup.

The first Scottish team to beat New Zealand in 112 years, delivering a breath-taking performance in the quarter-finals, Scotland Men’s Rugby Sevens stormed to a magnificent defence of their London 7s title. Buoyed by their historic win over the All Blacks, they beat USA with the final touch of the ball in the semi-final before triumphing over hosts England in the final. It capped a fantastic season which saw them qualify for both the World Cup in San Francisco and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

With a 2-1 win over Aberdeen to lift the Scottish Cup, Celtic FC completed the season unbeaten in domestic football to claim the fourth treble in their history. The first team to go an entire Scottish top-flight league season without a defeat since 1898–99, they took the Premiership title, League Cup and Scottish Cup with an overall record of 43 wins, 4 draws, and no defeats against domestic opponents.

Paul Bush, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “Teamwork is at the heart of all Team Scotland activity, with our ‘One Team’, ethos at the Commonwealth Games and our close relationships with governing bodies, partners and sponsors. The finalists in this category represent the best of team working and their historic achievements are testament to this. I congratulate them all on their success and look forward to celebrating with them on what will be a memorable and inspirational night.”

PSL Team Sports, together with Canterbury of New Zealand, sponsor of the Team of the Year Award for a second year and Rennie Keith, Sales Director at PSL Team Sports is pleased to extend the already successful partnership between PSL, CCC and Team Scotland.

“We are delighted to support the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards and to sponsor the Team of the Year award,” he said.

“All the finalists have delivered unforgettable performances this year and are a real inspiration to us all. At PSL and Canterbury of New Zealand, we pride ourselves on our quality, value for money products and our partner services. Team Scotland is a valued partner having worked together to provide Team Wear since the Glasgow 2014 Games and we look forward to delivering quality and unique Team Wear for the Gold Coast Games in 2018. PSL and CCC have a strong relationship with many Scottish sports and are proud to develop innovative, eye catching ranges of Team and supporter products.’’

Three outstanding individuals have been named as finalists for Coach of the Year at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards, with Andy Young (Athletics), Ann Dickson (Swimming) and Donald McIntosh (Shooting) in the running for the prestigious award sponsored by the University of Stirling.

While Scotland’s star athletes thrill and inspire on the international stage, their success would not be possible without the dedication and expert knowledge of their coaches behind the scenes.

Andy is the personal coach to a host of Scottish and GB international athletes, with every athlete he has coached in the last three years improving their personal best performances – a phenomenal achievement in itself. Among his charges are record breakers Laura Muir and Jemma Reekie who between them have amassed three European titles and 19 European, Commonwealth, British & Scottish records this year.

Ann coaches at Perth Swimming Club where she trains swimmers from club through to international level. Most notably in 2017 she trained Stephen Milne to 2017 World Championship gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay and Scott McLay, who in the Bahamas became Team Scotland’s most successful ever Youth Games athlete with 3 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze medal. All of Ann’s coaching success is achieved operating in a 25m pool.

As Scottish Smallbore Shooting, and until recently GB Rifle Coach, Donald’s most impressive success in 2017 has been with his daughters Seonaid and Jen McIntosh. Under Donald’s guidance they returned from the European Championships with an unprecedented three gold medals, each winning an individual European title before teaming up as two of the team of three that won the European Team event. Donald is a veteran of numerous Commonwealth Games for Team Scotland as both competitor and coach.

Congratulating the three finalists, Paul Bush OBE, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “Behind each of our international athletes is an outstanding coach, and our three finalists represent the pinnacle of achievement, guiding their athletes to some of the most memorable Scottish sporting moments of the year. Recognition at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards is just reward for their huge contribution and I look forward to celebrating with them on 21 September.”

Sponsor of the Coach of the Year award, the University of Stirling is numbered among the top 50 new universities in the world and is designated as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. With athletes and coaches in many disciplines, including swimming, golf, tennis, football and triathlon nurtured in the University’s unique environment, in preparation for Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth competition, the University is recognised internationally for innovative research and teaching in sport and for success in developing sporting talent and improving performance.

