The East Fife Sports Council Annual Awards Evening was held at the Younger Hall, University of St Andrews, on Wednesday 21st March. I have been attending the Awards evening for a number of years, and more recently as the MC, and this undoubtedly was the strongest group of nominees ever, I believe, in all eleven categories.
Disability Sport Fife members were as always well represented on an evening of celebration for athletes, players, coaches and volunteers of all ages from East Fife. The stunning surroundings contributed so much to the occasion and it was noticeable this year that there was a greater presence on the podium by women and girls.
Major Daniel Lee Mikus from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, sponsors of the Achiever of the Year Award, presented Lesley Thirkell President of Fife AC with the award on behalf of Para athlete Derek Rae from Fife AC who is currently training in Tenerife.
Trevor Milne from Kettle Produce Ltd presented Oliver Carter from Carnegie SC with the athlete with a disability award for the second successive year. The young Bell Baxter HS pupil is one of Scotland’s most successful junior physically disabled swimmers of the present time.
Derek Rae of Fife Athletic Club and Michael Simpson from Strathmiglo BC were also nominated in this category. Michael heads out on Friday to the Gold Coast as a member of Team Scotland to compete in Para Lawn Bowls.
Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife