A Broxburn swimmer who dedicates her time to improving disability inclusion in sport has been recognised for her efforts.
Laura Pilkington was named Young Volunteer of the Year 2022 at the sportscotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering (COV) Awards.
The awards celebrate those who break down barriers, inspire and enhance the lives of others through sport, and recognise the commitment of those who apply their own time and effort to make sport accessible to all.
Laura (24), is a member of both the Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) and sportscotland Young Person’s Sports Panels (YPSP), dedicating her time to promoting and supporting disability inclusion in sport across Scotland.
She is also an SDS Disability Inclusion Tutor and the Disability Lead for Scottish Student Sport.
Laura undertakes all of these projects whilst also being a full-time student and an athlete, training for 20 hours a week between the pool and the gym.
The decorated athlete currently holds the British record in the SB5 200m breaststroke along with 14 Scottish records across the SB5 and S6 class.
In her role with Scottish Student Sport, Laura developed and delivered a webinar for people with disabilities transitioning from school into university, drawing on her own experience of university. She now works with universities to consult on how they can be more inclusive.
Through her work with the sportscotland YPSP inclusion subgroup, Laura partnered with Euan’s Guide to review sports venues’ disabled accessibility and she also uses her role on the panel to drive awareness.
She said: “I got involved in volunteering through the Scottish Disability Sport Young Start Programme. Once I started I just couldn’t stop.
“I felt like I had a purpose and I felt like I could make an impact and it really helped me mentally as well. I hope I helped other people and gave it back to others.”
She added: “I think it’s so important to get involved in sport. I don’t think there’s enough opportunities out there – I’ve had barriers in my life within disability sports and I want to try and help people overcome them and get the benefits that come along with it.”
Mel Young, Chair of sportscotland, commented: “Our Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards give us a chance to celebrate the great sporting achievements and moments that are taking place every day and congratulate those who are making an incredible commitment to Scottish sport.
“Across Scotland, there are thousands of sporting enthusiasts who recognise the impact that sport and teamwork can have on our lives.
“The people we are celebrating have taken that recognition and turned it into life-changing ambition and a force for good.
“Individuals like Laura have dedicated their time to helping others realise their sporting potential and shown
the far-reaching benefits of participation.”
The COV winners were invited to attend a presentation ceremony at Glasgow City Chambers as a thank you for their continued work and dedication.
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