The winners of the Tennis Scotland Awards 2021 have been announced, recognising the exceptional contribution of individuals, clubs, programmes and competitions that helped tennis to thrive in 2020 as participation soared across the country.
As a result of record-breaking year, the University of Edinburgh secured the Education Award which recognises establishments that displayed innovative attempts at ensuring students could continue to develop throughout lockdown in 2020.
Prior to welcoming a safe return of tennis activity, the university kept students engaged in the sport through online fitness challenges, coaching and virtual social events.
As tennis emerged as one of the first sports to return from lockdown, the university capitalised by training volunteers to ensure that they could run additional sessions to cope with growing demand.
The efforts of coaches and volunteers resulted in all-time high participation figures for the university, with around 360-400 individuals signing up for sessions each week.
Meanwhile, John Frame from Penicuik has been rewarded with a Special Recognition honour in acknowledgement of his many years of dedication to the sport.
Across a glistening career in tennis, John officiated more than 75 matches on Centre Court and Court 1 at Wimbledon between 1975 and 2007; including the mens’ singles final between Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi in 1999 when he became the first person to chair 3 mens’ finals at the Grand Slam.
As one of a select group of people to have held Gold Badge status as chair umpire, chief umpire and referee, John’s career highlights include officiating in 47 countries at events ranging from the Olympics to Davis Cup ties.
The former school teacher at Penicuik High School has also operated on Tennis Scotland’s board as Tennis Operations Director since 2014.
In total, 13 category winners have been selected to receive awards, in addition to three Special Recognition awards which have been handed to John Stevenson, Rick Gardner and John Frame as an honour for serving the tennis community over a prolonged period.
The award winners were announced yesterday (Friday 23rd April), with an awards ceremony to be held at a later date.
Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland chief executive, said: “The Tennis Scotland Awards provide the opportune platform to celebrate the hard work and commitment which was the driving force behind our sport’s progression in 2020, in face of the challenges posed by lockdown.
“We were privileged to witness such an outstanding standard of nominations and we are extremely proud of the contributions of the winners and nominees, alongside each individual who played a role in providing a safe and welcoming environment to play our sport last year.
“Following the barriers we faced, it feels more important than ever to acknowledge the drive and passion within our community which resulted in the continued growth of tennis in Scotland.”
Tennis Scotland Awards 2021 winners
Lifetime Achievement – Jan Collins
Volunteer of the Year – Amanda Barclay (West End LTC)
Young Person of the Year – Katie McKay (Wormit & Newport TC)
Coach of the Year: Development – Steven Birrell (Wormit & Newport TC)
Coach of the Year: Performance – Mark Openshaw (Giffnock Tennis Squash and Hockey Club)
Club of the Year – Giffnock Tennis Squash and Hockey Club
Education Award: University – The University of Edinburgh
Disability Award – Chrysalis Tennis
Official of the Year – Olwyn Roy
Competition of the Year – Western Health and Racquets Club: Club Championships 2020
Junior Player of the Year – Ben Hudson
Senior Player of the Year – Hamish Stewart
International Player of the Year – Gordon Reid
Special Recognition – John Frame
Special Recognition – John Stevenson
Special Recognition – Rick Gardner
To learn more about the Tennis Scotland Awards, please visit www.tennisscotland.org or follow @TennisScotland on Twitter and Instagram.