Tuesday 16 March 2010
Today, the outstanding achievements of six of Scotland's sporting heroes were celebrated as sportscotland Chair Louise Martin CBE announced their induction into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame at the City Chambers in Glasgow. Graeme Obree (Cycling), Ian Stark OBE (Equestrianism), Graeme Randall MBE (Judo), Richard Corsie MBE (Lawn Bowls), Steve Hislop (Motorcycle Racing), and K G MacLeod (Cricket & Rugby) are the latest Scots to be recognised for their sporting endeavours.
Despite having no family background in equestrianism, Ian Stark OBE went on to become one of the leading lights in the sport amassing a total of 18 medals including four Olympic silver medals, three European Eventing Championship titles and winning the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials no fewer than three times. He is also renowned for being the only person to take first and second place at Badminton in the same year when in 1988 he was first with Sir Wattie and took second with his other horse, Glenburnie.
Awarded an MBE in 1989 and further honoured with an OBE in 2001, Ian continues to be involved in the sport as a coach, lecturer and a course designer.
Launched in 2002, the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame has been developed through a unique partnership between sportscotland and National Museums Scotland to recognise and celebrate Scotland's rich sporting heritage. By providing a public record of Scotland's greatest sportsmen and women, the Hall aims to inspire younger generations and promote a culture of Scots recognising and celebrating Scottish success across a range of sports.
Congratulating the 2010 inductees, Louise Martin CBE, Chair, sportscotland and Chair of the Selection Panel, said: "I am delighted that today will see a further six sporting legends inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame. Their achievements are nothing short of outstanding and it is absolutely right that they should be honoured by the nation for their contribution to sport.
"Throughout their careers Graeme, Ian, Graeme, Richard, Steve and KG have all demonstrated the determination and dedication it takes to succeed in their chosen sports. By celebrating their success today, I hope that we can inspire future generations to emulate their heroes and create their own place in Scotland’s sporting history."
Minister for Public Health and Sport Shona Robison added her congratulations: "I am proud to welcome six fantastic new inductees into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame.
"The Hall of Fame is all about honouring Scotland's sporting greats and showcasing their success. These legends motivate us all to get involved with sport too - from having fun playing your favourite sport with friends to inspiring younger generations to become Scotland's future champions."
Dr Gordon Rintoul, Director, National Museums Scotland, said: "I am delighted to welcome a host of prestigious new inductees to the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame once again. The Hall is a key part of our Scotland: A Changing Nation Gallery, which celebrates the major themes which have shaped modern Scotland and is hugely popular with visitors from Scotland and abroad."
Today's ceremony brings the total number of inductees to 88 (13 women and 75 men) representing 27 sports: 14 footballers, 10 from athletics, 10 from swimming; 7 from golf, 9 from rugby and 6 boxers.
