A dedicated and long-term member of the Grampian Disability Sport committee has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the latest Queen’s Birthday Honours list for her commitment to volunteering & making a difference to people with disabilities.
Pauline Stirling, GDS’ Vice Chair, has taken on a multitude of roles since the creation of Aberdeenshire Disability Sport 20 years ago, and has spent an incredible 50 years volunteering in various roles for various organisations & has been a key driver behind developing inclusive practice across the whole of Grampian.
As well as being a dedicated swimming coach with specialist swimming club, Garioch Gators, Pauline coordinates entries for national swimming events on behalf of GDS, volunteers at regional galas, has played an integral role with Special Olympics Grampian, developed her own disability-specific multi-sport and activity opportunities in her local area and even had a stint with her local Cub group.
Pauline is an incredibly talented and dedicated volunteer with a passion for inclusion and we’re incredibly grateful for the invaluable contributions she’s made over the years. The awarding of a BEM is so very much justified.
Congratulations to Pauline on this awesome award, and a further congratulations to inclusive Grampian table tennis coach, Charlie Flint, who also earned himself a BEM for his efforts in developing table tennis across the region.
If you, or anyone you know, lives with a physical, sensory or learning disability in Grampian & is interested in getting involved in sport, or if you’d like to get involved in volunteering with Grampian Disability Sport, please get in touch with Alison on alison.shaw@scottishdisabilitysport.com or 07828 744 848.