Welcome to SportsAid Scotland

SportsAid Scotland changed its name from Scottish Sports Aid at the start of 2014. It is a charity that provides financial assistance in the form of grant awards to talented sporting youngsters in the 12 to 22 year age range and to disability athletes of any age who are already competing at national level in their age group and have the potential to represent Scotland at senior level. The finance given is to help the athletes with their travel and training costs, and will hopefully assist them in becoming Scotland's future sporting stars.

 

If you are an athlete and wish to know more about how to apply for a SportsAid Scotland grant, then please refer to our nomination process Scottish Sports Aid - Nomination process (sportsaidscotland.org.uk)

 

Should you wish to make a donation, please either contact us directly to discuss or visit donations on the left-hand side of page.  

Latest News

Angus and Alice Hit Peak

 

Hill-runners Angus Wright and Alice Goodall have both been awarded bursaries through the SportsAid Scotland Seven Hills of Edinburgh Award Scheme for 2023.

We are indebted to Alan Lawson, organiser of the iconic race, for his continued support of young athletes.  

 

 

Alisha and Holly Take Silverware

 

Sprinter Alisha Rees was named SSAT Sportsperson of the Year for 2022 at the annual awards cermony at Swanston Golf Club in Edinburgh. London-based Alisha was not present to receive the award which was accepted by her parents Alun and Angela. The Miquel Trophy for most improved performer went to Edinburgh swimmer Holly McGill.

Congratulations to both and to our other three award winners for 2022, Cameron Radigan (archery), Louise Christie (gymastics) and Neve McPhillie (taekwondo).

SportsAid Scotland chairman Sandy Sutherland (third from right) pictured with the 2022 award winners.

Fabulous Five

 

Our five SSAT athletes of the year for 2022 have been announced:

Cameron Radigan (archery)

Alisha Rees (athletics)

Louise Christie (gymnastics)

Holly McGill (swimming)

Neve McPhillie (taekwondo)

Congratulations to all against the stiffest of opposition from around 30 sports.

Our Sportsperson of the Year will be unveiled at an upcoming ceremony in Edinburgh along with our Miquel Trophy winner, for most improved athlete.

Capital Gains From Susan

 

Huge congratulations to Susan Beattie who completed the London Marathon and raised £2,500 for SportsAid Scotland. 

"We're indebted to Susan for this fantastic fund-raising effort which will make a big difference to our stars of the future," said chief executive Roddy Mackenzie.

"It is a difficult time for charities and Susan's wonderful achievement helps us considerably."

Birmingham Blitz

 

Over a third of SportsAid Scotland allumni claimed medals at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, with 30 of our athletes claiming podium places.

Swimmer Duncan Scott led the way with six medals and Ross Murdoch collected four medals in the pool.

"It is great to see athletes reaching their potential, having followed them from such a young age and helping them onto the first rung of the funding ladder," said chief executive Roddy Mackenzie.

"Our athletes won medals across many sports and it was fantastic to see some of our recent bursary recipients making it onto the podium. Huge congratulations to all."

SportsAid Scotland Fuels Games Team

 

Scotland's Commonwealth Games team for Birmingham boasts a total of 88 SportsAid Scotland alumni, including newly-crowned world 1,500m champion Jake Wightman. Wightman received a bursary from the charity in 2014 and, the following year, Josh Kerr - who finished fifth in the 1,500m in Oregon - received an award and was named SSAT Junior Sportsperson of the Year at our annual awards.

 

The full list of alumni competing in Birmingham is:

 

Athletics

Andrew Butchart (2010), Neil Gourlay (2013), Sean Frame (2017, 2020, 2021, 2022), Chris Bennett (2011, 2012, 2013), Nick Percy (2013, 2014), Jake Wightman (2014), Alexander Thomson (2018, 2022), Ross Paterson (2015, 2016, 2019, 2022), Guy Learmonth (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015), Josh Kerr (2015), David Smith (2012), Alisha Rees (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022), Zoey Clark (2012, 2016, 2017), Mel Woods (2021), Sammi Kinghorn (2013), Eloise Walker (2020, 2021), Eilish McColgan (2010), Heather Paton (2018, 2019).

Badminton

Alexander Dunn (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016), Chris Grimley (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Matthew Grimley (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Adam Hall (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016), Callum Smith (2021, 2022), Kirsty Gilmour (2010), Julie MacPherson (2012, 2013, 2014).

Basketball

Robyn Love (2015)

Boxing

Tyler Jolly (2017, 2018, 2020), Stephen Newns (2020), Sam Hickey (2017, 2019, 2020).

