One of Scotland’s leading curling coaches, Marion Murdoch, was honoured with the first ever sportscotland ‘Lifetime Achievement’ Award by sportscotland at the annual Coaching, Officiating and Volunteer Awards ceremony at the City Halls in Glasgow‘s Candleriggs.
Also honoured at the glittering event was specialist equestrian coach Amanda Saville, from Boreland, who was up for an award for her work with severely disabled children and adults in the region.
Marion has been involved with curling for 40 years and has dedicated more than 25 years to coaching curlers of all levels and ages in the Annandale and Eskdale area as well as more widely across Scotland.
Marion’s coaching success also includes her own son, David, an Olympic Silver Medallist last year.
In recent years, Marion has instigated the Curling’s Cool programme for children in the Annandale and Eskdale and was also a driving force behind the Matt Murdoch Curling Foundation which was set-up in memory of her late husband to support the development of young Scottish people.
She said: “I am completely shocked to be given this award and to be recognised for doing something I love and have so much passion for is quite overwhelming.”
“Coaching has provided me with so much joy over the years and I could not be more thrilled and proud to accept this award.”
CITY HALLS – GLASGOW
The sportscotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards 2015 provide the opportunity to recognise and thank coaches, officials and sports volunteers from across the country for their commitment, hard work and dedication
Amanda, who runs Sports Driving Unlimited, which is based at the Chariots of Fire Carriage driving centre in Boreland, was nominated for the award in recognition of the outstanding contribution she has made not only to improving the skills of those she trains, but also in the effects she has on her athletes lives as a whole.
Amanda, who has been battling cancer for the last three years, said: “I am so proud to be nominated for this award, but it is not just for me, it is for the whole team.”
Chief executive sportscotland Stewart Harris said: “This is the first time we have ever awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award and I couldn’t think of a more worthy winner.
“Marion has shown an extraordinary level of commitment throughout her time as a coach and has dedicated her life to helping others achieve their dreams and ambitions.”
He added: “The commitment Amanda has shown to helping those who have previously found themselves neglected by mainstream sport has been incredible and she could not be more deserving of this award.”
