The stars were shining down on this year’s Ayrshire Sportsability (ASA) 15th Annual ball. Not only did the event celebrate Ayrshire’s best in disability sports, but raised a record-breaking amount for the charity.
The glittering reception took place on Saturday 27 April at Ayr Racecourse, and was hosted by Edward Reid, a former finalist from Britain’s Got Talent. Guests were treated to a four-course dinner, before dancing the night away to the band, Life & Soul. And some even managed a few selfies with the Daleks!
The highlight of the evening was the 11th annual Ayrshire Sportsability award ceremony. These awards promote and applaud local achievements in sports for people with a disability in Ayrshire and Arran.
There were five awards up for grabs:
- Elle McCreadie, winner of the Young Athlete of the Year Award (sponsored by Ayrshire College), for displaying exceptional qualities in disability sport (under 18 years).
- Robyn Love, winner of the Athlete of the Year Award (sponsored by The University of the West of Scotland), for displaying exceptional qualities in disability sport (over 18 years).
- Stanecastle School, Irvine, winner of the Most Active School Award (sponsored by North Ayrshire Council and KA Leisure). This award is given to a school in Ayrshire or an individual within a school who has promoted a new initiative for children and young people with a disability.
- Learn 2 plus, South Ayrshire Council, winner of the Activity in the Community Award (sponsored by East Ayrshire Council Vibrant Communities). This award is for a club that has made a difference over the year in delivering sports to people with a disability.
- Gary Seymour, East Ayrshire Vibrant Communities, winner of the Disability Sports Coach of the Year (sponsored by The University of the West of Scotland), for making a difference in delivering disability sports to people with a disability.
Not only did the event recognise Ayrshire’s disability sports heroes’, it raised a record amount for the charity. Dr Waiyin Hatton, Chair of Ayrshire Sportsability, explains more: “Huge congratulations to our winners and finalists for their achievements and inspiration. And we raised a record £11,000 to continue our ambitious disability sports activities.
“On behalf of the Ayrshire Sportsability Board, I would like to thank Ayrshire College, East Ayrshire Council, KA Leisure, North Ayrshire Council and the University of the West of Scotland for sponsoring the Awards. Special thanks to all our guests, sponsors, supporters and volunteers, who made the event a stunning success.”
To find out more about Ayrshire Sportsability, visit www.ayrshiresportsability.org.uk.
Photographs: (left to right)
Photo 1 – Young Athlete of the Year Award (Jane McCreadie, Elle McCreadie, Moira Birtwistle, Ayrshire College and Dianne Campbell, Ayrshire Sportsability
Photo 2 Athlete of the Year – Dianne Campbell Ayrshire Sportsability, Kayleigh Haggo, UWS Student, Mrs Love (Robyn’s mum)
Photo 3 Most Active School – Colin Glencourse, Martin Edwards Headteacher Stanecastle School, Lauren Fletcher Active Schools North Ayrshire and Dianne Campbell
Photo 4 Activity in the Community – Representatives from Learn 2 plus South Ayrshire Council, Adam Strain East Ayrshire Council Vibrant Communities and Dianne Campbell
Photo 5 Disability Coach – Gary Seymour East Ayrshire Vibrant Communities, Dr Waiyin Hatton UWS, Dianne Campbell
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