U20 Event Just Misses Out On Award

The Under-20 World Championship tournament in Dumfries last December just missed out on a prestigious award in the Scottish Event Awards 2014, held in Glasgow this week.

The IIHF event, hosted by Dumfries & Galloway Council in conjunction with Ice Hockey UK, was nominated in the ‘Best Sports Event’ category and faced hard-fought competition, with judges admitting it was one of the toughest categories to choose a winner.

Dumfries was the venue for the six-team tournament, which saw Great Britain host France, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan and Ukraine.

The event was given further prestige by the arrival of the Stanley Cup for Ice Hockey UK’s 100-year dinner. The prestigious Cup was also on show at Dumfries Ice Rink and seen by hundreds of local people, including schoolchildren.

British Swimming’s ‘Duel in the Pool’, which saw Europe take on USA, was the eventual winner of the ‘Best Sports Event’ category and they went on to win three awards on the night, including the top ‘Event Management Grand Prix’ award.

Other finalists for the sporting award included Pedal for Scotland 2013, the National Road Race Championships, the Great Scottish Run and the Scottish six-day orienteering event.

IHUK chairman, Jim Anderson, said: “I would like to congratulate Dumfries & Galloway Council for being shortlisted for this prestigious award.

“They should be very proud to have reached this stage and clearly it was a strong field to choose from.

“The swimming event swept the board in the three categories it was shortlisted for, so they were clearly a strong contender.

“Dumfries Council were vital in making the World Championship tournament a success and it is great that they were recognised for it.”

Dumfries & Galloway Council events champion, councillor Colin Smyth, said: “I am incredibly proud that the World Championships were shortlisted for this prestigious award.

“It is worthy recognition of the fantastic partnership between the Council and Ice Hockey UK, who together worked so hard to ensure that the event was such a great success.”

Photo credit Ed Waring.
Photo credit Ed Waring.
Back row: Scott Grant (D&G Council), Councillor Colin Smyth (D&G Council), Council leader Ronnie Nicholson (D&G Council), Andy French (IHUK), Richard Grieveson (D&G Council), Scott McMeeken (D&G Council) & Samantha Grieveson (D&G Council).
Front row: Chris Ellis (IHUK), Jim Anderson (IHUK) & Paula McDonald (D&G Council).