Gavin Drysdale proudly displays his Young Scot Award - image courtesy of the Sunday Mail
South Ayrshire's very own Gavin Drysdale won the Sport Award at the Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards 2012 which are run in association with The Co-operative Foundation.
Gavin, aged 11 from Ayr who attends Ayr Grammar Primary School, was born with low muscle tone which means he has difficulty with all muscle movements and co-ordination. Although he has difficulty speaking he is very vocal when it comes to his sport, RaceRunning – a disability sport where riders race on a three-wheeled bike by running rather than pedalling. As a multiple award winner and the breaker of four world records, Gavin is a determined young person and an ambassador for the international sport of RaceRunning.
David Anderson, Chief Executive of South Ayrshire Council said: "I was delighted that Gavin won the sports category award at the Young Scot Awards 2012.
"Gavin is an inspirational young man who has transformed the disability sport of Racerunning and helped to introduce many young people in South Ayrshire and beyond to the sport.
"We have been a supporter of Gavin and Ayr Carrick Eagles Racerunning Club for some time and Gavin's award reflects his hard work and achievements. Congratulations to Gavin and all the Drysdale family who support him in his chosen sport."
Over 800 guests attended a glittering awards ceremony held at Glasgow's Hilton Hotel, guests included Katie Piper, Hollyoaks star Andrew Still and BBC weathergirl Cat Cubie. Guests were treated to a packed evening of entertainment as the evening's line-up saw X Factor winner Matt Cardle wow guests with an outstanding acoustic set from his chart topping debut album, Letters.
After being presented with his award Gavin said: "It's amazing to win this award and a real honour. Thank you very much."
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, who sponsored Gavin's award said: "It is a wonderful achievement for Gavin to win the Sunday Mail Young Scot Award for Sport. Gavin's dedication and success in RaceRunning is inspirational, and he is a terrific role model for his peers.
"Having already broken four world records and received multiple awards at the tender age of 11, Gavin's skill and tenacity make him an ideal ambassador for RaceRunning, and I wish him every success in the future."
For further information about Young Scot please visit www.youngscotawards.co.uk for more information about the RaceRunning, or how your child could try one out, e-mail Colin Duthie, South Ayrshire Council's Additional Support Needs and Performance Officer, on colin.duthie@south-ayrshire.gov.uk or call him on 01292 294732.