Niall Allison of Orkney Judo was officially presented with his Volunteer of the Year Award 2022 from Paul McGuiness, Judo Scotland on Sunday 8th January at the Pickie Centre, Kirkwall.

You can read about Niall’s award here: No Rest For A Busy Orkney Judo Club

The Volunteer Award recognises the contribution Niall has made towards the development of Judo in Orkney.

Niall said being nominated for the award and then winning it was totally unexpected. He was really pleased for not just himself but for the whole team of volunteers at Orkney Judo, the parents and the members of the Club.

Paul McGuiness BSc MSc 6th Dan, BJA Level 5 Coach, UKCC Level 4 Coach and head of People Development, presenting the award on behalf of Judo Scotland, arrived in Orkney on Saturday when Niall and his wife were able to give him a tour of the islands visitor sites.

Speaking about Judo in Scotland Paul McGuinness said that the sport was doing really well thanks to community groups like Orkney Judo. He said that for the club travelling to grading events is a big issue and that having the support of the local council and the sponsorship from local businesses was really important.

He said that the amount of work Niall and the team at Orkney Judo put in was impressive. Travel south meant that they could engage with the Judo community across Scotland.

If you are interested in finding out more about the club click on this link: Orkney Judo