The Inverclyde Sports Personality of the Year Awards took place on Friday 9th March at Greenock Town Hall.
Over 200 people attended the event, which was an occasion dedicated to rewarding the achievements of the athletes in the Inverclyde area, and a number of Para athletes, coaches and clubs were in the running for their respective categories.
The Para athlete of the year was won by the multi-talented Kyle Brotherton, a swimmer with Port Glasgow Otters and a wheelchair racer with Red Star Athletics Club. Kyle has been a member of both clubs for a number of years and has recently become more prominent in the T54 classification in Wheelchair racing. He is well supported by his Mum, Kerry, who is always on the move, taking Kyle to various swimming and 
athletics competitions across the country. Kyle’s training regime over the past year has been tough and the improvements Kyle has been making to his times is evident.
Port Glasgow Otters swimming club were the worthy recipients of the Club of the Year Award. The club, which has been an invaluable asset to swimmers with a disability in Inverclyde for many years, has produced Paralympians such as Maggi McEleny and Kenny Cairns, but is committed to supporting swimmers at any level and giving them the chance to achieve their potential. Head Coach, Eddie McLuskey, picked up the award on behalf of the club.
Volunteer of the Year was won by Andrew Hemphill, who coaches at Port Glasgow Otters Swimming Club. Andrew has been involved in volunteering at the club since he was a student a few years ago and has furthered his coaching qualifications to ensure the swimmers are receiving the best coaching possible. Andrew has also supported the Scottish Swimming Disability Squad in a voluntary capacity and puts in a huge number of voluntary hours supporting the club in competitions and on training nights. He is fully deserving of this accolade.
Junior Sports Personality of the Year was awarded to Rhys McCole, a young talented boxer who competes in mainstream boxing and is a great advocate for the sport, for people with disabilities. Rhys is also a member of the sportscotland Young Peoples Sports Panel and is involved in promoting the benefits of sport and physical activity in all its forms.
Congratulations to all the award winners. It’s fantastic to see Para athletes, coaches and clubs being recognised for their amazing achievements.
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