Three of Scotland’s brightest sporting prospects have been named as finalists for the Sir Peter Heatly Trophy and the title of Young Athlete of the Year at the 2017 Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards on 21 September.

Swimmer Scott McLay, rising star of Canoe Sprint Ieuan James and last year’s winner of this category, Para-Athletics sprinter Maria Lyle are in the running to take the prestigious award sponsored by City Legacy Homes.

The future looks good for Scottish sport with a huge number of outstanding nominations received by our judges who had the difficult task of narrowing it down to a shortlist of just three. Each of our finalists has stepped up this year to perform in style on the international stage, following in the footsteps of some of Scotland’s current stars including two recent winners, swimmer Duncan Scott, a double World Championship medallist this year and Olympic Champion cyclist Katie Archibald.

Scott McLay returned from the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games as Scotland’s most successful Youth Games athlete in history, following an incredible few days in the pool. With three gold, one silver and one bronze he eclipsed the record set in 2011 by fellow swimmer Craig Benson. Scott also won bronze at the 2017 European Junior Championships as part of the Mixed Medley Relay team.

Maria is already a multiple World, European and Paralympic medallist at senior level, despite being just 17, and has no intentions of slowing down. Despite carrying an injury into the Para-Athletics World Championships in London, she raced to bronze in both the 100m and 200m in a display of sheer determination. She now has her sights set on next year’s Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

Ieuan has had a rapid progression to the top of his sport in sprint canoeing after first competing internationally in 2016. In June he made a massive breakthrough, winning gold in the K1 200m event at the European Junior Championships in Belgrade. He then then went on to claim Britain’s first World Junior canoe sprint title for 22 years with gold in the K1 200m event at the World Junior Championships in Pitesti, Bulgaria.

Paul Bush, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “The breadth and depth of nominations received for this award, and the wide range of sports represented, shows that the future of Scottish sport is in good hands. We have an incredibly strong line up in our three finalists. I congratulate them on their tremendous achievements over the past year and look forward to following their future successes.

Sponsor of the Young Athlete of the Year Award is City Legacy Homes – a consortium of four Glasgow companies, CCG, Cruden, Mactaggart & Mickel and WH Malcolm, who developed the Athletes’ Village for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Delighted to see the number of young talents emerging in the wake of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, John Gallacher, Director of City Legacy Homes said:

“The Athletes’ Village has provided a lasting legacy for the East End of Glasgow and it’s been a privilege to play our part in one of the greatest projects that Scotland has ever delivered. We are thrilled to sponsor the Young Athlete of the Year Award and we congratulate all the finalists on their amazing accomplishments.”

Glasgow 2014 inspired a nation, and four initiatives that continue to use that momentum to change lives through sport have been named as finalists for the Games Legacy Award at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards on Thursday 21 September.

The East Lothian Rwanda Partnership, Active East Scottish Sport Futures, Judo Girls Rock and the Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland were selected from dozens of nominations from all over the country and will go head to head for the top award, sponsored by City Legacy Homes and the Scottish Government’s Legacy 2014 initiative, at a glittering ceremony at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

With its beginnings in the Glasgow 2014 ‘Support a Second Team’ programme, East Lothian and Rwanda have continued their partnership to much success. The past twelve months has seen a collaboration between East Lothian Council and Scottish National Governing Bodies for Athletics, Beach Volleyball, Rugby 7’s and Swimming, creating an opportunity for Rwandan High Performance coaches and athletes to access coach education and coaching input and to facilitate and encourage future interaction and partnership working between Rwanda and Scotland in the respective sports.

Based in the East End of Glasgow, Scottish Sports Futures (SSF) is a catalyst in supporting young people to progress onto positive destinations. Utilising the power of sport as a positive way to motivate, SSF deliver innovative programmes that change the future for Scotland’s most disadvantaged youth. Over 27,500 volunteer hours have been given since the programme launched in 2013, with a significant number of participants moving on to further training, employment and higher education.

Following on from the success of the Scottish Judo Team at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, Judo Scotland launched the Judo Girls Rock programme, designed to engage young girls in participating in sport and develop female coaches and volunteers. Thanks to the success of Judo Girls Rock in the West of Scotland, this programme will be launched nationally towards the end of 2017, providing a true national legacy from Glasgow 2014.

