2025 Orkney Sports Awards  

That the Parliament acknowledges the success of the 2025 Orkney Sports Awards, which were held at the Orkney Theatre on 30 January 2026; understands that the awards provide a valuable opportunity to celebrate sporting achievement within the local community, as well as the efforts of all those involved in coaching, officiating and volunteering roles; recognises that this year's awards follow a particularly special year for sport in Orkney, which hosted what it sees as the best International Island Games ever back in July 2025, when Orkney athletes secured an astonishing 31 medals over the course of the week; notes that the number of categories for the 2025 awards was extended to 22 in recognition of the Island Games, and that the first award of the night was a Special Services to Sport award, given to the Island Games organising committee and the sports leads; welcomes the well-deserved induction of Elaine Gray into the Orkney Sports Hall of Fame for her contribution to various sports over many years, but particularly the achievements that saw her win Badminton Scotland's 2025 President's Award for her efforts to develop and promote the sport at a local and national level; congratulates Eve Wood and Taylah Paterson on winning the overall Young Sportsperson and Sportsperson of the Year awards in recognition of their fantastic performances at the Island Games, as double and quadruple gold medallists in swimming and the sprints and relays respectively; further congratulates Orkney Rugby Club’s under-18s and Orkney Squash Club on winning the Young Team and Team of the Year awards respectively; recognises the achievements and contributions of all those shortlisted in each of the remaining categories; believes that 2025 was a year in which Orkney sport excelled, making the competition fiercer than ever and resulting in many unfortunately not making the shortlist; pays tribute to all those involved in organising another excellent evening of celebration, and looks forward to continued sporting success in Orkney throughout 2026.