Coaches dominate at regional sports awards

Sports coaches and volunteers from Shetland scooped four out of nine awards at a regional ceremony.

The recognition for their contribution to sport follows the public nominations as part of the Shetland Times backed Shetland Sports Awards 2013.

Local winners were – Performance coach Andy Alderman, development coach Petur Petursson, young coach Vicky Anderson and Emma Inkster, young person’s coach, Glenn Gilfillan, community coach John Ward, young volunteer Tom Jamieson and technical official Audrey Leask.

Following their success each of them was entered into the Highlands and Islands Regional Coaching and Volunteering Awards.

And of the Shetland nominees Petursson, Gilfillan, Jamieson and Leask saw off their rivals and will go on to represent the region in the national awards.

Coaches were measured against criteria including impact, achievements and working with other coaches.

This is the most successful year ever for Shetland coaches at the regional level. SIC Active Schools manager James Johnston said it demonstrated the level of commitment, quality and dedication that coaches have in Shetland with all coaching done on a voluntary basis in their clubs and communities.

All the local winners will receive their awards at the Shetland Sports Awards on Saturday 23rd November where an overall Shetland coach of the year will be named.

Shetland Times editor Adam Civico, said: “It is fantastic news for sport in Shetland that so many of the local winners enjoyed success in the regional final. We knew it had been a tremendous year of sporting achievement in the sporting arena and this reflects the hard work that goes on coaching and behind the scenes.

“Recognising the coaches is just one element of the Shetland Sports Awards, but it is shaping up to be a superb event this year.”

Mr Johnston, was on the regional awards judging panel. He said: “This is fantastic recognition for the coaches and officials who are volunteering every week to make sport happen in the isles. The judging was very close, requiring an independent vote to make a final decision in two categories.

“The number of nominations in the local awards demonstrates how much local coaches and volunteers are valued by the Shetland public.”

To buy a ticket for the Shetland Sports Awards, when a team of the year and sportsperson of the year will be among the honours, contact Diane Legget at Clickimin Leisure Complex on 01595 741000.