Live Life Aberdeenshire celebrate success in Turriff
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Friends, family and Aberdeenshire Council representatives gathered in Turriff Sports Centre to celebrate the incredible success of two young men from Turriff this week.
In a short ceremony on Monday afternoon, Provost of Aberdeenshire Bill Howatson was joined by local councillors and Council officers to recognise the achievements of Conner Morrison and Keiran Walker.
Both were presented with certificates of achievement in light of their recent successes.
Last month saw Conner take to the pool in Tokyo to represent Team GB in the 2020 Paralympic Games.
Not only was he successful in earning his spot on the team, but he also successfully swam himself into the finals of his competition - the S14 100m breaststroke - taking sixth place overall.
Inverurie Sports Youth Foundation's Claire McDonald shared an insight into Conner's journey to being a swimmer in the 2020 Paralympic Games, which started when he began swimming for fun 15 years ago.
She said: "It was not a fluke that Connor made it to Tokyo - it was a reflection of his hard work and dedication.
"For Conner Tokyo was never the goal, Paris was - to make it to Tokyo was just an added bonus and now his sights are once again set on Paris in a few years time.
"I am so proud to have seen your journey and to be able to call you my friend."
Olympic swimmer Hannah Miley shared an insight into the level of commitment from both athletes and their families which are required to reach Olympic standard.
She said: "I was chuffed for Connor, we've swam together since we were quite small and I'm proud to be able to cheer him on."
Commenting on the community's response to Conner's participation in the games, Chair of Aberdeenshire Council's Community Committee, and councillor for the Turriff and District Ward, Anne Stirling said: "I don't know if you're aware Conner, but you brought joy to so many.
"There was a feeling of joy shared by lots of people in Turriff as they watched you swim, and to then make it to the finals and miss out on a medal by mere seconds is an incredible achievement."
It wasn't just Conner's dedication that was recognised in his journey to the Paralympic Games, but also that of his parents Sandra and Charlie who were also presented by Provost Howatson with a certificate in recognition of the time, money and emotion they have devoted to Conner's training.
Turriff and District Pipe Band member Keiran Walker was recognised for his dedication to Scottish culture and the hard work which earned him the 17 years and under title at The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association North Of Scotland Branch's solo competition.
Both the provost and councillor Stirling congratulated Keiran on his success in the competition, recognising the hours of practice required to reach such a standard.
The achievements of Cuminestown's Neah Evans, Olympic cyclist, were also recognised in her absence.
The event was organised by Live Life Aberdeenshire, with head of Live Life Aberdeenshire Avril Nicol acting as Master of Ceremonies throughout the event.
