SPORT may not have been the same over the last 12 months but that didn't stop Disability Sport Fife from celebrating the best of 2020.

And there was no shortage of West Fife successes to cheer when the organisation held its annual awards presentations, virtually, earlier this month.

A total of 43 awards, across 25 categories, were made in addition to seven sports bursaries despite the last year severely impacting on sport across the country, with athletes and swimmers in particular hogging the limelight.

Hosted by DSF president, Richard Brickley, the online version of the celebrations saw 115 athletes, coaches, volunteers, family members and partners tune in to find out who would be the award recipients from the 90-plus nominations that the organisation received through its Facebook page.

Former Carnegie Swimming Club star, Ollie Carter, was named as Swimmer of the Year and be awarded with the Leslie Inglis Trophy for his continued success in the pool.

The University of Stirling competitor, who hails from Cupar, was named as the winner of the same award for 2019 last year, with his achievements then including setting a Scottish record in the S10 classification – for those with a physical impairment – in the 50 metres freestyle.

The Paul Noble Award (Woodlands Parents Cup) for the most improved swimmer of the year was given, jointly, to Carnegie duo Cameron Hemphill and Cerys Venters Scott, with the former also receiving the Bill Pullar Bursary Award.

Katie Pake, who on Hogmanay was recognised nationally by being chosen as the STV Children's Appeal Child of Courage in the inaugural Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards 2020, was named junior sports person of the year, whilst Dunfermline's Owen Miller – a member of Fife AC – was named the most improved athlete of the year, together with club-mate, Sam Fernando.

Pamela Mitchell, of Headwell Bowling Club, was feted as the female bowler of the year, while Carnegie Swimming Club's Lucy Walkup was named emerging coach of the year alongside Gabby Doig.

The club themselves were further honoured by being named the member organisation of the year, while Janice Graves, PT at Woodmill High School, was given the Alec Thorburn Award as ambassador of the year.

Youngsters Cameron Adam, Niamh Currie, Finlay Davidson, Owen Carmichael, Ruby McDonald and Christina Murray were winners of the junior endeavour award, with Connor Brown and Carter Taylor, and Jonny Brown and Mary Wilson, collecting the senior accolade.

Emma Mason, of West Fife CSS (Community Support Services) picked up an access award for significant achievement in sport over many years, whilst former Woodmill High School pupil, Kyle Baxter, was feted with a posthumous award for his signifcant contribution to DSF.

In addition, Katie Pake, Cameron Adam and Finlay Davidson, together with Zoe McNulty, Tyler McLelland and Christina Murray, were all presented with STV junior bursaries.

For a full list of winners, visit DSF's Facebook page.

Meanwhile, the organisation said that they would issue an update on its programme of events up to June once they have liaised with member clubs, Fife Council and Fife Sports and Leisure Trust.

It comes after Scottish Disability Sport confirmed that all face-to-face national events have been cancelled until September, with a review set to take place in May.