Cycling

Charlie Aldridge (2017), Jack Carlin (2014, 2015), Neil Fachie, Sean Flynn (2016), Mark Stewart (2014), Aileen McGlynn (2015), Anna Shackley (2017, 2019), Isla Short (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Iona Moir (2021), Lauren Bell (2019, 2020), Lusia Steele (2016, 2017, 2018).

Diving

Cameron Gammage (2018, 2022), Danny Mabbott (2021, 2022), James Heatly (2014, 2015), Clara Kerr (2021), Gemma McArthur (2018), Grace Reid (2011).

Gymnastics

Pavel Karnejenko (2016), Cameron Lynn (2020), David Weir (2014, 2017, 2018), Shannon Archer (2017), Cara Kennedy (2014, 2016, 2017), Louise Christie (2020, 2022).

Judo

David Ferguson (2018, 2019), Finlay Allan (2021), Malin Wilson (2017), Rachel Tytler (2020).

Squash

Georgia Adderley (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020), Douglas Kempsell (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016), Greg Lobban (2013, 2014, 2015), Rory Stewart (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019).

Swimming

Tom Beeley (2016, 2017, 2021, 2022), Craig Benson (2012), Archie Goodburn (2017, 2018, 2019), Evan Jones (2021), Craig McNally (2011), Stephen Milne (2011, 2012), Ross Murdoch (2010), Duncan Scott (2010), Mark Szaranek (2012), Stephen Clegg (2016), Sam Downie (2021, 2022), Tain Bruce (2014, 2015, 2016), Evie Davis (2020), Kara Hanlon (2016), Lucy Hope (2014, 2016), Holly McGill (2020, 2021, 2022), Emma Russell (2019, 2020), Katie Shanahan (2019), Toni Shaw (2017).

Table Tennis

Lucy Elliot (2012, 2014), Rebecca Plaistow (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021).

Triathlon

Grant Sheldon (2011), Beth Potter (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014), Sophia Green (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018).

Weightlifting

Craig Carfray (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015), Alice Aitchison (2021).

Wrestling

Ross Connelly (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022), Abbie Fountain (2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022).

Swimmers Turn The Tide

 

The Scottish Swingers - a team from Scottish Swimming - triumphed at the annual SportsAid Scotland Charity Golf Classic at Ratho Park. The team of Gordon Hunter, Cameron Brodie, Barry Cook and Cathy Ely finished with a stableford total of 117 points to pip Scottish Cycling (115pts) to the Peebles Cup with Bain and Irvine finishing third on 112.

Scottish Swingers receive the trophy from Sandy Sutherland, SportsAid Scotland chairman.

2022 Sports Bursaries

 

We are delighted to announce that our 2022 awards have now been finalised and we have been able to support over 220 athletes from 30 different sports, including Surfing for the time.

We hugely appreciate the continuing support from The Robertson Trust, the Stevenson Trust, Persimmon Homes and Perth Kinnoull Rotary Club. 

Best of luck to all of our supported athletes over the next year.

 

Hannah and Rory Get Funding Boost

 

Hannah McHugh (Snowsport) and Rory McLellan (Fencer) have received £500 grant awards for 2022 from Perth Kinnoull Rotary Club, long-term supporters of the charity. Hannah and Rory are pictured below receiving their cheques from club president Brian Johnston and committee member Ken Thompson.

"We really appreciate the continued support of the club who have worked hand-in-hand with us over the years to support some of Scotland's brightest young sporting talent," said SportsAid Scotland chief executive Roddy Mackenzie.

Louise And Jaimie Take The Silverware

 

Huge congratulations to golfer Louise Duncan and fencer Jaimie Cook who won the top prizes at the 2021 SportsAid Scotland awards at Swanston Golf Club in Edinburgh.

Louise, the first Scot to win the British Amateur title since 1997, won the SSAT Junior Sportsperson of the Year and Jaimie, top ranked cadet in Europe, won the Miquel Trophy for most improved young athlete in 2021.

Jaimie was presented with his trophy by Susan Beattie, daughter of Raymond Miquel, co-founder of the charity.

Congratulations to our other award winners on the night - Iona Moir (cycling), Rachel Sugden (badminton) and Melanie Woods (wheelchair athletics).

 

Louise and Jaimie receive their trophies from SportsAid Scotland chair Sandy Sutherland.

Building Futures

 

We have great pleasure in announcing Persimmon Homes have awarded us a grant of £5,000 through their Building Futures campaign which will help us support young athletes in the year ahead.

We missed out on one of the top prizes but £5,000 makes a difference to how many athletes we can help. 

