A dedicated young volunteer from Dingwall has been recognised for his commitment to disability sport after reaching a major milestone in volunteering hours.
Kade Cumming, 18, was presented with a Gold Hoodie at the Highland Schools Boccia Finals held at UHI Inverness on Thursday 5th of March.
The award marks an impressive 500 hours of volunteering as part of the High Life Highland Leadership Programme.
Kade has supported a wide range of local sports and youth initiatives while studying Sport and Fitness at UHI.
His volunteering includes assisting with disability sports sessions as well as helping with Active Schools activities and projects run by the Dingwall Youth Work team.
A passion for football has also seen him supporting Dingwall Soccer 7s and Dingwall Junior Football Club for more than two years.
High Life Highland Chief Executive Steve Walsh presented Kade with the gold hoodie during the Boccia finals in recognition of his contribution.
Steve Walsh said:
“I am absolutely delighted to present Kade with his gold hoodie.
“I know he has been an extremely valued volunteer within our disability sports and active schools communities, always getting stuck in and always with a big smile.
“We are very grateful to him for all his time and input.”
The Highland Schools Boccia Finals followed regional qualifying events held at Millburn Academy, Grantown Grammar School and Dingwall Academy earlier in February.
Successful athletes from the Highland competition will now progress to the Scottish Disability Sport Boccia Finals in Glasgow on 26th of March.
Julian Smolinski from Culloden finished first in the players with a learning disability category while Edward Thom from St Duthus placed second.
Hannah Crookes of Dingwall Academy took first place in the players with a physical disability category with Cole Harvey from Millburn Academy finishing second.
Sophia Walsh from Inverness will also represent the Highlands at the national finals where she will compete in the assistive device category.
Fiona Green, Disability Sports Officer with High Life Highland, praised the effort and skill shown by the pupils who took part.
“It was a great day, with pupils from six Highland secondary schools competing.
“There were lots of very close games and you could see the fantastic skill levels on display from all those taking part.
“A very big thank you to UHI for allowing us to use their sports hall and to all the volunteers who helped to support the heats and the finals.
“Massive congratulations to all the winners and runners up from the finals and especially to Kade on his gold hoodie.”
The Highland Schools Boccia Finals highlight the growing opportunities for young people across the region to take part in inclusive sport.
