A DISABILITY sport award has been presented in memory of the much-missed former chairman of Musselburgh Amateur Swimming Club.

The first recipients of the Jack Calder Award for Outstanding Service to Disability Sport this year are Don McFarlane and Richard Vallis, who are both from Penicuik and have sporting links with East Lothian.

They received the accolade jointly at Lothian Disability Sport’s first ‘virtual’ AGM, which took place recently.

Jack Brodie, disability sport officer, said that the award was a way to honour the late Mr Calder’s “phenomenal contribution” to disability sport over his lifetime and to recognise the achievements of others.

Mr Calder, from Joppa, passed away suddenly in June 2019, at the age of 77.

A well-known figure in the East Lothian swimming community, he also dedicated his time to Lothian Racers, a swim club for children and adults with a learning, physical or sensory disability, and Lothian Waves.

Mr McFarlane has coached locally, regionally and nationally, helping a great number of para-swimmers reach their potential in the sport, ensuring the individuals have all the relevant tools to achieve their individual goals.

Mr Brodie said: “Para-swimming is ingrained within Don’s character and he leads the way in making sure the athlete is centre of the coaching approach – a model that has been adopted by many other coaches who have worked alongside and learned from him.

“This impact has filtered down and is now bearing fruit in mainstream clubs throughout the region, with Don providing mentor support to young enthusiastic coaches looking to improve their knowledge and experience while working with swimmers with a disability.

“Don is well respected in the field of para-swimming and has influenced, guided and supported many swimmers and coaches throughout time with Lothian Racers, the Scottish Disability Sport Regional Squad and the Scottish Swimming National Squad.

“He has been key in the development of many swimmers with connections to East Lothian over the years with current Paralympian and former East Lothian Swim Team (ELST) swimmer Stephen Clegg benefiting from hours of pool time with him.

“More recently, he has supported the stroke development and confidence of younger swimmers, such as ELST’s Sam Downie and Musselburgh Marlins’ Neil Ferguson, who are now integral members of the Scottish National Squad Programme, making their way in the sport and potentially becoming the para stars of tomorrow.”

Mr Vallis has been involved in disability archery for over 25 years, coaching hundreds of archers and mentoring many coaches over that time.

He has been instrumental in setting up archery sessions across the Lothians, including a thriving session in East Lothian which is currently taking place outdoors at Seton Garden as a result of the current restrictions.

Mr Brodie said: “On top of Richard’s considerable service to disability sport, he used lockdown to undertake an epic walk, inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore.

“Richard, who is himself an above-the-hip amputee, walked 100 laps of his garden, which equates to around 6km, raising £4,500 in the process for three charities close to his heart, including Lothian Disability Sport.”