The Torch Trophy Trust Awards are presented annually to nominations from sports governing bodies and sports organisations, to recognise voluntary work for sport and recreation from throughout the UK. SDS was delighted that Eileen Ramsay from the Dundee Branch was a worthy recipient of a Torch Trophy Trust Award which was presented to her in London on Wednesday 7 March 2018 by HRH the Duke of Gloucester.
Eileen is so deserving of the award for all she has done. She has been actively volunteering with the swimming club she co-founded in 1993, which now boasts a thriving group of 30-40 swimmers. As a volunteer coach, Eileen has contributed effectively to swimmers within the Dundee area. Eileen had a desire to make a difference for children, young people and adults with a disability wishing to learn to swim or progress on their swimming pathway and what a difference she has made. Eileen has ensured that many children, young people and adults with disability have experienced the joy and exhilaration of leaning to swim especially learners with a severe disability. Through her patience, natural enthusiasm and desire for participants to share her love of swimming she has enabled many swimmers to discover the benefits of swimming in a fun and focused environment. For over 20 years Eileen has ensured that participants have gained the benefits of learning to swim through her great skills, expertise and commitment.
But Eileen does not stop at coaching swimming, she has been the Chair of her local Branch of SDS for the last 12 years, constantly ensuring that the needs of disabled athletes and players were considered by local partners.
She has also been a very active volunteer with Tayside Special Olympics.
She also served as a Board Director of SDS for 8 years.  As a Board member, she always paid due care and diligence when executing her responsibilities to ensure athletes and volunteers at a local level had a voice on all occasions. She was a huge asset to the SDS management board and carried out her responsibilities with purpose and integrity, always prepared to put the voice of the local athletes first and foremost which is essential for SDS as an athlete centered organisation.
Eileen has put so much back into disability sport as an outstanding swimming coach, a long standing chair of the Dundee Branch, a SDS Board member for eight years and a lifelong champion for sporting opportunities for participants with a physical, sensory or learning disability. We are truly indebted to Eileen for the countless hours she has given to ensure the joy of sport has touched so many peoples’ lives.
Congratulations to Eileen and thanks to the Directors and support staff of the Torch Trophy Trust Awards for providing such a splendid event.
The picture shows Eileen Ramsay with her Torch Trophy Trust Award