SCOTLAND’S sporting history is peppered with heroic team performances.
From the Lisbon Lions’ stunning European Cup win in 1967, to the Scottish rugby team’s unforgettable Grand Slam of 1990, the spirit of togetherness has defined some of our greatest moments.
The Sunday Post has once again teamed up with music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins Scotland to celebrate the Scottish Sporting Awards.
This week, it’s time to hail the top Scots teams of the last year.
These are the men and women who have banded together to become more than the sum of their parts, then achieved greatness.
Our nominees in the category of Team Performance Of The Year will head for the glitzy Prestonfield House Hotel in Edinburgh for a star-studded bash on Friday, March 23.
And next week, we will reveal who will be joining them as nominees for our Unsung Sporting Hero award.
Celtic FC
It was the year Celtic celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Lisbon Lions.
But the Hoops didn’t just bask in former glories.
With Brendan Rodgers at the helm, Celtic added a new chapter to their history books, sweeping all before them to finish last season as undefeated, treble-winning “Invincibles”.
Their record-breaking unbeaten run continued into this season, eventually stretching to 69 games.
Hailed as an “amazing achievement” by their manager, it is unlikely ever to be bettered.
Scotland’s Men’s Hockey Team
Scotland’s footballers have struggled to claim a space at their sport’s top table for two decades.
However, the men’s hockey team showed them how it’s done by clinching promotion to the top tier of the ultra-competitive European game for the first time since 2005.
The Scots beat Russia 3-2 in August to seal their place in the continent’s premier competition.
Next up for our stick-wielding stars is April’s Commonwealth Games, which should stand them in good stead to once again mix it with Europe’s big boys.
Glasgow Warriors
The Warriors kicked off their year with a record 43-0 mauling of Leicester Tigers.
It took them to the European Champions Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
But when inspirational coach Gregor Townsend left to lead Scotland, the Scotstoun men faced a huge test of character.
Lesser outfits might have crumbled.
Instead, they passed with flying colours under new Australian coach, Dave Rennie.
The Warriors have soared to the top of their Pro 14 conference – proving that Scottish rugby is on the up.
Scotland Women’s Curling Team
“Team Muirhead” will this week kick off their Winter Olympics bid for Team GB.
But the Scots curlers are already champions after a stellar year.
Scotland’s women, led by skip Eve Muirhead, brushed Sweden aside in November to win the European Championships for only the third time ever.
Trailing 2-1 after three ends, Muirhead inspired her rink to a 6-3 victory over the 19-time European champions.
It was Scotland’s first Euro gold since 2011 – and marked them as serious medal contenders in Pyeongchang.
How you can help
The Sunday Post has teamed up with Nordoff Robbins Scotland to promote the NRS Scottish Sporting Awards, which were launched last year to much acclaim.
NRS is the largest independent music therapy charity in the country, dedicated to changing the lives of vulnerable and isolated people.
Music therapy helps those who find it difficult to express themselves in words, such as those with autism or dementia, to communicate.
Therapists use singing, musical instruments, dance and listening to music as a type of treatment.
Studies have shown it can help physically rehabilitate, motivate and provide emotional support.
JOIN US
The prestigious NRS Scottish Sporting Awards take place on March 23 at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh and we’d love to see you there. For ticket and table info, email simon@nrscot.org.uk or call 0131 629 6363
DONATE
Help change lives by giving just a £5 donation. Text MMCL17 5 to 70070, visit nrscot.org.uk to donate online or send a cheque payable to Nordoff Robbins Scotland to its office at 4 Logie Mill, Beaverbank Business Park, Edinburgh EH7 4HG.
VOTE
You can also vote for the Male Parasport Personality Of The Year and the Female Parasport Personality Of The Year.
Get involved by voting for your Parasport winners below.
Male parasports personality
Female parasports personality
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