With 55 groups now in operation, the Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland brings together local 13-24 year olds and older people living with long term conditions such as dementia. Through sporting reminiscence and physical activities they aim to improve well-being and reduce loneliness and social isolation. Before starting the project 84% of the older group did no physical activity, while a recent evaluation showed increased confidence and skills among the younger participants.

Congratulating the three finalists, Paul Bush OBE, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “Glasgow 2014 was a huge success for Scotland, not just on the field of play with a record medal tally for Team Scotland’s athletes, but in the passion felt for and sheer

scale of our biggest-ever sporting festival. It’s fantastic to see so many organisiations using that legacy to make a difference through sport and our four finalists should be rightly proud of all they have achieved. I look forward to celebrating with them at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards on 21 September.”

Sponsoring this award for the second year is Legacy 2014, a Scottish Government initiative working to secure a lasting legacy for Scotland from hosting the XX Commonwealth Games. Across Scotland there are over 60 Legacy 2014 national programmes investing in new or upgraded facilities; generating skills, training and employment opportunities; building infrastructure for regeneration and community development; helping people to get more active; inspiring learning and leadership in young people; and making new global and cultural connections.

The award-winning Legacy 2014 website www.legacy2014.scot tells the legacy story, the contribution of those delivering a lasting legacy and those people and communities benefiting across Scotland.

Andy Sinclair, Head of Legacy said: “We are delighted to be able to sponsor the Games Legacy Award again this year. The fantastic legacy from the 2014 Glasgow Games did not happen by accident, it was a concerted effort by legacy partners not just in the east end of Glasgow, but across the whole country. Congratulations to all the finalists who continue to deliver lasting benefits to their local communities three years on from the Games.”

Joining Legacy 2014 in sponsoring this category is City Legacy Homes – a consortium of four Glasgow companies, CCG, Cruden, Mactaggart & Mickel and WH Malcolm, who developed the Athletes’ Village for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

John Gallacher, Director of City Legacy Homes said:

“The Athletes’ Village has provided a lasting legacy for the East End of Glasgow and it’s been a privilege to play our part in one of the greatest projects that Scotland has ever delivered. We are thrilled to sponsor the Games Legacy Award and we congratulate all the finalists on their amazing accomplishments.”

From the thousands of volunteers who give selflessly of their time at all levels of sport in Scotland, three inspiring individuals have been named as finalists for Volunteer of the Year at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards on Thursday 21 September.

Leslie Roy (Athletics), Richard Brickley MBE (Disability Sport) and Betty Scott (Live Borders) comprise a strong shortlist for the prestigious award.

Now in her fifth year as President of Scottish Athletics, Leslie Roy has spent countless hours over the past twelve months supporting athletes and volunteers at numerous events across Scotland and the UK. In addition to her role as President, Leslie has also Chaired Selection Timetabling Committees, taken on the role of Team Manager for the Celtic Games, represented Scotland on the UK Athletics Members Council, and coordinated the Youth Development League in Scotland. Leslie is currently also one of four General Team Managers for the 2018 Commonwealth Games giving up her free time and using her considerable experience to assist in Team Scotland’s preparations for the Gold Coast.

Overjoyed to be shortlisted as a finalist, Leslie said. “I love being involved in sport, especially athletics, and doing everything I can to help athletes and clubs achieve their best. The organisation, planning and preparation I do will hopefully enable an athlete to achieve a PB, a record or indeed get a standard to get to a major Games”.

Richard Brickley truly epitomises the spirit of volunteering, giving selflessly of his time, energy, passion and commitment to improving and continually developing the lives of everyone involved in disability sport in Scotland. Involved at a local, national and international level, Richard plays a major role as a volunteer within Disability Sport Fife, supports Scottish Disability Sport with his skills, knowledge and expertise, and is a driving force within classification and the wider reaches of disability sport at a global level.

“I am thrilled yet humbled to be short listed for the 2017 Team Scotland Volunteer of the Year Award, he said. “The past five decades have been exceptional and through the volunteering opportunities that have come my way I have met many exceptional individuals and enjoyed many unique experiences all over the world. I have been so fortunate and owe so much to Scottish Disability Sport in particular.”

