Leah Baillie, a dedicated member of Just Judo Clubs in Bonnyrigg, has been honoured as JudoScotland’s Young Technical Official of the Year. This prestigious award is part of the JudoScotland Coaching and Volunteering Awards, a national initiative that recognises the hard work and commitment of judo’s volunteers across Scotland.
The Young Technical Official of the Year Award honours an individual aged 25 or under who has made an outstanding impact in their role, significantly enhancing the competition structure and creating exceptional opportunities and experiences within judo.
Leah has made a remarkable impression within the JudoScotland Referee and Official workforce. Starting as a volunteer timekeeper at club events. She has steadily progressed in her officiating journey, contributing to numerous JudoScotland events. Since completing her contest recorder course in May, Leah has shown exceptional dedication to her development as a technical official. She is now focused on advancing her journey toward achieving her goal of becoming a senior recorder.
Martin Baillie, Leah’s dad, shared, “We are really pleased for Leah, she has put a lot of work in to get where she is and we are very happy for her”
David Somerville, Club Coach at Just Judo, remarked, “Volunteers are the back bone of our sport, young volunteers are tomorrows backbone of our sport”
Leah Baillie expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’m very pleased to receive this award as I love playing my part in the judo community as a contest reorder and time keeper”
Sam Ingram of JudoScotland added, “ Leah consistently goes above and beyond, actively engaging in every opportunity to support Judo events and her own development. She’s a brilliant example of the positive impact a young person can have in sport.”
Leah was presented her award at her club in Bonnyrigg by JudoScotland Club Support Officer Sam Ingram.