You can’t spend long in Dunfermline without noticing how important our local football team is in shaping our city’s collective identity.
The Pars Foundation plays a central role in that, fostering positive relations between club and community.
Health and wellbeing manager Stewart McGuire was named Sporting Champion of the Year at Thursday’s Community Champion Awards ceremony, sponsored by Vertu.
Anybody involved will tell you that Stewart’s work goes far beyond what is required, and he’s been described as “not only a coach, but a lifeline for so many.”
Getting kids involved in football, and offering mental health support are just a couple of the reasons why Stewart deserves to be recognised.
Using the power of sport, he has created an inclusive environment where everybody feels welcomed and valued.
Stewart said that it felt “quite humbling” to win the award. (Image: David Wardle)
After receiving the award at the city’s Glen Pavilion, he told the Press: “It feels quite humbling to be nominated, let alone win.
“I am really glad and chuffed though. The club was saved by the community, and it’s our responsibility to engage with it.
“It’s all about the people, and I enjoy seeing those involved feel the benefits of our programmes.
“It’s a really exciting time at our football club, and for the foundation, with the things we’re beginning to build.”
“To have a manager such as Neil Lennon is great. The standards have just risen, and you can feel the buzz.”
New car sales manager at headline sponsor, Vertu, Scott Mitchell, presented Stewart with his award.