Neil Parry, managing director at Persimmon Homes East Scotland, said: “The Building Futures scheme has been a great success and it is wonderful to celebrate the fantastic work of so many organisations supporting young people in our communities.

“We have been overwhelmed by both the response to the competition, and the hard work and dedication of those involved within all the groups.”

Academy Partnership Launched

 

SportsAid Scotland is partnering with Scottish Disability Sport to re-launch the SDS Athlete Academy, a multi-sport support structure for talented para-athletes.

The academy aims to supplement the continued development of the most promising and talented para-athletes at a pivotal stage in their athlete journey.

Many of the athletes are targeting the Paralympics and Commonwealth Games and SportsAid Scotland have been assisted in their support through The Robertson Trust.

Athletes are selected based on strict criteria relating to performance levels, attitude to training and commitment to their sport.

Each athlete must be eligible to compete for Scotland and the selection criteria is aligned with that of SportsAid Scotland.

 

The 2021-2022 intake includes 27 athletes across 12 sports.

 

Gary Fraser, SDS Performance Manager, commented: “It is an exciting time to be involved in performance disability sport, and the standard of athlete that has been selected for the SDS Athlete Academy indicates a promising future for Scottish para-athletes competing on the international stage.

"Athletes at this stage of the performance pathway require more support, whether it be financial or educational, and we are delighted to be able to offer the programme again with the support of SportsAid Scotland and our other key partners.”

Roddy Mackenzie, SportsAid Scotland Chief Executive, said: “We are more than happy to support such an invaluable project. Athletes have found it increasingly difficult training in isolation during the pandemic and we feel this is a way of bringing them together and giving them a collective identity.”

Gemma Lumsdaine, GBWR Pathway Athlete, said:  “Being part of the SDS Athlete Academy is such a privilege, I am really excited to be part of a group of athletes who are all striving towards their goals.

"I think the fact that there is such a wide range of experience and sports within the academy will really help us to learn from each other and also support each other as we progress.

"The academy will provide us with expertise and education which is extremely valuable to me and will enable me to be the best athlete I can be.“

 

Gemma Lumsdaine is one athlete who will benefit from the new partnership.

Fabulous Five

 

Congratulations to our five 2021 Merit Award winners:

 

Jaimie Cook (Fencing), Louise Duncan (Golf), Iona Moir (Cycling), Rachel Sugden (Badminton) and Mel Woods (Wheelchair Athletics).

 

Our two trophy winners will be selected from those five at a special presentation in Edinburgh in December.

Paralympic Success

 

SportsAid Scotland alumni won no fewer than 18 medals at the Paralympics in Tokyo, an outstanding achievement.

Gold medals were won by Neil Fachie and Owen Miller and there were silver medals for Aileen McGlynn, Lewis Stewart, Sammi Kinghorn, Jenny Holl, Gordon Reid, Stephen Clegg and Libby Clegg.

Bronze medals were awarded to Maria Lyle (x2), Stephen Clegg (x2), Toni Shaw, Jenny Holl, Scott Quin, Sammi Kinghorn and Gordon Reid. Huge congratulations to all.

Onwards and Upwards

 

Congratulations to young hillrunners Fraser Gilmour and Isla Hedley who are the 2021 recipients of the Seven Hills of Edinburgh awards.

Organisers of the iconic race have generously supported young athletes through SportsAid Scotland in recent years. After last year's virtual race, the Seven Hills returned in June for another hugely successful race.

Fraser, who competes for VP-Glasgow AC, has an excellent pedigree over road, cross country and track and won the boys' Under-18 race at the Home Countries Mountain Cup this summer.

Isla, of Fife AC, also competes in triathlon and mountain biking won the girls' Under-18 race at the Home Countries Mountain Cup.     

SportsAid Scotland's Medal Haul

 

SportsAid Scotland alumni won a fantastic eleven medals at the Olympic Games in Tokyo as Team GB enjoyed spectacular success.

Leading the way was swimmer Duncan Scott with his gold and three silvers in the pool and cyclist Katie Archibald took gold and silver in the velodrome.

Jack Carlin was also a double medallist in cycling, taking a silver and bronze and there were silver medals for rowers Harry Leask and Angus Groome.

Josh Kerr, our Sportsperson of the Year in 2015, took a memorable bronze in the 1,500m on the athletics track.

SportsAid Scotland's Tokyo Team

 

A total of 43 athletes who were supported in their formative years by SportsAid Scotland will be part of Team GB for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. Twenty-two athletes across nine sports will be involved in the Olympics and a further 19 from eight sports will go in the Paralympics. Many thanks to The Robertson Trust and The Stevenson Trust for enabling this.

