The East Sutherland Wheelers have cycled their way to the national sporting arena this week, becoming one of the finalists in this year’s Scottish Sports Awards. The club is based in Golspie located in the far north of the Scottish Highlands in Sutherland which is one of the least populated regions of mainland UK
The club has grown from strength to strength since its beginning in 2010 and now has over 200 members in this rural and sparsely populated region of Scotland. Club activities include cycle coaching for youth and adults, spin cycling, touring rides, time trials and much much more.
The Scottish Sports Awards, to be televised on STV on 9th December, celebrate excellence in Scotland’s sportsmen, women and teams for their outstanding achievements across the sporting spectrum in 2012. The North Highland club will compete in the section for Local Club of the Year. This category recognises outstanding amateur sports clubs who have made a real contribution to everyday life in their community.
ESW Club Race Coordinator Ian Sargent commented on the clubs nomination “It’s brilliant to be amongst the finalists for this national event. It‘s really great to know that all the hard work put in by a whole range of local volunteers throughout the year has the opportunity for such recognition. We have had fantastic support from our members; whether it is their contribution to post event refreshments and baking, marshalling on time trials and other events or helping to make our spin cycling sessions such a huge success. We feel that local sports clubs like the Wheelers can play a valuable part in providing a framework for support, encouragement and development, not only for the next generation of cycling talent but also for our own community’s health and wellbeing’
Scottish Cycling’s National Development Manager Bob MacFarlane commentated “This is fantastic news for the East Sutherland Wheelers and for the sport. For a cycling club to be nominated as one of the finalists for a national award like this really does show the profile of cycling is growning and it is a real testament to the great work of the members involved in the club that they have been nominated for recognition at a national award."
The full list of finalists was published in the national press on Sunday 11th November . The awards ceremony will take place in Glasgow in early December when club committee members will travel down to represent East Sutherland amongst other sports clubs and personalities from across Scotland.
If you are interested in getting involved in the activities held by East Sutherland Wheelers, why not come along to this seasons spinning sessions which started last week. There is something for everyone and more information can be found at www.eastsutherlandwheelers.co.uk
More information on the Scottish Sports Awards 2012 can be found here
