WEST Lothian Council's annual sports awards, Celebrating Sport, took place at Deans Community High School last Friday to reward those who have contributed most to sport in the area.
The public were invited to nominate any person or group who they felt had enjoyed particular succe
ss in sport recently, and a huge response was received.
Swimmer Craig Benson was awarded the coveted Young Sports Person trophy, with Duncan Kuwall (skiing) and Robert Dalgleish (swimming) as runners-up.
In the Senior Sports Person category, gymnast Douglas Shaw was the outright winner, with Andrea Gellan (open water swimming) and Kirsty McCallum, Andrew Slack and Daniel Strang (Boccia) all named as
runners-ups
The Contribution to School Sport award went to Jane Robertson from St Academy in Blackburn.
Runners-up were Lesley Malone (Linlithgow PE specialist) and Jamie Crawford (Broxburn Academy).
The Coach of the Year award was presented to Stephen Duff for his work with wheelchair basketball.
He also received a £500 voucher for coach education donated by sportscotland. Grant Watters (badminton) and Derek Marshall (kayak racing) were the runners-up.
The Local Service to Sport Award, which is judged and provided by West Lothian Sports Council, was given to swimmer Alanna Morrison, with Ramsay Thomson (judo) and James Warnock (lawn bowls) as runners-up.
Gordon Ford, director of education and cultural services, said: "West Lothian continues to produce outstanding individuals and teams and it was a pleasure to meet so many dedicated young athletes.
"Great credit must go to the parents and coaches who provide support and encouragement day after day."
The awards were hosted by Bill Tevendale, head teacher at Inveralmond High School, and the event also featured guest speaker Tim Reddish OBE, chairman of the British Paralympics Association.
Local sports clubs were also recognised for work in the community. Murieston United, Craigshill Thistle and Livingston Hearts fell into this category.
Bellsquarry Primary School was also presented with the West Lothian Primary Schools Swimming trophy.
Harrysmuir Primary School was awarded a plaque in honour of being the first school to achieve the Active Schools Charter Gold Award.