It shows the value of supporting young athletes with the likes of multi-medallists Sir Chris Hoy and Dame Katherine Grainger gaining a foothold in their sport through SportsAid funding before going on to Olympic glory.

 

SportsAid Scotland alumni at Tokyo: 

 

Athletics: Andy Butchart, Zoey Clark, Callum Hawkins, Josh Kerr, Eilish McColgan, Steph Twell, Jake Wightman.

Badminton: Kirsty Gilmour.

Canoe Slalom: Bradley Forbes-Cryans.

Cycling: Katie Archibald, Jack Carlin, Anna Shackley.

Diving: Grace Reid, James Heatly.

Rowing: Karen Bennet, Harry Leask, Angus Groom.

Sailing: Luke Patience, Charlotte Dobson.

Shooting: Seonaid McIntosh.

Swimming: Ross Murdoch, Duncan Scott, Lucy Hope.

 

Paralympics:

 

Archery: Nathan Macqueen.

Athletics: Maria Lyle, Libby Clegg, Sammi Kinghorn, Owen Miller, Derek Rae, Mel Woods.

Basketball: Robyn Love.

Boccia: Scott McCowan, Jamie McCowan.

Cycling: Neil Fachie, Aileen McGlynn, Jenny Holl, Lewis Stewart.

Shooting: Lesley Stewart.

Swimming: Toni Shaw, Stephen Clegg, Scott Quin, Andrew Mullen.

Tennis: Gordon Reid.

East Lothian sprinter Maria Lyle, a former Miquel Trophy winner.

Golf Day Cancelled

 

It is with regret that we have had to cancel our annual fundraising golf day at Ratho Park in Edinburgh due to the ongoing restrictions.

We had looked at the possibility of staging the event in August or September but there were no guarantees that we could provide full facilities on the day and have decided to plan towards bringing the event back in May 2022.

We will, however, host an online sports auction, details to follow.

Gearing Up

 

Delighted to announce that we have received a £1,000 award from the Arnold Clark Community Fund in their latest round of funding. This is hugely appreciated and will help us considerably in uncertain times. 

2021 Sports Bursaries

 

We are delighted to announce that our SportsAid Scotland 2021 awards have all been finalised through our grants committee.

Through the support of The Robertson Trust, Stevenson Trust and the Rotary Club of Perth Kinnoull and other supporters we are able to support 270 talented athletes across 32 sports in the year ahead. We hugely appreciate their continuing backing.

Best of luck to all of our recipients as they seek to get back to normal competition in the weeks and months ahead. 

Professor Raymond Miquel

 

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Professor Raymond Miquel, one of the founders of our charity, at the age of 89.

Professor Miquel played a huge part in setting up the charity in 1980 and has continued to be a great supporter of our work. He was a regular guest at our annual awards night to present the Miquel Trophy, awarded to Scotland's most improved young athlete and was a big supporter of our annual golf fund-raiser.

"Raymond always took a great interest in the development of Scotland's best young sporting talent and his contribution to SportsAid Scotland will be greatly missed," said Roddy Mackenzie, chief executive.

 

Professor Miquel presenting the 2018 Miquel Trophy to golfer Hannah Darling.

Golf Auction

 

With the SportsAid Scotland Charity Golf Classic cancelled this year due to the ongoing pandemic, we are looking to raise some funds through an online golf auction.

Please consider making a bid for one of the items below:

 

1 FOUR golf vouchers to play the splendid Royal Dornoch Championship Course, rated one of the best courses in the United Kingdom. Can be used as a fourball or twoball or individual rounds. Valid until 31.05.21 but course have kindly agreed to extend until September, 2021. Total value: £750.00.

2 Overnight stay for TWO at the luxurious Fairmont Hotel in St Andrews inclusive of full Scottish breakfast and access to spa and leisure facilities. Valid until 29.05.21. Total value: £250.00.

3 TWELVE bottles of Bell’s Scotch Whisky. Total value: £200.00.

4 Shot Scope V2 Golf Tracker – GPS watch with course mapping. Total value: £125.00.

5 FOUR Glenmuir Golf Polo shirts to kit out your team. Total value: £120.00.

 

AUCTION BIDS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO: sportsaidscotland@gmail.com by 2pm on Friday, September 25,2020. Successful bids will be notified by 5pm that day.

Building On Solid Foundations

 

SportsAid Scotland is delighted to have strengthened its partnership with Persimmon Homes.

For the second successive year, the UK housebuilder has awarded the charity a cheque for £1,000 as an East Scotland regional winners, which will be used to help young athletes achieve their sporting goals.

The Persimmon Homes Building Futures Initiativelaunched in partnership with Team GB last year, is aimed at supporting grass-roots sports as well as community arts and education projects.

