Sports awards to be named after Willie Innes
East Lothian Council members approved proposals to rename sports initiatives in tribute to former Council Leader, Willie Innes at today’s (Tuesday 29 March) full Council meeting.
East Lothian Council’s Head of Infrastructure, Tom Reid, explained: “Willie Innes served as a councillor within East Lothian for more than 30 years and following his death in October 2021 people from across the county, country and political spectrum paid tribute to his public service and achievements over the years. It was clear from the number of tributes made that many within East Lothian wanted a lasting memory of Willie that recognised his positive contributions to life within our local communities.
“Sport was a particular passion for Willie and he recognised the power and impact sport can play in individuals, communities and national life, and the experiences it can give for discipline, hard work, belonging and giving back. He was recognised nationally for being instrumental in East Lothian Council being the first new unitary authority in Scotland to establish a Sports Development Strategy almost 30 years ago which included a key strategy of education, training and youth sport. It was therefore considered highly appropriate to re-name a number of sports related initiatives to recognise and remember Willie Innes for future generations.”
The annual East Lothian Secondary Schools Sports Youth Games held at Meadowmill Sports Centre each May, where S1 and S2 pupils from each of the six secondary schools compete across a range of sports, was a development directly from the commitment to sport in schools within East Lothian. The Youth Games itself, and the trophy the schools play for, will now be known as the Willie Innes Youth Games, and the trophy be known as the Willie Innes Trophy.
In addition, the Council’s Sports Awards Scheme which provides financial assistance to individuals across the county in supporting them prepare, compete, travel, receive qualifications and provide access to facilities, will become the Willie Innes Sports Awards Scheme.