Celebrating Sporting Excellence in Inverclyde: The 2025 Sports Personality Awards
More than 220 people, both young and old, gathered at the historic Greenock Town Hall to celebrate local sporting achievements during the 2025 Inverclyde Sports Personality Awards. This memorable evening showcased the talents, dedication, and community spirit that define Inverclyde’s rich sporting culture.
The atmosphere was electric as representatives from various local sports came together, underscoring the importance of both competitive spirit and community involvement. The event was a tribute not only to athletic prowess but also to the numerous unpaid volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that local clubs thrive, offering opportunities for people of all ages to engage, get fit, and realize their potential.
Awards Night Highlights
The evening featured the presentation of ten awards, each recognizing outstanding contributions in various categories:
Coach of the Year: Sponsored by West College Scotland, the award went to Joe Beckley, whose commitment and leadership have made a significant impact on his athletes.
Sporting School of the Year: Clydeview Academy was honored in this category, sponsored by sportscotland, for its exemplary dedication to nurturing young talent in a supportive environment.
Disabled Sports Personality of the Year: The award, sponsored by Reid MacKellar, was presented to Kyle Brotherton, acknowledging his inspiring achievements in sports despite challenges.
Junior Sports Personality of the Year: Sponsored by Clyde Eats, this award was bestowed upon Mikey Broadley, who made noteworthy strides in his sporting endeavors, although he was unable to attend the ceremony.
Team of the Year: The Notre Dame High School U15 football team took home the honor, sponsored by Inverclyde Leisure, celebrating their teamwork and success over the year.
Young Volunteer of the Year: Ben Gerrard was recognized for his outstanding contributions to local sports, earning accolades from Inverclyde Council Inclusive Communities.
Impact Club of the Year: The Inverclyde Athletic Club, sponsored by Gourock Youth Athletic Club, received recognition for making a significant difference in the community.
Senior Sports Personality of the Year: Simon Okiti was honored in this category, also sponsored by Inverclyde Council Inclusive Communities, for his exceptional performance and dedication to the sport.
Adult Volunteer of the Year: The award, sponsored by Auto-Tec, went to Jill Aikman from Greenock Glenpark Harriers, highlighting her unwavering support and commitment to fostering the spirit of sport.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Kay Cooke was recognized for her lifelong contributions to local sports, with the award sponsored by Reid MacKellar, celebrating her legacy in the community.
An Evening of Inspiration
Throughout the evening, a buffet meal provided the perfect backdrop for attendees to mingle and share stories of triumph and perseverance. Fraser Erskine from Active Inverclyde delivered an inspiring talk, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in sports. Contributions from young sports ambassadors Orla Brady and Eilidh McIntyre further invigorated the atmosphere, showcasing the next generation of athletes and volunteers who embody the spirit of Inverclyde.
The awards night not only honored individual achievements but also emphasized the importance of camaraderie within the local sports network. While all but Mikey Broadley were present to collect their trophies, the warmth and community spirit resonated through the hall as everyone celebrated the remarkable talents of their peers.
This gathering served as a reminder that the heart of Inverclyde’s sporting community lies in both the athletes who strive for greatness and the volunteers who ensure that everyone, regardless of age or ability, has the chance to enjoy the beautiful game of sport.