President’s Medal Winner: Judy Bell

The President’s Medal was introduced by Donald Grassie in 2001 to be awarded by President primarily for services to Scottish Orienteering. Since 2001 there have been many worthy recipients but never before have we had such consensus as to an individual winner on a given year. Richard Oxlade, President of Scottish Orienteering, announced that Judy Bell (ESOC) was the winner of the President’s Medal for 2021. Judy received several nominations and is a very worthy recipient of the award.

Judy is to be presented with the President’s Medal for her ongoing commitment, coaching and coordination within ESOC and ScotJos, we hope to find a suitable time to present the award in person to Judy to show our appreciation and on behalf of all those who have benefitted from her skills, experience and welcoming approach.

Judy will be a well known face to many within the sport. She has organised and delivered coaching for ESOC consistently over a number of years. Her sessions always have fun at the heart of them and challenge all levels of orienteering experience. She has taken orienteering to many schools and Scout groups in Edinburgh, providing many with the opportunity to try orienteering for the first time whilst also being a helpful hand and friendly face at many many ESOC events. Her enthusiasm is infectious and she is credited with supporting many youngsters during their orienteering experiences.

Judy Bell

Many of the nominations we received commented on Judy’s commitment and contribution to ScotJos, here is one of the nominations we received:

“Judy has been jointly running ScoJOS for several years . She now jointly manages Talent Scotland too , not just one huge job but two! Her commitment to Scottish junior orienteering is exceptional . She organises every aspect squad weekends ,all the logistics , catering and training , coaches ,accommodation as well as the long days of support. She also organises camps , online seminars and coaching , race preparation . International tours . It’s difficult to mention everything she does and the massive amount of time she gives . What makes her stand out is the incredible pastoral care she provides to our juniors – the care that makes all the difference for juniors enjoying their time to the full. Scottish junior orienteering would be completely lost with out her incredible commitment and care . I can’t think of anyone who puts in the effort she does with such care . She absolutely deserves the Presidents Medal .”

Some further words of support for Judy from Walter Clark, ESOC President, “Judy is quite simply phenomenal!  She does an absolutely incredible amount for the sport of orienteering, in all sorts of different and impactful ways, and she is a lovely person into the bargain, always helping people.  It is brilliant to see her get this recognition and it is so hugely deserved.  Go Judy!”

Many congratulations from everyone in the SOA to Judy on being award the President’s Medal for her contribution to orienteering in Scotland.