Corstorphine Athletic Club’s Together Officer Harry Baird has received one of the first ten 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.
Harry’s job is to contribute to a thriving development structure. He focuses on “recruiting and developing coaches and fostering athlete pathways, to ensure a vibrant athletics club sits at the centre of sustainable athletics development within the community”.
Governing body scottishathletics will select 20 winners this year. This is part of the Eric Liddell 100 programme of events and activities to celebrate the life, sporting and community achievements of the athlete. Liddell won his Olympic 400m gold in Paris a century ago. The 1981 film Chariots of Fire retold his story, and his life is the feature of an exhibition in The Scottish Parliament entrance foyer.
Harry also acts as Club Together Officer at Forth Valley Flyers, Falkirk Victoria Harriers and Lasswade AC. He was chosen for his commitment to the role and also becoming a Level 4 official.
In its announcement, scottishathletics said: “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/under-17 Championships at Grangemouth.
Harry’s surprise
Harry said: “Although I was aware of the programme, I had no idea I had been nominated until I got a message 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.”
Evergreen sports journalist. Previously published in many publications around the world. Send me your local sports stories. billlothian1008@gmail.com
