Ex-world number one snowsport star wants to get help on board
A sports organisation which has helped many of the strath’s talented athletes to progress to the next level – and in some cases to Olympic standard – needs assistance itself.
Badenoch and Strathspey Sports Council is appealing for new blood to ensure it continues to carry out its good work – and there is a chance to get involved from today.
Ex-World Cup snowboard half-pipe world number one and Olympian Lesley McKenna has just taken over at the helm of the group.
And she is eager to get new talent on-board.
McKenna said: “As with many areas of life in the current Covid-19 situation, we have the chance to take a look at the role sports and clubs play in our lives in the strath.
“We want to find ways to work together as members of a sporting community and support all sports clubs in the area and their members and continue the great and important work they do.
“Historically the area has had huge successes over the whole sporting pathway in many sports from top international level recognition in both Olympic and non-Olympic sports to high achievement at the grassroots level.
“We have a unique sporting culture in this area with a very, very high level of expertise in coaching and instruction across a wide variety of sports, both indoor and outdoor as well as the notable performance achievements of local athletes.
“This is a huge resource that could be better used locally for the benefit of many people...
“It is often celebrated that we have the highest head of Olympians per head of population in the UK but this is not really of use to us as a community without a way to tap in to the expertise and knowledge that supported this amazing achievement.
“This sports council has been instrumental is supporting many of the top level athletes and coaches who have come from the area and they deserve a lot of thanks for their work over the years.
“The challenge now is to continue that support and find new ways to make use of the unique culture and knowledge we have available to support the future of sports at all levels in the area.”
As part of that, McKenna hopes they will join the local sports council. Nominations can be taken at the group;s AGM later today.
One of the sports council’s remits is to distribute grant money to talented athletes, for coach education, club kit, sporting events and other good causes on behalf of Highland Council.
Recent awards have included start-up funding for Strathspey Girls Football Club and Nordic skiers to help with costs for training with the GB national performance squad.
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BSSC also regular helps fund training and qualification for club volunteers and in the past this has included shinty, tennis, gymnastics, and swimming.
The group has also assisted with providing snowsport opportunities for disabled people in the Highlands via Glenmore-based Disability Snowsport UK.
The sports personality of the year award is usually given out along with the coach of the year and other awards at the AGM. But the event has been postponed until the Autumn to give more time for nominations in each category. The deadline now is September 20.
* The local sports council’s AGM will be held on Zoom at 7.30pm later today. For link to take part and more details email Lesley.mckenna.aviemore@gmail.com
