THERE was shock, horror and surprise – depending on your outlook – when England Netball picked up the Sporting Moment of the Year award at the recent BBC Sports Personality of the Year. This accolade was for their last-minute win against hosts Australia at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. They also picked up the Team of the Year award.
In some corners people were very critical of this award, while others lauded it as a pivotal moment for women in sport. Netball Scotland has rightly used it to promote the sport, with CEO Claire Nelson citing it as “a giant step forward”.
In the past few years netball has blossomed, ensuring that it offers its sport to all age groups, from mini-netters to walking netball. They have also created a professional strand for the game with Strathclyde Sirens, who will be starting their season in the Vitality League early in the new year, playing against Surrey Storm in Birmingham. Your first chance to see them at home is on January 11 at the Emirates Arena when they meet Team Bath. A great fun night for all the family, and one that doesn’t break the bank!
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Returning to Sport Personality of the Year, to me the best moment of the night was the announcement that Kirsty Ewen, pictured, who hails from Inverness, was crowned the Unsung Hero. Having previously lifted the Scottish crown, she went there and did us all proud.
Kirsty had a difficult time as a teenager and was self-harming. This led her to give up competitive swimming, the sport she loved, to focus on her recovery. She now talks openly about her struggles and how volunteering helped her cope. She is a great example of how sport can reach out and help others, even in the darkest of times, and through her own experience, Kirsty now passes on her knowledge to help others.
So while we all enjoy time with friends and family over the festive season, please remember that for many it can be a difficult time and lets all be a little bit more aware of how people are really feeling inside.
Merry Christmas everyone.
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