"It is fantastic that Persimmon Homes have come on board again especially in these difficult times when charities are under the cosh," said SportsAid Scotland chief executive Roddy Mackenzie.

Golf Day Cancelled

 

It is with regret that the SportsAid Scotland Charity Golf Classic - scheduled for September 25 at Ratho Park in Edinburgh - has had to be cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic. However, we will be hosting an online auction on that day to raise funds for the charity.

The golf day, which is proving increasingly popular, will return in May.

 

SportsAid Scotland Reaches Out

 

We are delighted to announce that we are supporting a total of 267 young athletes across 30 sports in 2020. We are hugely indebted once again to our main sponsors The Robertson Trust who are funding a total of 249. 

We are also grateful to The Stevenson Trust, Andy Gray and the Rotary Club of Perth Kinnoull for their continued support.

Double Tonic from Rotary

 

The Rotary Club of Perth Kinnoull doubled up their sponsorship with SportsAid Scotland this year to back two of Scotland's brightest young sports stars. Cyclist Aaron King and tennis player Alexander English received their award cheques at a recent club meeting and enjoyed the hospitatlity on offer.

"The Rotary Club of Perth and Kinnoull have been loyal supporters for a number of years and we hugely appreciate their generosity," said SportsAid Scotland Chief Executive Roddy Mackenzie, "We have a great partnership and it is wonderful to see them expanding their sponsorship for 2020 and supporting two athletes."

 

Aaron King (front row, left) and Alexander English (front row, right) are pictured with Rotary Club of Perth Kinnoull's (top row from left to right) Steve Fairlie (youth convenor), Ian Brown (President) and Ken Thompson.

Ronnie Steps Down after 35 Years!

 

Ronnie Sloan has stepped down as chairman of SportsAid Scotland after an outstanding 35 years as a trustee. Ronnie, who was awarded an MBE for his services to sport and charity in 2018, has served as chairman for the past 10 years.

He has become Mr SportsAid Scotland and his tireless fundraising efforts have transformed the charity and ensuring it is in robust shape to face future challenges.

"Ronnie has been the face of the charity for many years and he has helped me enormously since I came on board four years ago," stated chief executive Roddy Mackenzie, "People do not appreciate just how much he contributed and he raised many thousands of pounds through his own personal contacts. He will be sorely missed."

Sandy Sutherland, a trustee, has taken over as chair and is intent on taking the charity forward.

Ronnie Sloan has served as chairman for the past 10 years.

Water Splash - Swimmer Archie and Sailor Ewan Scoop Top Awards

 

Swimmer Archie Goodburn and sailor Ewan Wilson triumphed at the SSAT Awards night held at the Investec offices in Edinburgh. 

Archie, a world junior bronze medallist and double European junior medallist, was named SSAT Scottish Junior Sportsperson of the Year for 2019. Ewan, European junior champion in his event, won the Miquel Trophy for most improved young athlete in 2019.

Congratulations to all of the award winners on the night, including Vicky Glover (boxing), Bobby Laing (para-badminton), Grace Molloy (orienteering) and Erin Wallace (athletics).

 

Ewan Wilson with the Miquel Trophy.
Swimmer Katie Goodburn, younger sister of Archie, receives the SSAT Junior Sportsperson of the Year award from chief executive Roddy Mackenzie.

2019 Awards

 

We are delighted to announce our 2019 SSAT Merit Award Winners after lengthy deliberations.

Such was the stiff competition, it has been decided to break with tradition and make six awards instead of five. The award winners are:

Erin Wallace (athletics), Bobby Laing (badminton), Vicky Glover (boxing), Grace Molloy (orienteering), Ewan Wilson (sailing) and Archie Goodburn (swimming).

Awards will be made at a ceremony in Edinburgh on December 3 where our SSAT Trophy and Miquel Trophy winners will be announced. 

Congratulations to all.

Seven Hills Awards 2019

 

Orienteer Rachel Brown and hill-runner Sunny McGrath both had reasons to celebrate at the end of the 40th Seven Hills of Edinburgh Race.

Rachel and Sunny were named winners of the SportsAid Scotland Seven Hills Award, now in its second year, and scooped £250 each.

Rachel received her award after the race from former athlete Sandy Sutherland, a Trustee of the charity, but Sunny was unable to attend as he was competing elsewhere.

Ronnie Sloan, chairman of SportsAid Scotland, completed the event for the 26th time, a remarkable achievement.

The charity would like the thank race organiser Alan Lawson for his generous and enlightened support.

