CORSTORPHINE AAC’s Club Together Officer Harry Baird has been named as one of the first 10 recipients of the 2024 Eric Liddell Recognition Awards.
The awards recognise the passion, compassion and integrity of some of the outstanding individuals who contribute to athletics in Scotland.
Governing body scottishathletics will be selecting 20 winners this year as part of the Eric Liddell 100 programme of events and activities to celebrate the life, sporting and community achievements of the iconic athlete, who won his legendary Olympic 400m gold in Paris a century ago and whose story was immortalised in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire.
Harry, who also acts as Club Together Officer at Forth Valley Flyers, and Lasswade AC, and was previously with Falkirk Victoria Harriers, was chosen for his commitment to the role and becoming a Level 4 official.
In its announcement, scottishathletics added: “Harry’s passion is further highlighted by his collaboration with local authorities and Active Schools teams to support pathways and athletics development, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the sport and its community.”
Harry received a unique pin badge and signed Scotland Joma vest from Liddell’s niece, Sue Caton, at the Eric Liddell Senior/U17 Championships at Grangemouth on Sunday.
He said: “Although I was aware of the programme, I had no idea I had been nominated until I got a message on Friday informing me that I had won one. The nomination came from Forth Valley Flyers, whom I have supported through a very turbulent 18 months.
“As the nominations come from our peers, it is satisfying even to be nominated. But it’s very humbling that it was rubber-stamped by scottishathletics among so many other worthy nominations.
“Having been raised in the church, I was aware of Eric’s story even before the film brought him wider exposure. It is utterly surreal to have my name mentioned in the same sentence as such an icon.”
Photo credit to Bobby Gavin