Scottish Hockey has congratulated Mary Weir on being awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year Honours List.
Weir has been recognised for services to Sport in the Scottish Borders over the last 40 years.
Since the 1980’s, she has held roles in South District Hockey, including president, coach, manager and selector. Under her leadership, South District has become a major force in Scottish Hockey, contributing countless players to national age group and full international squads.
One of her proudest moments was managing the South District team who were runners up in the Scottish under-14 Girls Inter-District tournament in 2018.
In over 30 years as Head of Hockey at Kelso High School, they were regularly the No 1 school team, outdoors and indoors, in the Borders. Her legacy is that many ex-pupils across Scotland are now working as PE teachers and are teaching in her style.
In December 2020 Kelso Hockey Club was awarded Scottish Hockey’s Silver Accreditation award thanks to her hard work and determination to set up a strong governance structure to benefit current and future members.
Barry Cawte, Scottish Hockey’s chief executive, said; “On behalf of everyone in Scottish Hockey, I would like to congratulate Mary and thank her for 40 years of service to hockey and youth sport in general. She has inspired thousands of children to enjoy playing sport and is a great role model for everyone involved in hockey.”
George Thornton, Competitions and Events Manager (Youth), added: “I am delighted that Mary has received this well-deserved recognition. Over the last 20 years I have seen first-hand the positive impact she has had on our sport and the lives of young people.
“She is a fantastic ambassador for hockey, respected and admired for her fairness, sportsmanship and encouragement to everyone, always putting participation ahead of results.”