Speed Skating: Craig flies off with top sports award

May 22 2009

TRUE sports have been hailed by South Ayrshire Sports Council at their annual awards night.

Sports personality of the year was speed skater Craig Miller of Ayrshire Flyers.

He broke every Scottish record for his age in a five month spell and was the top placed Scottish skater in his category at international level.

Sports team was Burakudo Karate Club. Four members represented Scottish karate at the European Championships in Belgium with Carol Ann Donaghy winning bronze. Three members were selected for the Junior World Championships in Italy where Kirsty Campbell won bronze.

Junior sports team was Ayr Seaforth’s under 15 girls relay team of Caroline George, Rachel Whittle, Rhona McGregor and Kendal Ross who won the Scottish 4 x100 metres in 49.93, the fastest time of the year.

Sports volunteer of the year was Kirsty Hair of Burakudo Karate Club. Since retiring at 15 due to injuries, she has dedicated her time to organising events.

Local service to sport went to Alex Sommerville who is the founder member of Ayr Gymnastics Club. He has a 40 year involvement in the sport.

The Provost’s Shield for club of the year went to the booming Ayr United Football Academy.

Coach of the year went to David Rae of Ayr Seaforth while his son Finlay was junior sports personality. Last year at under 13 and under 15, Finlay won four national titles in athletics and two in triathlon.

He has also won medals with the South Ayrshire swim team.