Home Instead Triumph At Ratho Park

 

First-time entrants Home Instead scooped the top prize at the annual SportsAid Scotland Charity Classic at Ratho Park.

Their team of Brian Johnstone, Crawford Swanson, Graeme Booth and David Booth just pipped previous winners Scottish Golf in the stableford competition and have vowed to return next year to defend their title.

Scottish Cycling took third prize ahead of Team Zeus in a battle that could not have been closer. In all, 15 teams took part and raised around £5,000 for the charity.

"We are indebted to the number of people who provided raffle prizes and auction prizes and Ratho Park once again proved fabulous hosts," said SportsAid Scotland chief executive Roddy Mackenzie.

The charity would like to thank Royal Dornoch, Spey Valley, Cardrona Golf, Mortonhall, Ratho Park and Milnathort for providing fourballs as prizes and also Decathlon, Bunkered, Shotscope, Scottish Golf, Bunkered, Brookes MacDonald, Raymond Miquel, Bluefin, The Scottish Open, Hibernian FC, Valvona & Crolla, Cafe Andaluz, Swanston Golf Club and Ed Hodge for generous donations. 

 

Home Instead hoist the Peebles Cup after beating all-comers at Ratho Park.
Former winners Scottish Golf narrowly missed out on regaining their title.
Scottish Cycling took third prize ahead of Team Zeus.
First-time entrants Team Zeus receiving their fourth-place prizes from SportsAid Scotland chairman Ronnie Sloan (extreme right).
Building Future Stars
 
SportsAid Scotland is delighted to be selected by Persimmon Homes as their first regional winner of a new funding scheme targeting youth projects throughout the UK.
The Persimmon Homes Building Futures Initiative, launched in partnership with Team GB, is aimed at grassroots sport as well as community arts and education projects.
SportsAid Scotland has been awarded £1,000 and, as a regional winner, goes forward for consideration to win a national award of £100,000, voted on by the public, later in the year. The overall winners will be named at a gala dinner of finalists in October.
"Fundraising in the current financial climate is challenging and we are delighted to receive support from Persimmon," outlined SportsAid Scotland chief executive Roddy Mackenzie.
"The athletes we help often write to us to stress how they wouldn't be able to follow their sporting dreams without the funding we provide.
"What keeps us motivated is the level that the young people reach in their sport - more than 70% of Scottish competitors that took part in the Rio Olympics in 2016 received support from SportsAid Scotland."
Iain Innes, managing director of Persimmon Homes East Scotland, stated: We are delighted that the first organisation to win supports young Scottish sporting talent through grants that helpf them compete at a national level for their age-groups."
Persimmon Homes is an official partner of Team GB as it prepares for Tokyo 2020 and beyond.
Chief executive Roddy Mackenzie celebrates the award with Laura Still, Sales Director Persimmon Homes East Scotland, inside one of the new showhomes at St Clements Well, Wallyford.

Unsung Heroes


Five SportsAid Scotland alumni are included in the Unsung Sporting Heroes campaign launched by legal firm Watermans Solicitors.
Swimmers Craig Benson, Scott McLay and Duncan Scott are included along with tennis player Maia Lumsden and squash ace Kevin Moran are named alongside other Scottish athletes and coaches in a call to find the campaign's next Sports Ambassador.
The campaign seeks nominees, one of who will become a Watermans Sports Ambassador and receive sponsorship and support from the firm.
An all-star judging panel, including triple-Olympian and Commonwealth Games swimming star Hannah Miley and Terry McCormack, renowned boxing coach and founder of Lochend Boxing Club, will meet with a long-list of selected nominees to create a final shortlist, who will compete to win the sporting public’s support in a final part of the campaign. 
Watermans have a long-standing commitment to helping develop the next generation of Scottish sporting talent through its Sports Ambassador Programme.
Previous Ambassadors have included Hannah Miley, rally driver John MacCrone and reigning Scottish Women’s Premier League champions Glasgow City FC.
Further details can be accessed here: https://watermans.co.uk/unsung-sporting-heroes/# 

 

Scott McLay receives his SportsAid Scotland award in association with the Rotary Club of Perth Kinnoull.

Robertson Trust Bursaries

 

SportsAid Scotland is delighted to announce that the 2019 Robertson Trust bursaries have now been made and a total of 214 athletes across 29 sports have been successful. A huge thank-you once again to The Robertson Trust for their continued suport and best of luck to all recipients for the sporting challenges in the months ahead.

Ben's Net Gain

 

Wheelchair basketball player Ben Leitch is celebrating after he was awarded the Rotary Club of Perth Kinnoull/SportsAid Scotland 2019 bursary. Ben received a cheque for £500 which will considerably help him work towards his goals in the year ahead. SportsAid Scotland is hugely grateful for the  rotary club for their continued support of this award.

