The SSA AGM was held at the Edinburgh Novotel on the evening of 23 September 2008.

An excellent turn out of 32 full members and 12 guests said goodbye to outgoing Chair Neil Park who had completed a total of 11 years service on the Board of SSA, 6 of them as Chair.  We were delighted that Kate Vincent, Deputy Director - Sport and Games Legacy Division at the Scottish Government and George Thomson, CEO of Volunteer Development Scotland could attend.

Keith Russell, Head of Sport and Culture Glasgow opened proceedings speaking on behalf of VOCAL with an overview of how governing bodies and local authorities can work together.  He was clear that support to the club, coaching and volunteer infrastructure of sport was crucial if we are to secure a lasting legacy from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

During the AGM Policy Director Chris Robison presented the SSA Annual Review.  The new style format that was used last year has been retained and is recognised as a very useful digest of the work we do.

The general business of the AGM included approval of a small increase in membership subscriptions, approval of the Annual Accounts and introduction of the new Board Members.

Brian McKelvie was approved as the new SSA Chair.  With experience as both Chair and interim CEO with Netball Scotland and over 30 years in the Police Service he will be more than adequately equipped to lead the SSA forward.  His first duty was to lead a short workshop with members on the new Strategy for the SSA and his light hearted look at the current Directors was very well received.

Alan Cuthbertson, a former HR manager with extensive Local Authority experience also joins the Board.  We said farewell and thanks to Yvonne Murray MBE and James Macleod, a member of the IOC who step down.  Neil and Yvonne were made ambassadors for the Association.

The evening marked the end of Neil Park’s reign at the helm of SSA.  Geoff Wightman, CEO Scottish Athletics gave an excellent tribute and Neil was presented with an engraved gift.  Under the leadership of Neil the SSA has taken significant strides forward over the past few years and this was acknowledged by those present.  We all thank him for that.

The full minutes of the AGM and accounts are available on this website here.