An Edinburgh athletics official has been recognised for his years of dedication to the sport after winning sportscotland’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteering.
Alex Jackson MBE is one of athletics most committed, respected and well-known volunteers, fulfilling countless roles in his 40 years as an administrator in the sport.
At a national level Alex sits on the Scottish Athletics Road Running and Cross Country Commission and spends countless hours helping in the planning and delivery of the National Cross Country and all our other National Road and Cross Country events, events where he also works as a technical official.
Alex’s commitments don’t stop there. At regional level Alex organised and delivered the whole East District Cross Country League with over 800 athletes competing and the Inter District Cross Country alongside the Great Run in Edinburgh in January.
He is still an active volunteer in Ferranti Athletic Club, a club he was the driving force behind creating in 1978.
Despite his long years of service, Alex’s passion for athletics has not diminished and he says that’s what keeps him coming back.
He said: “I’ve still got the passion to see athletes compete, to see all ages compete over a day can be something very special. It gives me great satisfaction to be a part of events.
“Probably my proudest moment as a volunteer was in 2003 when my wife and son also volunteered, and we were awarded the Tom Stillie sword, which is an award Scottish Athletics give out every year. I was very proud that my whole family had been involved and we were given that award.”
About the COV Awards
Alex picked up his award on an evening where inspirational coaches, officials and volunteers from all over Scotland were celebrated across 13 categories for their significant contribution to sport over the past twelve months.
The sportscotland Coaching Officiating and Volunteer Awards 2018, were held at Glasgow City Chambers on Thursday, November 15th where leading athletes congratulated the winners and thanked them for their work in supporting and developing sport in Scotland.
Stewart Harris, sportscotland Chief Executive, said: “Every year across Scotland, thousands of dedicated sporting enthusiasts devote their time, knowledge and skills to help others achieve their sporting goals. Our Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards provide us with a chance to celebrate the great sporting achievements that are taking place every day and congratulate individuals on their commitment to Scottish sport.
“Alex has given so much to the sport of athletics, his club and of course all of the athletes he has worked with over the years. This award is truly fitting for a lifetime of hard work and dedication.”
“At sportscotland we are implementing a world-class sporting system at every level in Scotland and we can only do so with the support of the many dedicated coaches, officials and volunteers.”
At the event, hosted by BBC Scotland’s Bryan Burnett, coaches, officials and volunteers involved in squash, wheelchair basketball, para swimming, badminton, rugby, judo, lawn bowls, swimming, football, athletics and boccia were recognised for the many hours they dedicate to helping others compete at the best level they can.
Find out more
Visit the sportscotland website for information about the COV Awards