 

 

Ben receives his award cheque from Gillian Marsh, President of the Rotary Club of Perth Kinnoull.

SportsAid Scotland Charity Golf Day

 

Entries are now open for our popular annual charity golf day which will be held at Ratho Park, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, on Friday, May 10.

The prestigious Peebles Cup is up for grabs and teams of four are invited to apply. Entry forms are available by emailing: sportsaidscotland@gmail.com.

Ratho Park will stage the event for the fourth successive year.

Smith And Darling Scoop Top Awards

 

World junior taekwondo champion Jordyn Smith was named SportsAid Scotland's young Sportsperson of the Year for 2018 after a fantastic year. The Falkirk athlete, now based full-time in Manchester, not only struck world junior gold but also won a bronze medal at her first senior European Championships in Russia and medalled at the Belgrade and French Open events. 

Golfer Hannah Darling, who won the inaugural R&A Girls' Under-16 Open and saw her world ranking rise from 2,088 to 140 in 2018, won the Miquel Trophy for the most improved young athlete over the past 12 months.

The awards were made at a ceremony at the Investec offices in Edinburgh which also saw shooter David McMath, diver Lucas Thomson and windsurfer Islay Watson receive award cheques. 

Unfortunately, Jordyn could not attend the event as she was travelling to China with the GB team but the trophy was accepted on her behalf by younger sister Teigan.

SportsAid Scotland chairman Ronnie Sloan (left) presents Jordyn's sister Teigan with the Sportsperson of the Year award. Also in attendance are Jordan's parents, Shona and Darren.
SSAT Merit Award winners 2018 (left to right): Islay Watson, Teigan Smith (on behalf of Jordyn Smith), chairman Ronnie Sloan, Hannah Darling, Lucas Thomson and David McMath.
Hannah receives her award from Professor Raymond Miquel.

Ronnie Receives Award

 

SportsAid Scotland chairman Ronnie Sloan has been presented with his MBE for outstanding services to sport and charity at a ceremony at Edinburgh City Chambers.

Ronnie, who was recognised for his tireless charity fundraising and voluntary contribution to SportsAid Scotland in the Queen's Birthday Honours List earlier this year, received his award from Edinburgh's Right Honourable Lord Lieutenant and Lord Provost Frank Ross.

 

Ronnie receives his award from Lord Provost Frank Ross, the Honourable Lord Lieutenant of Edinburgh and the Queen's representative.

SSAT Merit Award Winners 2018

 

Big congratulations to our five merit award winners for 2018 - Hannah Darling (Golf), David McMath (Shooting),  Jordyn Smith (Taekwondo), Lucas Thomson (Diving) and Islay Watson (Windsurfing).

Once again it was a hugely difficult operation sifting through the many talented nominations from different sports as young Scots again excelled on the sporting stage throughout the year.

The award winners include three world junior gold medallists, a Commonwealth Games champion and a player who has risen almost 2,000 places on the world rankings.

Our SSAT Trophy and Miquel Trophy winners will be selected from the five winners and named at a reception in Edinburgh in early December.

 

Twin Peaks for Lynn and Peter

 

Hill-runner Lynn McKenna and orienteer Peter Molloy have shared the inaugural Seven Hills of Edinburgh Award for 2018.

Lynn and Peter were chosen from a short-list of five athletes and will share the £500 award, to be used towards training and competition expenses.

SportsAid Scotland have secured a four-year deal with the organisers of the iconic race, which has been held in the capital since 1980. SportsAid Scotland chairman Ronnie Sloan first ran in the event in 1983.

"We are hugely grateful to Alan Lawson, organiser of the Seven Hills of Edinburgh Race, who came up with the idea of an annual award to assist a young runner to achieve their potential," said Roddy Mackenzie, chief executive of SportsAid Scotland, "I'd like to congratulate Lynn and Peter on sharing the initial award." 

Ronnie Sloan collects the cheque on Calton Hill after manning one of the Seven Hills drinks stations.

Royal Approval for Ronnie

 

SportsAid Scotland chairman Ronnie Sloan has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for services to sport and charity in Scotland. Ronnie has raised significant amounts for charity over the years, completing 35 marathons around the world in his tartan Superman cape and finishing 25 Seven Hills of Edinburgh races.

He has guided the charity tirelessly in recent years and ensured it has thrived as it continues to support Scotland's talented young athletes and para-athletes.

Congratulations, Ronnie.

Ronnie has been an inspirational chairman of SportsAid Scotland.

