Volunteer Awards Ceremony Celebrates Champions of Sport and Physical Activity

On Friday 7 June 2024, we hosted our very first Volunteer Awards Ceremony at The PEAK, Stirling Sports Village, and it was a fantastic evening!

Over 200 attendees, including volunteer nominees, Active Stirling Board Members, partners, stakeholders, and members of the public, came together to celebrate this special occasion.

These awards were created to shine a light on the extraordinary work of our volunteers and to celebrate those who help others lead an active lifestyle. Every volunteer plays a crucial role in promoting sport and physical activity opportunities within the Stirling community.

We were thrilled to honour all our incredible volunteers across Stirling for their dedication and hard work in supporting their local communities.

The ceremony recognised those who have devoted their time to Active Stirling projects and programmes, as well as those who assist and support the local network of clubs affiliated with ClubSport Stirling.

Matt Bunnell, Active Stirling’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, kicked off the ceremony with some heartfelt words.

We were delighted to host this Volunteer Awards Ceremony at The PEAK to recognise our precious and indispensable team of volunteers. It was genuinely inspirational to bear witness to the enormous range of life changing altruistic delivery which is deployed by our volunteers daily throughout Stirlingshire and we are already looking forward to next year's event.

Matt Bunnell, Active Stirling’s Interim Chief Executive Officer

Dougie Porteous, Interim Head of Sport, Physical Activity, and Inclusion took to the stage to present the awards for each category.

15 Categories of Recognition: Nominees and Winners Announced

This award recognises a school, club, community group, community sport hub, or Active Stirling programme that has implemented projects benefiting the community. It emphasizes not just sport and physical activity, but how these projects positively impact the community.

Nominees:

  • Equi-Power Central Scotland Riding for the Disabled Group
  • Inspire Stirling’s Youth
  • Stirling Golf Club

The Community Impact Award Winner: Equi-Power Central RDA

This award recognises a sports club that has made a significant impact over the past year (2023). The club has provided activities or services to keep its members engaged and has encouraged new Stirling residents to get involved. The winning club has achieved remarkable milestones or implemented standout changes to make their opportunities accessible to all.

Nominees:

  • Strathendrick RFC
  • Stirling Netball Club
  • Equi-Power Central RDA

The Club Engagement of The Year Award Winner: Strathendrick Rugby Club

The SportAbility Club of the Year award is presented to a club that has demonstrated excellence in the following areas:

  • Significantly increasing inclusion within the club environment.
  • Developing sporting opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
  • Expanding competition opportunities available to athletes with disabilities.
  • Providing training opportunities for volunteers and coaches.
  • Identifying and nurturing athletes to further their development.

Nominee:

  • Milton All-Stars Football Club

The SportAbility Club of The Year Award Winner: Milton All-Stars

This award recognises walking groups involved in the Active Stirling Walking Network programme. It celebrates groups that demonstrate the following qualities:

  • A powerful sense of togetherness and community at the heart of the walk.
  • Regular repeat attendees.
  • A welcoming attitude towards new members.
  • A belief that the walk is shaped by the participants, not just the leaders.
  • A progressive approach to adapting the walks and any linked activities as the group evolves.

Nominees:

  • Rural Nordic Walking Group
  • Dunblane Health Walk
  • Walk Forward Group

The Walking Group of the Year Award Winner: Rural Nordic Walking Group

This award honours a Volunteer Walk Leader involved in the Active Stirling Walking Network programme. While all Walk Leaders make significant contributions, this award recognises someone exceptional in one or more of the following areas:

  • Motivates participants and other Walk Leaders with their enthusiasm and professionalism
  • Goes the extra mile in helping and supporting others
  • Leads interesting walks that adapt to participants' needs
  • Displays commitment and resilience
  • Is always approachable and friendly
  • Actively encourages future participation and the development of new Walk Leaders

Nominees:

  • Ian Nicolson
  • Susi Paton
  • Mike Gray
  • David Giles

Walk Leader of The Year Award Winner: Ian Nicolson

This award, calculated by Active Stirling, recognises the Walk Leader in the Active Stirling Walking Network programme with the most walking hours. The calculation is based on the number of walks led multiplied by the suggested unit time for each walk.

