IT has been another stellar year for sport in Glasgow... and now the finalists have been announced for the annual Sports Person of the Year Awards.

Taking place on Friday in the City Chambers, the awards span 13 categories which cover every area of sport in the city – from grassroots and schools to professional clubs, recognising volunteers and coaches to elite athletes.

City primary and secondary schools are also honoured on the night, and are recognised for being awarded Gold status as a sport school.

Shortlisted for the Glasgow Times Disabled Athlete of the Year is 17 year old Louis Lawlor, a para-swimmer from Glasgow.

He made his international debut at the World Para Swimming Championships in London in 2019 - and capped it by winning his maiden international medal.

Louis secured a bronze in the S14 100m Backstroke, having finished fourth in the mixed category race at the British Para-Swimming International Meet earlier in the year to confirm his place in the Worlds squad.

Attending the ceremony straight after returning home from a trip to Japan with the British Swimming para-squad, Louis is looking forward to the night.

He said: "This nomination is an unexpected but welcome surprise, particularly given the quality of other nominees.

"Sport has given me a fantastic opportunity to travel the world and experience different cultures, and I train hard six days a week at Tollcross International Swim Centre when in Glasgow.

"I wouldn’t have got this far without my coaches both there and at British Swimming so I owe them a lot.

"My proudest sporting moment to date has been winning bronze in the 100m backstroke at the London 2019 World Para Swimming World Championships - which has inspired me to continue to compete at the highest level.

"For anyone looking to compete in sport, I would say don’t let anything hold you back – if you think you can do it, give it a shot.

Glasgow Times:

"Of course there will be highs and lows but if you listen to your coaches’ advice and work hard you can push through any barriers and reach the top of your sport."

Chairman of Glasgow Life and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor David McDonald, said: "This has been another great year in our city’s proud sporting journey, with Glasgow continuing to engage and celebrate sporting involvement at all levels, as well as attracting high-profile events.

"Following on from the inaugural European Championships 2018, Glasgow welcomed the 2019 edition of the European Athletics Indoor Championships for the first time, once again shining a light on the city’s commitment to sporting excellence and grassroots involvement.

"The breadth and depth of talent showcased by this year’s Sports Person of the Year Awards nominations demonstrates the success of Glasgow’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent and achievement. As one of my personal highlights in the annual event calendar, it is also a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge and applaud the fantastic efforts of coaches and volunteers across the city."

AND THE FINALISTS ARE...

Glasgow Times Disabled Athlete of the Year 2019

Shortlisted Nominees: Louis Lawlor, Jo Butterfield, Stephen McGuire, Martin Perry

Glasgow Club of the Year 2019

Shortlisted Nominees: Sparta Trampoline Club, Glasgow Gals, Southside Judo

Glasgow Team of the Year 2019

Shortlisted Nominees: Glasgow City FC, Glasgow Celtic FC, Clydesdale Cricket Under 14s

Glasgow Times Young Sportsperson of the Year 2019

Shortlisted Nominees: Andrew Lappin, Drew Burns, Kirsty Shanahan

Glasgow GOLD School Sports Awards 2019:

Primary: St Bernard’s, St Angela’s, St Marnock’s, St Vincent’s, St Paul’s, Pirie Park, Blairdardie, Sandwood, Holy Cross

Secondary: St Paul’s High School, Glasgow Gaelic School

Glasgow Young Volunteer of the Year 2019

Shortlisted Nominees: Joseph Peddie, Liam Luporini, Alexander McGarrie

Glasgow Coach of the Year 2019

Shortlisted Nominees: Danielle Brayson, Rod Smith, Alex Richardson

Glasgow Times Volunteer of the Year 2019

Shortlisted Nominees: Tom Buik, Raza Sadiq, Abdul Bostani

Glasgow Community Project of the Year 2019

Shortlisted Nominees: Afghan United, Free Wheel North, Pinkston Homework Club