Rusty Nails Prove Sharpest

 

The Rusty Nails claimed the silverware at the 2018 SportsAid Scotland Charity Golf Classic at Ratho Park in the tightest of finishes.

The Edinburgh team finished with a total of 115 stableford points to edge out The Grapes of Ratho by just one point and ahead of third placed Bain & Irvine (113pts). Bain & Irvine took third on a better inward half from A Team, who also had 113 points. Holders Scottish Golf were just a point further adrift.

It proved another hugely successful day, raising over £5,000 for the charity.

Our thanks to all of our supporters who provided auction and raffle prizes, including The Open, Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open, Shot Scope, Fairmont St Andrews and Gleneagles Hotel.  

 

The Rusty Nails celebrate with the Peebles Cup.
The Grapes of Ratho just missed out by one stableford point.
Bain & Irvine claimed third place by the narrowest of margins.
A Team raise a bottle after finishing fourth.

Haul Of Fame

 

Congratulations to Team Scotland at Gold Coast 2018, bringing home a record 44 medals. A total of 29 medals were won by current or former SportsAid Scotland athletes, a magnificent achievement.
That includes Marc Austin, who won the first medal in triathlon, through to our final medallist Robbie Simpson in the marathon. Callum Hawkins, who was leading the marathon, was also one of ours and thankfully, he is making a good recovery.
Our gold medallists were Duncan Scott (who won a total of six medals), Grace Reid, Katie Archibald, Mark Stewart and David McMath and shooter Seonaid McIntosh was a double bronze medallist.
Also, some of the Scotland basketball team, who narrowly missed out on the bronze, will have received funding in the past through our team awards.
SportsAid Scotland medallists: Grace Reid (gold), Duncan Scott (gold, silver, bronze (4)), Katie Archibald (gold), Mark Stewart (gold), David McMath (gold), Ross Murdoch (silver), Mark Szaranek (silver), Eilidh Doyle (silver), Maria Lyle (silver), Jack Carlin (silver), James Heatly (bronze), Stephen Milne (bronze), Jack Thorpe (bronze), Dan Wallace (bronze), Mark Dry (bronze), Robbie Simpson (bronze), Jake Wightman (bronze), Kirsty Gilmour (bronze), Callum Skinner (bronze), Kelvin Cham (bronze), David Weir (bronze), Seonaid McIntosh (bronze (2)), Marc Austin (bronze).

Maria Lyle with SportsAid Scotland chairman Ronnie Sloan

Going for Gold Coast

 

Team Scotland gears up for the Commonwealth Games, fuelled by SportsAid Scotland.
Almost two-thirds of the Scotland team are current or former bursary award winners, a total of 84 of the 134 individual athletes.
A high percentage of the athletes who will compete in the team events in basketball, beach volleyball, hockey and netball will also have benefitted in the past through team bursaries.
Of the Scottish athletes in Australia, 18 are current award recipients, all but one of those having received funding through The Robertson Trust.
Para Swimmer Beth Johnston, from Galashiels, was supported through the David Stevenson Trust.
2018 SportsAid Scotland Bursary Award winners at the Commonwealth Games: Victoria Glover (Boxing); Isla Short (Cycling); Gemma McArthur (Diving); Lucas Thomson (Diving); Kelvin Cham (Gymnastics); Robert Barr (Para Bowls); Garry Brown (Para Bowls); Irene Edgar (Para Bowls); Sarah Ewing (Para Bowls); Michael Nicoll (Para Bowls); Michael Simpson (Para Bowls); David Thomas (Para Bowls); Beth Johson (Para Swimming) Toni Shaw (Para Swimming); Aedan Evans (Shooting); David McMath (Shooting); Alison Thomson (Squash); Ross Connolly (Wrestling).

Shooters Seonaid (left) and Jen McIntosh, both SportsAid Scotland alumni at Gold Coast 2018

SportsAid’s patron, Her Royal Highness Princess of Wales is helping to shine a light on the achievements and potential of young athletes throughout the UK – inspiring a generation who one day hope to represent the nation at the Olympic or Paralympic Games. SportsAid alumnus Sir Chris Hoy welcomed the patronage by saying, “SportsAid played an important role when I was starting out so I know what a huge boost this will be to the young sportsmen and women the charity helps today. As patron Her Royal Highness Princess of Wales will give them the profile they deserve.”

Contact us:

SportsAid Scotland
Caledonia House
1 Redheughs Rigg

Edinburgh   EH12 9DQ

 

Chief Executive -

Roddy Mackenzie


Tel: 0131 339 3367

Email: sportsaidscotland@gmail.com

 

Or use our on-line contact form.

 

Charity No. SC 000468

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