Volunteers who help deliver and develop sports in Inverclyde have been honoured.

The Active Schools Sports Development Volunteer Awards 2023 ceremony took place recently in Greenock Town Hall organised by Inverclyde Council.

The event honoured people who donate their time to encourage participation in sport across Inverclyde and also develop their own skills.

Volunteers are supported by the council’s active schools and sports development service, which is run in partnership with the national body SportScotland, and work closely with local schools.

During the 2022/23 school term from August to Easter, 238 volunteers helped deliver 3,153 hours of activity across the active schools programme, supporting 4,216 young people.

The winners were:

• School Staff Volunteer Of The Year – Emma Forster (Clydeview Academy)
• Community Sports Hub (CSH) Volunteer Of The Year – Douglas Brown (Gourock Park Bowling Club)
• Young Volunteer Of The Year – Ross O’Donnell (Sport 4 All Club)
• Sports Leader Volunteer Of The Year – Sophie Harrison (St Columba’s High, Gourock)
• Volunteer Of The Year – Janice Hendrie (Inverclyde Athletic Club)

Provost Drew McKenzie said: “It was a fantastic evening honouring some of the many wonderful volunteers we have right across Inverclyde who are passionate about sport and physical activity and who want to encourage greater participation in that among all age groups but especially among young people in our schools.

“Their efforts not only make a huge difference to the lives of local people by creating opportunities for participation in sport, but many of our volunteers benefit themselves by developing their own skillsets and setting themselves up for a rewarding career in their chosen field.

“A huge congratulations to all the winners and a massive thank you to all the volunteers who do excellent and worthwhile work across Inverclyde.”

Following the award presentation, there was a question and answer session with the winners and staff from the council’s active schools sports development service.

The event also featured a talk by SportScotland partnership manager, Barry Cook on the power of volunteering.

Mr Cook said: “It was inspiring to see and hear from, so many volunteers who are committed to delivering sport and physical activity opportunities across the Inverclyde area. 

“The power of volunteering across Inverclyde cannot be underestimated and without this dedicated group, people of all ages just wouldn’t have the opportunities to take part, keep active and improve their health.

“My congratulations again to all the nominees, awards winners and to the active schools and sports development team for organising such a fantastic celebration event.”

To find out about volunteering opportunities, contact active schools coordinator Brad Cathie by emailing Brad.Cathie@inverclyde.gov.uk.