SWSA Welcomes Wigtownshire Sports Council Coach of the Year Award

Stranraer Water Sports Association has welcomed recognition of their Chief Instructor, Tom Wilson, who was named Coach of the Year at Wigtownshire Sports Council’s Sports Personality of the Year Awards last week. 

John Fenwick, Chair of SWSA, commented:

“Tom has brought enthusiasm, inspiration and a passion for sharing his love of water sports with the young people of Stranraer. His encouragement of young people through the Kids Club, and the training and mentoring he has provided through the innovative Young Instructor Programme, is helping a new generation of young people in Stranraer to build confidence on the water.

“As our organisation embarks on an ambitious period of development, with the construction of our new water sports centre and hosting several major events this year, Tom’s work in making water sports accessible, enjoyable and empowering for young people in our community is hugely important.”

While Tom was on well-deserved annual leave when the awards took place, he recently spoke about his love for water sports.

“I started sailing when I was 8 years old, fell in love with it and couldn’t get enough! I first started helping out at my local sailing centre as a teenager and really enjoyed helping other people learn new skills and develop as individuals. Becoming an instructor has allowed me to travel and work throughout UK and around the world. I just love the freedom of being on the water, and helping other people find that freedom.”