Nominee:

  • Ian Nicolson

Most Walking Hours Award Winner: Ian Nicolson

This award recognises an outstanding coach aged between 14-21 years (as of January 1st, 2023) in a school, club, community group, community sport hub, or Active Stirling programme.

Nominees:

  • Sam Dickson
  • Kirstin Harper
  • Melissa Shaw

Young Coach of The Year Award Winner: Sam Dickson

This award recognises an outstanding coach aged 22 years or older (as of January 1st, 2023) in a school, club, community group or community sport hub or Active Stirling programme.

Nominees:

  • Maureen Addison
  • David Dalziel & Fraser Harris
  • Helen Easty

Coach of The Year Award Winner: Maureen Addison

This award recognises a volunteer who has made an exceptional contribution to the SportAbility Programme, acknowledging their dedication and commitment throughout the year.

Nominees:

  • Jane Gordon
  • Lucy Walkup
  • James Ferguson

SportAbility Volunteer of The Year Award Winner: James Ferguson

This award recognises an outstanding School Staff Member Volunteer within a school, club, or health and wellbeing hub. The recipient of this award will have made a significant contribution to the development of sport and physical activity in their role as a volunteer, demonstrating commitment, resilience, and the ability to adapt sessions to participants' needs.

Nominee:

  • Sarah McLay

School Staff of The Year Award Winner: Sarah McLay

This award acknowledges an outstanding Sports Leader who has shown initiative and dedication to volunteering across the academic year 2023-2024. The recipient, whether in a school, club, community group, community sport hub, or health and wellbeing hub, will have made a significant contribution to the delivery or development of sport and physical activity as a volunteer. They demonstrate commitment, adaptability, and resilience in their role.

Nominees:

  • Niamh Imrie
  • Ava Moore
  • Olivia Nisbett

Sports Leader of the Year Award Winner: Niamh Imrie

This award celebrates an outstanding Parent Volunteer within a school, club, or health and wellbeing hub. The recipient of this award will have made a significant contribution to the development of sport and physical activity in their role as a volunteer. They demonstrate commitment, resilience, and the ability to adapt sessions to participants' needs.

Nominees:

  • Philippa Cochrane
  • Jim Frail & Grant East
  • Nicola Gallon
  • Paul Goodwin
  • Steven McCooey

Parent Volunteer of the Year Award Winner: Philippa Cochrane

The Young Volunteer of the Year Award recognises an exceptional volunteer aged between 14 and 21 years (as of January 1st, 2023) who has contributed significantly to the development of sport and physical activity. This award celebrates their commitment and impact within a school, club, community group, community sport hub, or one of Active Stirling's programmes.

Nominees:

  • Alex Wallace
  • Hannah Morgan
  • Ellie Hodge

Young Volunteer of the Year Award Winner: Alex Wallace

The Volunteer of the Year Award honours an exceptional volunteer aged 22 years or older (as of January 1st, 2023) who has made a significant impact on the development of sport and physical activity within a school, club, community group, community sport hub, or one of Active Stirling's programmes.

Nominees:

  • Steven McCooey
  • David Fettes
  • Josephine Rodger

Volunteer of the Year Award Winner: Steven McCooey

The Special Recognition Award honours an individual who has demonstrated ingenuity, creativity, and resilience in utilising sport and physical activity to create life-changing experiences. This award celebrates both participants and deliverers who have achieved sustained positive change through their involvement in sport and physical activity.

Nominee:

  • Kenny Brown

Special Recognition Award Winner: Kenny Brown

Here are some highlights from the spectacular evening at the Awards Ceremony

The evening was truly exceptional, with everyone cheering and celebrating the incredible contributions of our volunteers.

As the night ended, Active Stirling’s Chairperson, Graeme Fotheringham, expressed his heartfelt gratitude in a touching closing speech.

Active Stirling would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who participated in nominating their favourite volunteers.

Congratulations to all the nominees and especially to the winners for their outstanding contributions!

ARE YOU INSPIRED AND WOULD YOU LIKE TO VOLUNTEER WITH US?

Volunteering

Volunteering is one of the most rewarding activities, offering not only physical benefits but also enhancing mental well-being. It provides many skills, experiences, and opportunities to help others.