First recipients of Eric Liddell Recognition Awards announced

Wednesday 14th August 2024

Eric Liddell (photo via Eric Liddell 100)

Eric Liddell – the life of a legend of Scottish track and field

Following a nomination process, we are delighted to announce the first ten recipients of our 2024 Eric Liddell Recognition Awards.

The awards form part of the Eric Liddell 100 programme of events and activities to recognise and celebrate the life, sporting and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s iconic figures.

scottishathletics will be awarding 20 Eric Liddell Recognition Awards’ throughout the year to celebrate some of the outstanding individuals that contribute to athletics in Scotland.

The criteria for the recognition awards were aligned to the values of the Eric Liddell 100 programme.

• Passion – enthusiasm, dedication, optimism, self-belief
• Compassion – humility, selflessness, respect, care, community-minded
• Integrity – discretion, loyalty, self-sacrifice, principled

Award winners will be presented with a unique Eric Liddell 100 pin badge and signed Scotland Joma vest at this weekend’s Eric Liddell 131st scottishathletics Senior/U17 Championships.

Colin Hutchison (photo by Jamie Simpson)

scottishathletics CEO, Colin Hutchison, said:

‘Eric Liddell is remembered as much for his values and strength of character as his sporting success and I’m delighted that we’re able to recognise some of the incredible people in our sport who continue to uphold those values and his legacy.’

The first 10 award recipients are names below.

Eric Liddell Recognition Award Recipients

Harry Baird
Club Together Officer, Forth Valley Flyers / Falkirk Victoria Harriers / Corstorphine AC / Lasswade AAC

Initially volunteering at Falkirk Victoria Harriers where his children attended, Harry’s commitment has expanded to be a level 4 Official as well as an influential Club Together Officer in four different clubs. Harry’s passion is further highlighted by his collaboration with local authorities and active schools’ teams to support pathways and athletics development, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the sport and its community.

Kaitlyn Clark
Athlete / Assistant Coach, Whitemoss AAC

Kaitlyn was born with abnormalities which meant her parents were told there was a possibility she may not walk by age 18. Despite her injuries, she has driven herself to win numerous age group titles at long jump. Now aged 17, Kaitlyn has recently completed her coaching assistant course in order to pass the knowledge she has gained since she started in the sport on to others.

Kay Cooke
U11s Lead Coach, Inverclyde AC

Kay has been volunteering with Inverclyde AC since 1984, when her youngest son attended as an U11. Despite working shifts, she delivers sessions on her non-working days and regularly comes off a night shift to help support sessions and events. Kay has also been a fantastic fundraiser for not only for the club but for a wide variety sports and groups within Inverclyde as a member of her employers’ Community Care Team.

William MacRury
Head Coach, Stornoway Running & Athletics Club

As a volunteer Head Coach, William works tirelessly behind the scenes and sacrifices his spare time despite having a young family. He helps develop young athletes regardless of ability and the club has gone from strength to strength under his guidance. As a small island based club, Willie regularly plans and organises club trips allowing groups of 40+ junior athletes to travel across the Minch to give them the opportunity to compete at various competitions all over Scotland and further afield.

Gerry Moss
Club Together Officer, Gala Harriers

While Gerry is employed as a CTO, he goes way beyond his allotted time to deliver athletics to youngsters at numerous rural locations the Scottish Borders, including a weekly session of inclusive athletics for youngsters with disabilities and an athletics breakfast club at a local primary school.

Grant Nairn
Coach, Inverness Harriers AAC

Grant has been involved with Inverness Harriers for over 13 years, having started as a parent helper before becoming a coach. This year, Grant has supported the development of new coaches by providing training programme templates to give structure for those new to their role. He also developed a jumps group and a multi-events group at the club, leading to success at National championships in Scotland and England.

Theo Nicholson
Athlete / Ambassador of Sport, Newington Primary School & Dumfries and Galloway Disability Sport

10 year old Theo shows great passion, enthusiasm and dedication to every sport he takes part in. Athletics is one of his outstanding success stories, having achieved School Regional District and national medals both in disability sport and in mainstream for cross country, sprinting and heptathlon. He is supportive of his peers, stands down to give others a go and works hard to encourage those less able than himself.

Lorna Rogers
Track Judge, Dundee Hawkhill Harriers

One of the first to arrive and the last to leave, Lorna always carries out a great job when officiating and completes her allocated role without any fuss. She always helps, supports and mentors any official regardless of level, making sure their learning experience is the best that it can be. The atmosphere Lorna creates when she officiates is one of enjoyment, fun, laughter and always ensures the officials work as a team.

David Scott
Founder / Jog Leader, The Fit Like Joggers

David founded the FLJs in 2016, and has worked tirelessly to build it up to one of the biggest, and most established running clubs in Scotland. Leading two couch to 5k programmes a year, with up to 40 people in each intake, there is a constant influx of new members. David leads and inspires the huge team of volunteers, as well as planning social, educational and running events such as litter picking runs, foodbank runs, podiatry talks, menopause talks, Nuart art tours, and many other events this year alone.

Mara Webber
Athlete, Dunfermline Track and Field

Despite initially struggling with confidence, Mara has spent countless hours practicing and improving her skills. Her self-belief has grown exponentially, enabling her to actively participate in events that she once hesitated to attend. Mara’s optimism is contagious, encouraging fellow members to pursue their goals with similar zeal. Her care for others extends beyond individual interactions, having also orgnaised community-minded initiatives, such as volunteer events and social gatherings.

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Our Eric Liddell Recognition Award winners may also subsequently be nominated for the Eric Liddell 100 Awards 2024 (hosted by the Eric Liddell Community) in November.

Nominations for the next round of recipients is open now and will close on 1 October.

Nominate a deserving winner.

Tags: David Scott, Eric Liddell 100, Eric Liddell Recognition Awards, Gerry Moss, Grant Nairn, Harry Baird, Kaitlyn Clark, Kay Cooke, Lorna Rogers, Mara Webber, Theo Nicholson, William MacRury