Young Aberdeenshire sporting volunteers were last night recognised for their efforts by a north-east Commonwealth gold-winning medallist.
Aberdeen paralympian Neil Fachie presented a dozen certificates to 12 young people who have volunteered in local sporting events across the region.
The Young Leaders scheme, run by Aberdeenshire Council, was devised to offer sports training and volunteering experiences.
This year’s winners came from Alford, Aboyne, Banchory, Ellon, Kemnay, Meldrum, Mackie and Portlethen academies, for their efforts at various events including Run Balmoral, Murcar Golf Club’s VIP Challenge and a 10k run, rock-climbing and rugby event held at Aberdeen Sports Village during the Portsoy Boat Festival.
They were presented with certificates from Fachie, who won gold in both the men’s tandem 1km time trial and the men’s tandem sprint at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and also won gold and silver in the 2012 London Paralympic Games.
The volunteers have also gained qualifications from the Scottish Football Association, Basketball Scotland and Badminton Scotland.
Councillor Isobel Davidson, chairwoman of Aberdeenshire Council’s education, learning and leisure committee, said: “This year we have seen the Glasgow Commonwealth Games take place along with a number of other high profile events in Aberdeenshire.
“To see a group of young people progressing through a local programme reflects well on our area and our commitment to securing legacy from such a historic year.”