Falkirk Junior Bike Club and Kevin Brooks from Nairn Boxing Club have been named the first ever winners of a Team Scotland Stars award following thousands of votes cast in a public poll.

With the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic meaning that life is very different for all of us, Team Scotland Stars was launched as a monthly award to recognise those going above and beyond to help others through these difficult times. The response to the awards has been overwhelming in its first month and our June winners are truly inspirational.

From an impressive list of deserving nominations, Nairn Boxing Club’s Kevin Brooks topped the public vote in the individual category ahead of runners-up James Cairns from Bishopton Military Fitness Club, Lothian Disability Sport Archery Co-ordinator Richard Vallis and City of Edinburgh Volleyball Development Officer Emma Waldie.

Former Scots Guard Kevin served for seven-and-a-half years while secretly battling Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and is drawing on the similarities of the current situation with his army days to help others. Head coach at Nairn Boxing Club, which he set up last year, he is now inspiring others to get into regular fitness routines with his virtual boxing training sessions using basic household items to create sessions without having to spend money on equipment.

Kevin is a full-time carer for his son who has severe autism and alongside his online boxing sessions his days are now filled with home schooling, exercising and shopping. He is also supporting and promoting the work of Poppyscotland, the charity that helped him and his family when he left the army and offers free training advice to former veterans.

“I feel privileged and honoured to be given such an award,” said Kevin. “I can’t believe the number of people that contacted me and my family to say how proud and happy they were that my volunteer work within boxing and my local community was being recognised.

“This award is for all boxing coaches, they all never give up in the pursuit of helping others. Each of them is working wonders in their local community, driven by the pure love of the sport and striving to make everyone, no matter their background, have a little happiness in their life via our beautiful sport.

“My family, Poppy Scotland and my entire community have helped me pursue my dream of helping others and I can’t thank them enough. To my wife – I love you – you’re amazing, my rock. And to my boxers and NBC  members you’re simply the best. Thank you Team Scotland, you’re amazing and I’m sure you’ll bring back a record medal haul at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.”

In the Group or Organisation category Falkirk Junior Bike Club’s impressive fundraising activity and true community spirit won the hearts of the Scottish public and June Team Scotland Stars award.

The young members of Falkirk Junior Bike Club raised over £10,000 for the local Strathcarron hospice during the first few weeks of lockdown.  Over the course of one day, the children cycled a leg of a 12-hour relay to raise funds, covering over 750 miles around Falkirk.

They have also created a cycling “passport” that is not only available to members but now available for free to all children who get in contact with the club. This fantastic community hub, keeping kids focused and connected at a really unsettling time, gave them the nod over runners-up Helping Hands Edinburgh, Boxing Scotland and West Lothian Fencing Club.

Huge congratulations to our winners and to all our finalists and nominees, it’s amazing to see the good work being done by the Scottish sporting community in the face of these unprecedented circumstances.

Do you know an individual, group or organisation that deserves their moment in the limelight? Help us find the people making a real difference in these challenging times! Click here to nominate your choice for a Team Scotland Stars Award in July!