Maurice Donohue has admitted he was taken aback after the Sporting Memories Foundation was nominated for a prestigious award.
The Bonhill native, who is the charity’s chief operating officer in Scotland, found out earlier this month that the foundation had been put forward for the Sports Champion category at this year’s Provost’s Award alongside Vale FC coach Ross Young and Scotland U19 international footballer Rebecca McAllister.
However, the nomination comes with mixed emotions for Maurice who, along with a hardworking group of volunteers, aim to tackle dementia, depression and loneliness through the power of sport.
He told the Lennox: “I’m absolutely proud of the nomination. It took me by surprise, I don’t know who nominated the Sporting Memories Foundation but we’re very grateful to them.
“This shines a light on the work that the volunteers and staff have done during the lockdown where they’ve helped to reinvent the organisation.
“Anything we do is trying to reach out to the community and to older sports fans, so to receive a nomination like this is very humbling indeed.
“But everyone nominated in these difficult times deserves a big well done and the recognition.
“Our members are who we are here for and why we do what we do.
“It’s somewhat bittersweet though. Because of the demographic we work with there are individuals with dementia or with other health issues, and not being able to see them face to face has been very difficult.
“I know that we’ve lost some members due to the pandemic. A lot of the people involved were in care homes though so we still don’t know the full extent of the situation.
“That can be very tough for the volunteers because these people become part of their family.
“Not having any contact with them has definitely been something that is difficult to deal with.”
Despite losing members who became friends due to the pandemic, Maurice revealed that he was proud of how the charity has adapted to the challenges presented by lockdown measures.
He continued: “On a personal level though that contact and the sporting chat and banter is something that I look forward to every week.
“I’m not saying that we make all the difference, but it’s good just to have a chat and a laugh and be able to reminisce in a nice atmosphere.
“It’s not the same but it’s the next best thing. It does have an impact though, even if this second lockdown has been even more difficult than the first.
“I know you can phone someone, but being able to see a reaction and a smile is something we’re really missing.
“Seeing the members walk through the door with a cheeky smile and a handshake is one of the things I’ve missed most during this time.
“The human interaction side is a really tough void to overcome because it’s like a changing room style team spirit that we have.
“Hopefully we can see a light at the end of the tunnel with the vaccines, we are hoping that over time that will let us get back to some sort of normality.”
Recognising all of the nominees, Provost William Hendrie said: “I am so thankful to our residents who took the time to highlight these exceptional people for an award.
“Every nomination we received was worthy of recognition and praise for their hard work, which made choosing these finalists a very difficult task.”
Overall winners will be announced via video later in the year.
Kitbag will help to turn back the clocks
The Sporting Memories Foundation are hoping to help get older sports fans active with the launch of their new kitbag initiative.
Designed to be used in conjunction with weekly calls, virtual sessions or phone circles (for those without access to the internet), the new scheme provides people with a stress ball, beach ball and resistance band to help them stay active – as well as a record book, exercise guide and fitness DVD.
Four editions of the Sporting Pink nostalgia newspaper are also included as well as a DVD introducing the editions.
Maurice Donohue, chief operating officer of the Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland, explained the thinking behind the new project.
He said: “We’re keen to encourage people to be as active as possible as part of our group. Rather than just sitting down we were keen for people to move around a bit.
“The kitbag builds on the changing room spirit that we try to create at the clubs, it’s a chance for people to get active whilst staying at home under the lockdown.
“Whether it’s through a call or Sporting Memories circles, it’s our chance to give that wee bit of encouragement to help people to stay active.
“As we get older we need to be moving about more, so this will hopefully encourage people to be active and have a bit of fun.
“It’s just a wee thing, but it’s hopefully something that will make a positive difference to people’s lives.”
To sign up yourself or someone you know or to find out more information visit surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DLFVR6R or email Maurice@sportingmemoriesnetwork.com.
