Friday 14-05-2021 - 14:30

Although there weren’t many opportunities this year for in person sports activities, our clubs have been active online and this years Sports Awards recognise the contributions made by students and sports clubs through this pandemic period. Zoe Nicholson, VP SCEBE, said "I am so proud of our sports clubs and the student committee members, it has been such a challenging year but many of them have made a positive impact on the experiences of GCU students and the wider community. Huge congratulations to all the winners and thank you to ever student involved in GCU Sports Clubs this year".  This years awards were announed at an online event on Weds 19th May 2021, here is a run-down of all the award winners for this year. 

Colours Certificates

Presented to individual students for exceptional service to a sports club or active involvement as a volunteer committee member.  The winners are:

Bethany Thomson - Cheerleading
Craig Kennedy - Athletics
Eden Duff - Athletics
Emma Lawson - Athletics
Erin Peacock - Netball
Grace McCluney - Netball
Iain Paton - Athletics
Iona Clancy - Dance
Megan Gemmell - Athletics
Melissa Hodge - Cheerleading
Niamh Mullen – Women’s Football 
Nicole Cunningham - Athletics
Ryan Devenney – Men’s Football
Sam Roberts – Men’s Basketball
Sarina Vlaytchev     - Boxing
Sophie Robinson - Fencing

Best 1st Year Student (Alex Goodman Award)

Presented to the 1st year student who has made the most outstanding contribution. The winner is Emma Lawson, Athletics Club.  Emma’s involvement in the Athletics Club has been inspiring, having just moved to Glasgow during the pandemic she has been amazingly enthusiastic attending almost all of the virtual and in-person training sessions and online social events. Emma’s involvement culminated in her being elected onto the club committee for next year.

Coach of the Year

Awarded to the student coach who has given exceptional service and outstanding voluntary commitment. The winner is Craig Kennedy, Athletics Club. Craig has been an exceptionally hard working in his role as Endurance Coach, as well as taking the in-person training sessions he has consistently designed 2-3 virtual training sessions every week for the full academic year. These have been exceptionally important for everyone in the club with regards to both physical and mental wellbeing.  

Best Volunteer (Ross Baillie Award) 

Presented to the student who has given the most outstanding voluntary commitment and contribution to a sports club. The winner is Bethany Thomson, Cheerleading Club.  Bethany has showed outstanding commitment to Sports Clubs throughout this year.  As Sports Council Chair she has led the council during meetings as well as successfully promoting the show racism the red card campaign and leading the Sports LGBT+ History Month Campaign.  As President of the Cheerleading Club she has led the club through the pandemic ensuring a range of online activities, socials events and charitable fundraising events.  

Most Successful Fundraising Event

This is a new award for this year only and is awarded to the club that demonstrates an inclusive event with good student engagement that raised funds for a charity or club. The winner is Netball.  The Netball Club organised a sponsored virtual challenge to walk, run or cycle from GCU Glasgow to GCU London.  The club successfully completed the challenge in their 7 week timeline, raising £1500 for the Launch Foods.

Most Improved Club

Awarded to the club that demonstrates the greatest overall improvement compared to last year. The winner is the Boxing Club. Although the Boxing Club was not able to hold any in person activities this year, the committee rebranded the club, were very active on social media and held regular social events and sessions online.  The Club also ran four fundraising events raising over £1000 for charity.

Club of the Year

Presented to the club with the most extraordinary year. The winner of GCU Club of the Year is Cheerleading.  During the past year the club have been running 4 online training sessions ever week of teaching, they have also had regular online social events including Freshers Week, Halloween, Christmas and end of year awards party. In addition, the club raised £564 for SAMH by walking nearly a thousand miles.
 

Sports Award Ceremony Video