A volunteer at Gala Cricket Club since the 1960s, Betty Scott continues to be a driving force for sport in the Scottish Borders. Ambassador to the newly formed Live Borders, she is passionate about disability sport, securing funding for a disability sports festival and campaigning for a full-time disability officer to create opportunities for Borders athletes.

A supporter of Gala RFC and volunteer at Gala Waverley Bowling club, Betty also keeps the local community up to date with what is going on in sport through social media.

Delighted by her nomination for Volunteer of the Year, Betty said: “I have been involved in many different sports as a volunteer, who are worth their weight in gold. It is a pleasure to be nominated at an event where sport is the big winner”.

Congratulating the three finalists, Paul Bush OBE, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of Scottish sport, from local initiatives right up to the international level. Our three finalists have shown outstanding commitment, devoting countless hours of their time to helping others reach their goals and recognition at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards is just reward for the positive change they have delivered. They have inspired not just the people they work with but also the wider sporting community in Scotland.”

Recognised for their success in driving participation, development and performance at all levels of Scottish sport, three organisations have been shortlisted for the title of Governing Body of the Year at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards on Thursday 21 September 2017.

Cricket Scotland are shortlisted for this award for the first time and take their place alongside the winners of this category last year, scottishathletics and fellow 2016 finalists Netball Scotland.

Netball Scotland has experienced a year of unprecedented growth in profile, reach, impact and development across the whole sport. From launching Scotland’s only national female sports team with a TV broadcast deal, to growing an already rapidly expanding membership through new community impact initiatives, it has been an incredibly successful year for the sport. Launched this year, the Sirens is the only Superleague team to actively drive change for female sport and has been recognised in both UK and Scottish Parliament for its work. The sport also celebrated their most successful international results across European and World Youth Cup competitions.

Chief Executive at Netball Scotland, Claire Nelson, said: “I am delighted that, for the second year running, Netball Scotland has been shortlisted as a finalist for Governing Body of the Year at the prestigious Team Scotland Awards. As a sport and organisation we are coming off the back of our biggest year to date. Netball in Scotland is on the rise and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down soon.

“At a time when it has never been more important for female sports organisations to lead the way in driving meaningful action using our powerful platforms, Netball Scotland is truly committed to #ChangingTheGame.”

Cricket Scotland continue to punch above its weight with the men’s and women’s sides ranked 11^th and 13^th respectively of the 106 recognised cricket nations of the world. The past 12 months have focussed on inclusion with the re-launch of the Beyond Boundaries charity (delivering the sport to girls and women, underprivileged children, disabled and ethnic minority groups), the introduction of a fully funded disability programme and the appointment of a West of Scotland Community Engagement Officer.

Excited to be shortlisted for the first time for this award, Chief Executive at Cricket Scotland, Malcolm Cannon, said: “Cricket Scotland is proud and delighted to have been short-listed for this prestigious award. The last two years have been an exciting and positive journey both on the field and in the boardroom while we inspire Scotland to play cricket.

“As one of Scotland’s most diverse sports, throughout the cricketing community there are enormous activity levels with great progress being made. Our men’s team is currently ranked 11 in the world and our women 13 and we are recruiting large numbers into the game with our new entry and youth programmes. Cricket Scotland wishes good luck to the other short-listed SGBs.”

Team Scotland Governing Body of the Year in 2016, scottishathletics continue to raise the bar with record numbers selected for the World Championships, records set at World, European, Commonwealth, British and Scottish level and over 120,000 athletes competing in Scottish Athletics events. They are also paving the way for wider inclusion with a new partnership between their recreational initiative Jog Scotland and the Scottish Association for Mental Health, work with Leap Sports Scotland and Stonewall Scotland to support participation in athletics throughout the LGBT Community and a first ever permit event to include a third gender / non-binary category held in June.

