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Contributions of Inverclyde's sports volunteers recognised at Greenock Town Hall bash
PEOPLE who give up their time to help promote and encourage sport and physical activity across Inverclyde have been honoured.
Inverclyde Council's active schools/sports development service, which is part-funded by Sportscotland, held the annual Volunteer Awards in Greenock Town Hall on Wednesday, June 4.
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During the 2024/25 school term from August to Easter, 356 volunteers helped deliver 3,059 hours of activity across the active schools programme, supporting 4,828 young people.
The awards evening highlighted and recognised the hard work of volunteers during 2024/25 in Inverclyde across five categories: School Staff Volunteer of the Year, Community Sports Hub (CSH) Volunteer of the Year, Sports Leader of the Year, Young Volunteer of the Year and the overall Volunteer of the Year.
(Image: George Munro) All nominees were presented with certificates of achievement along with all successful participants in the Sports Leaders programme from the last academic year.
Helen Cunningham was given the award for Volunteer of the Year by Provost Drew McKenzie, while Sports Leader of the Year was presented to Laila Davidson of St Columba's High School by Councillor Jim Clocherty.
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Councillor Natasha McGuire presented the Young Volunteer of the Year to Nuala Ward and Councillor Elizabeth Robertson gave the CSH Volunteer of the Year award to Kay Cooke of Inverclyde Athletic Club.
The last award, the School Staff Volunteer of the Year, was given to Clydeview Academy's Lynne McKerlie by Councillor Stephen McCabe.
Councillor Jim Clocherty, Inverclyde Council's convener of education and communities, said: 'It was a fabulous event and so inspiring to meet volunteers and hear how about the vital role they play in our schools and in our communities providing sport and physical activity opportunities for our young people.
'Volunteers themselves also get so much from volunteering by learning an array of skills and forming so many enduring friendships, which aids their own personal and professional development.
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'They deserve a huge amount of credit for the important work they do encouraging and inspiring young people to enjoy sport and physical activity and reap the rewards of being active citizens.
'Well done to all the winners, finalists and to our active schools service and partners for organising such an uplifting and inspiring event showcasing the very best of Inverclyde.'
(Image: George Munro) The event was hosted by previous Young Ambassadors Kate Ferguson and Erin Law.
They were joined on stage by Sportscotland partnership manager Cara Shearer, who spoke about the 'Power of Volunteers', while Provost McKenzie gave the closing remarks.
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Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: 'A huge congratulations to all the winners at the Inverclyde Active Schools Volunteer Awards ceremony.
'Every year there are people across the country who give so much of their time and dedication to Scottish sport and through this are making a real impact on their sport and their community.
'The active schools programme has been an integral part of Scotland's sporting system and for so many it is where their sporting journey begins and has provided opportunities that many may not have had otherwise.
'The volunteers honoured at last night's awards are a perfect example of those who have dedicated a huge amount of their time to helping others realise their sporting potential.'
To find out about volunteering opportunities with active schools, contact active schools coordinator Brad Cathie by emailing
