Commonwealth badminton bronze medallist and Olympian Susan Egelstaff presented eight north-east youngsters with awards for their sporting and volunteering achievements last night.
Aberdeenshire Leaders celebrates young people who have gained qualifications from several sporting governing bodies as well as volunteering at a number of high-profile events as part of a programme run by Active Schools and Aberdeenshire Council.
The sporting hero addressed winners, and then they were presented with certificates by the council’s education chairwoman Alison Evison.
Mrs Evison said: “It is fantastic for young people to gain recognition for their hard work and commitment to their local communities.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to hear from an inspirational athlete such as Susan, who no doubt will motivate the young people further to achieve great things.”
Malcolm Grant, Active Schools and community officer for Formartine – who co-ordinated this year’s programme with his Marr counterpart Susi Mclarty – added: “Once again this year’s programme has been very rewarding for everyone who has been involved and we are delighted with the efforts of the eight Aberdeenshire Leaders as part of the second intake to Aberdeenshire Council’s sports leadership programme.”
One of the winners, 17-year-old Megan Night from Meldrum Academy, said: “The programme has given me a lot of opportunities.
“I feel a big sense of achievement getting the award now looking back on all the work.
“I would tell other pupils considering the award to definitely go for it, it’s very rewarding and it has given me a lot of experience of volunteering and teamwork and leadership skills.”