A north-east teenager who often travels up to 800 miles a week to be involved in the sport he loves was last night described as “outstanding”.
Banff Academy pupil Matthew Skyner not only plays basketball, but is also heavily involved in coaching youngsters across the north-east.
One day he can be in Tayside trying for the local National League Division One basketball team, and another he is coaching the under-10 and 12 teams in his home village of Aberchirder.
He also coaches 10 to 16-year-olds in Inverurie, and then trains with the men’s senior local league team.
Last night the teenager scooped the Provost Award for his dedication to the game, as well as his efforts at school – where he is not only a sports leader but a guardian for pupils moving from primary to secondary.
Matthew, who completed the Run Garioch this year in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust, is also volunteering at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this year.
Presenting his award, Provost Jill Webster said: “These are just a few of the things Matthew is involved in, he is, in short, an outstanding young man and has proven his dedication to Aberdeenshire time and time again.”
