The Broons Awards: Our sporting families are all champions

This week, it’s the turn of the Sporting Families category.

We all know that taking part in sport and exercise has benefits for the health and well-being of those participating and for wider society.

From those working so hard and encouraging children in grassroots sports clubs to others who have reached the very pinnacle of their game to represent their country, all of our finalists do us all proud.

 

Children of Blairhall: Community champions

THE youngsters of Blairhall, Fife, had long been fed up with the poor state of their play areas.

So they took matters into their own hands by campaigning and fundraising for improved play facilities for the village.

The result? Fife’s first Parkour (running, jumping and climbing over obstacles) play area, which the fundraising stars are rightly proud of.

They fundraised, campaigned and badgered for five years – but never gave up.

Owen Hudson, 15, takes up the story.

“It took us ages,” he says. “We had to fundraise and make sure what we were looking for was what the village needed.

“It was hard work – but it’s great to see it all in place. It’s got touch lights and an amazing flying fox zip wire!”

Community education worker Corinne McGinley is delighted to see the youngsters get recognition.

“They were a fun group to work with and they never gave up – they hosted meetings and climbed a Munro to raise funds,” she says.

Last word goes to Owen.

“We’re so excited to be nominated for a Broons Award – now everyone can see that if they want something and fight for it, it can happen.”

Joe McCafferty: Promoting sport for all

Honorary Fifer Joe McCafferty has done so much for his home town he’s known as Mr Glenrothes.

Joe moved there in 1960 and helped to establish Glenrothes Strollers FC.

For more than 40 years, Joe has taken dozens of coaching sessions every week, from four-year-olds, through to adults with learning difficulties.

He manages to keep up with the kids, as he runs 10 kilometres three times a week.

And, although he’s 80 this year, he has no intention of giving up any time soon!

Joe is delighted with his nomination and says it’s as much for everyone at his beloved Strollers as himself.

He admits he’s had many rewarding moments along the way.

“Some of the young players I’ve coached have gone on to play professionally,” he says proudly. “Kevin McHattie at Kilmarnock is one.”

But he says introducing coaching for those with learning difficulties is one of his proudest moments.

“That’s been fantastic. Our team played at a tournament for those with learning difficulties and I was delighted when they won,” Joe says.

“Our goalkeeper had done really well throughout the tournament and when they were given the trophy, he had tears running down his face.

“That was a special moment.”

The McIntosh Family: Shooting stars

THE McIntoshes keep it in the family.

Mum Shirley has won four Commonwealth Games shooting medals, while dad Donald is also a champion shooter and Head Rifle Coach for British Shooting.

With parents like that, it’s no surprise daughters Seonaid and Jennifer have also represented Scotland in target shooting.

While the whole family have won medals, it is their attitude to others that makes them stand out.

They are well-known within shooting circles for the time they take to help other people out, promote their sport and mentor, too.

In short, they’re passionate supporters of target shooting.

And while keeping it in the family has its advantages, it has its drawbacks, too!

Jennifer admits that having her dad at events she is competing in can be tricky.

“I can usually tell what he’s thinking,” she says. “If he is frustrated with me, I can tell.”

Dad Donald, of Dollar, agrees.

“You know what they say about dads teaching daughters to drive? Supporting a daughter at shooting is similar!” he laughs.

Of course, winning medals at this level in any sport takes pure dedication.

Their Broons Award nomination recognises that and their support of others.

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Sporting Families is supported by Strifresh and owner Andrew Stirling is bowled over by the calibre of our finalists.

“This is the first time Stirfresh have been involved in something like this. The standard of the entries made the judging process extremely difficult and took a lot of time,” he says.

“The finalists in Sporting Families should all be very proud of what they have achieved. Enjoy your night on March 10 as you are all winners. We salute you!”