The annual Scottish Ethnic Minority Sport Association (SEMSA) Sport and Community Awards have again celebrated the tremendous contribution made by diverse ethnic communities in Scotland.
Supported by sportscotland, the SEMSA Sport and Community Awards made a welcome return after the global Coronavirus pandemic restrictions were eased, bringing together an array of worthy finalists in eleven categories.
Among the winners was rising cricket star Nayma Shaikh who was named Community Sportsperson of the Year. Nayma is a left-handed batter and right-handed bowler who has represented West of Scotland Cricket Club and East Kilbride Cricket Club.
As the highest run scorer for Western Warriors Under-18 side in 2021, she is expected to represent Scotland in the Under-19 side at the 2023 World Cup.
Cricket is very much a family affair for Nayma as her mother, father and brother all play the sport. Nayma has even competed alongside her mother, Moon, when they were part of the West representative team that won the Cricket Scotland Beyond Boundaries Women’s T20 Scottish Cup Final in Stirling
Following the awards ceremony, Chief Executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, said: “The annual SEMSA Awards were a fantastic celebration of the many individuals, community groups and organisations that have put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of their work.
“Sport and physical activity has the power to change lives and that is evident in the work of all of the finalists.
“As the national agency for sport we are fully committed to providing leadership and influencing change in these areas.
"Alongside our partners we will continue to do what we can to help address inequalities and ensuring opportunities for all.”
SEMSA has been supporting diverse ethnic communities to address potential exclusion and isolation for 30 years. Based in Glasgow, the charity uses sport as a way to break down barriers and help to improve the physical and mental health of the communities where they work.
In 2021 SEMSA received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service which recognises outstanding work by volunteer groups that benefits local communities.
Find out more
About the work of the Scottish Ethnic Minority Sports Association
About award winner Nayma Sheikh's family journey in cricket
