An inspirational Aberdeenshire-based swimming coach has been awarded the Disability Sport Coach of the Year Award at the 2022 sportscotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering (COV) Awards. Marie Cheyne has been recognised for her longstanding commitment to making swimming and watersports accessible to people of all abilities.
The sportscotland COV Awards celebrate all those who break down barriers, inspire and enhance the lives of others through sport, and recognise the commitment of those who apply their own time and effort to make sport accessible to all.
With a passion for inclusion, and recognising the physical and psychological benefits of remaining active, Aberdeenshire-based Marie has worked tirelessly for decades to support young swimmers with disabilities, encouraging children of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in the sport.
As well as teaching children with additional support needs through Aberdeen Council, Marie runs her own swimming club, Seal Pups, specifically tailored to young people with disabilities.
With a firm belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn how to swim, Marie pulls out all the stops to make sure each child feels welcome and can reach their potential. She was recognised for always considering the wider aspects of a child’s background and physical ability, tailoring her approach to each individual.
Further strengthening Marie’s nomination was the level of support she extends to the children she coaches, including hosting free sessions for those who would otherwise not be able to participate. She has also helped swimmers – a number of whom have gone on to represent Team GB at the Paralympic Games – apply for funding, complete competition entries, and go through the classification process.
Marie’s knowledge and experience has benefited countless people in the world of para swimming, from swimmers to instructors. She regularly attends Grampian Disability Sport and Scottish Disability Sport events, helping produce programmes for regional events, acting as Team Manager at national events, and offering advice and encouragement to other para swimming coaches.
Marie Cheyne said: “Seal Pups started as there was a great need for swimming lessons and huge waiting lists for swimming lessons in the area. I applied for a sportscotland scholarship and that gave me enough money to hire the pool for eight weeks one summer – it was so successful that they asked us to carry it on."
“Anybody that knows me will tell you that this is my passion."
I have taught swimming since my own children were little, but being able to include children that wouldn’t otherwise be able to be involved means a lot. I will move heaven and earth; I will go the extra ten yards to get a child in and keep them going. We don’t say no to anybody.”
Mel Young, Chair of sportscotland, said: “Our Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards give us a chance to celebrate the great sporting achievements and moments that are taking place every day and congratulate those who are making an incredible commitment to Scottish sport."
“Across Scotland, there are thousands of sporting enthusiasts who recognise the impact that sport and teamwork can have on our lives. The people we are celebrating have taken that recognition and turned it into life-changing ambition and force for good."
"Individuals like Marie have dedicated their time to helping others realise their sporting potential and shown the far-reaching benefits of community spirit and participation.”
This year sees the awards return for the first time since 2019, with sportscotland receiving 320 nominations covering 30 different sports across 31 local authorities. People keen to recognise the invaluable contributions of selfless coaches, officials and volunteers working across a range of sports the length and breadth of the country submitted their nominations earlier in the year.
The COV winners were invited to attend a presentation ceremony at Glasgow City Chambers as a thank you for their continued work and dedication.
Find out more
Find out more about our COV winners 2022
