There was a significant amount of success for individuals associated with disability sport at the recent award ceremonies in both East and Midlothian.
Both ceremonies took place on Friday 26th October, with the East Lothian Celebrating Sport Awards hosted at the Brunton Hall in Musselburgh and the Midlothian Sports Awards being held at the new Newbattle Campus in Mayfield.
North Berwick tennis player Luke Turnbull claimed the Sports Person with a Disability of the Year award (East Lothian) amid tough competition from others including ELST swimmer Dylan Bleakley. Turnbull is currently part of the National Programme for players with a learning disability and travelled as part of the GB team who competed in Paris, France at the INAS (International Federation for Athletes with an Intellectual Impairment) claiming 2 bronze and 1 silver medal.
The Inspiring East Lothian Award went to another North Berwick youngster as Charlie Kay was recognised for his incredible journey through ‘Charlie’s Challenge’. Charlie began this particular challenge just after Christmas and tasked himself with travelling the 179 miles that lies between North Berwick and his beloved Manchester City’s Etihad stadium, clocking up the miles on foot, bike and in the pool over a period of months – raising money for a charity of choice throughout. The impressive journey culminated in the North Berwick youngster being invited along to the Manchester derby as match mascot where his achievements were recognised.
Performance Coach of the Year went to East Lothian Swim Team (ELST) Head Coach, Bruce Halloran. Bruce has overseen the expansion and success of ELST over the last year and supported and developed a number of para swimmers including Stephen Clegg and Hope Gordon.
Heading West to Midlothian, Lothian Special Olympics were recognised for their significant involvement at the Anniversary Games in Stirling during August. Athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers descended on the University of Stirling to support the hugely successful event which was celebrating 40 years of Special Olympics competition.
Pictured: Charlie Kay