Chief Executive Mark Munro said: “We are delighted that scottishathletics has been short listed for the National Governing Body of the Year Award for 2017 at the Team Scotland Awards. It is a great honour and privilege to be short listed again and recognises another fantastic year for the sport across all levels. It also recognises the efforts of our massive army of volunteers on the ground that make the sport happen 365 days of the year. I would also like to congratulate the other SGBs short listed and wish them all the best on the night”.

Paul Bush OBE, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “Governing bodies sit at the heart of Scottish sport, putting in place pathways for athletes, coaches and officials from their very first contact with the sport through to achieving their aspirations at international level. Our three finalists stand out for their innovative approach and commitment to the development of their respective sports, and it is fantastic to see two of last year’s finalists back on the shortlist and raising the bar even higher in 2017. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our finalists at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards.”

Recognised for their extraordinary dedication to their local communities, five of Scotland’s top performing sporting initiatives have been named as finalists for Community Hub, Club or School of the Year at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards on 21 September.

Awarded to the Community Sport Hub, Club or School which has made the most progress and impact on their community over the last year, the award attracted dozens of nominations across a wide range of sporting pursuits and from every region of Scotland. Impressing the judges with their innovation and ambition, Drumchapel Community Sports Hub, Springburn Harriers, Fyrish Gymnastics Club, Clovenstone Boxing Club and Fairfield Community Sports Hub will now go head to head for the top award supported by sportscotland.

Drumchapel Community Sport Hub are making a huge difference to their local community, particularly with the Get Active in Drumchapel project which saw the hub deliver activities to over 1100 local people. The project targeted traditionally inactive groups including teen girls, older adults, people recovering from addiction, people with a disability and women. The hub also works with a range of partners including Active Schools to deliver the ‘Drumwealth Games’ which involves 490 local school pupils.

Innovation abounds at Springburn Harriers, notably with the G21 Project which targets an area of deprivation in their local community, encouraging participation and membership from young people, adults and families who may previously have found it difficult to access sporting activities. The first athletics club in the UK to be recognised as a Duke of Edinburgh awarding centre, they have also seen the start of the Mini Harriers, bringing more young people into the sport and giving 18 of their existing young athletes experience of delivering the sessions.

Fyrish is a small gymnastics club in the Scottish Highlands delivering gymnastics sessions to over 400 young people – with over 10% of under 16s in the town attending the club. The club has become more than a sports club, with regular late night sessions for dis-engaged teenagers at risk of anti-social behaviour producing many young leaders and coaches. Using sport as a way to engage with this group has brought multiple benefits for the participants, the club and the local community.

Situated in a community listed in the top 15% most deprived areas in Scotland, Clovenstone Boxing Club has successfully created a space for safe, controlled, meaningful social and physical interaction. Alongside boxing training, the club reaches out to the local community with youth health clubs, family food clubs and English for speakers of other languages. The club’s influence extends out-with the gym itself, delivering activity to three local high schools, to individuals in social care, and to individuals with a history of alcohol and substance abuse.

Fairfield Community Sports Hub consists of nine sports clubs with the aim of being the catalyst community pride, enthusiasm and connectivity across all age groups. The hub has taken considerable strides in the last year, including the establishment of a successful partnership with Dundee City Council aimed at offering combined employability CPD opportunities and coach education to unemployed men in the community. Targeted group work has also included the creation of girls, disability and walking football clubs as well as rolling out tennis taster sessions and lunchtime clubs in local primary schools.

Paul Bush OBE, Chair, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “Community Hubs, clubs and schools sit at the heart of Scottish sport, providing a vital route into recreational and competitive sport, as well as making a huge contribution to the health and well-being of the nation as a whole. The phenomenal dedication of our five finalists to their communities deserves recognition and they should be rightly proud of their achievements over the past year.”

The Community Hub, Club or School of the Year award is supported by sportscotland, the lead agency for the development of sport in Scotland. Establishing community sport hubs comprising partnerships from across clubs, schools and local organisation partners was a key goal linked to Glasgow 2014. sportscotland’s mission is to build a world class sporting system for everyone in Scotland, making sport a way of life, placing it at the heart of society and making a positive impact on people and communities.

Winners across all categories will be crowned at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards in a star-studded celebration of Scottish sport on 21 September at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

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