Meet the Glasgow kids going above and beyond for their communities
IN A room full of inspirational people going above and beyond for their communities, three of Glasgow’s youngest citizens stole the show.
Georgia Shaw, 12, from Springburn, Dylan Dowling, nine, from Drumchapel, and Kaiden Gemmill, who is eight, from Possilpark, all shared the title of Little Champion of the Year at the Glasgow Community Champion Awards 2024.
The event is organised by the Glasgow Times and supported by Glasgow City Council, Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust and St Enoch Centre.
Kaiden, Georgia and Dylan received their award from David Facenna of Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust and Cassi Gillespie, event host (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)
The talented trio sharing warm high fives as they took to the stage was a truly memorable moment for everyone at the event.
And in true selfless fashion, the young winners took the opportunity to pay tribute to others.
“Thanks to Shawn and Malar for giving me the space to run my dance club,” said Georgia, who runs classes for children at Springburn Unity Network.
“Thanks to everyone who voted,” said eight-year-old powerchair football star Kaiden.
“Thank you for letting me come here tonight,” said Dylan, who is a rising star on the Scottish taekwon-do scene.
Georgia Shaw (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)
Georgia Shaw's classes are helping unite her community in dance.
Her infectious enthusiasm and compassion inspire all who know her, and her Saturday morning club is a happy and safe place for children to come and have fun, make new friends and learn some excellent moves from a champion dancer.
“I’m really excited to be here,” she said. “I’m just really happy to be in the room with all these successful people.”
Kaiden Gemmill is already being recognised as one of the top powerchair football players in the UK despite being only eight years old.
Kaiden Gemmill (Image: Kaiden Gemmill)
Kaiden, who lives with spinal muscular atrophy and uses a wheelchair to get around, is part of FC United Glasgow Powerchair Football Club and his passion and talent have led to him being named as one of the most promising young players in Scotland.
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In the summer, he was the youngest player to take part in a prestigious international tournament in Geneva, and he continues to inspire everyone at the club and in his community.
His mum and dad, Laura and Peter, and grandads Peter and John are proud of Kaiden's success.
“He just really loves playing football,” said Laura. “It’s been an amazing year for him.”
Kaiden said: “I love scoring goals. I’d like to be a famous player one day.”
Dylan Dowling (Image: FORCE Taekwon-do)
Dylan Dowling started competing in tae-kwon-do at the start of 2024 and his success has been breathtaking.
Already winning medals, Dylan, who competes in the Additional Support Needs category at competitions, is making waves in the sport across the country.
He is now under-14s Scottish ASN champion and this huge achievement is inspiring other young sportspeople at his club, Force Taekwon-do in Drumchapel, as well as in his community, and around the city.
His proud parents, Stacey and Jamie, were overjoyed for their son.
“He’s come so far in a short time,” said Stacey. “He just loves it and the club has been amazing.”
