TONIGHT’S the night for hundreds of city superheroes as they prepare for the Glasgow Community Champion Awards.

The grand final of this year’s event, organised by the Glasgow Times in partnership with Glasgow City Council, Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust and St Enoch Centre, takes place at the City Chambers this evening.

Hosted by Radio Clyde presenter Cassi Gillespie, this uplifting event recognises men, women and children from all corners of the city.

Glasgow's Helping HeroesGlasgow's Helping Heroes (Image: Newsquest)

Winners from the north west, north east and south heats of the annual contest will battle it out for the sought-after trophies.

Vying for the title of Arts Champion are Platform’s Free Festivals, Make It Glasgow and Big Noise Govanhill.

The Champion School contenders are Mount Vernon Primary, Oakgrove Primary and St Conval’s Primary.

The Champion Team finalists are Autisfun, Possobilities and Glasgow Helping Heroes, while John Barclay, Amanda Ford and Kelly Bruce are all in the running to be named Community Champion of the Year.

St Conval's PrimarySt Conval's Primary (Image: Newsquest)

The Environmental Champion finalists are R:evolve Recycle, Claypits Nature Reserve and St Angela’s Primary Saltire group; and those up for Health and Wellbeing Champion are Scott Richards, Springburn Food Hub and Men With Issues.


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Four of this year’s categories – Little Champion, Youth Champion, Senior Champion and Sporting Champion – are citywide, so while there are no regional heat winners, the top three in each category from the public vote are through to the grand final.

Georgia ShawGeorgia Shaw (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)

Going through in the Little Champion category are powerchair footballer Kaiden Gemmill, taekwondo star Dylan Dowling and dance instructor Georgia Shaw; and the Youth Champion finalists are volunteering superstar Aimee Love, EVIP: The Listening Heart project; and talented artist Fynn Mackie.

The Senior Champion contenders are Gartnavel volunteer Pat McCamley, Kevin Scott, who runs walking tours, and activist and community stalwart Mary Osei-Oppong; and the Sporting finalists are Andrew Tomlinson, Force Taekwondo, and wrestler David McCallum.


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There will also be two special awards announced at the grand final – an Editor’s Award, and the Lord Provost’s Special Recognition Award.

Glasgow Times Editor Stacey Mullen said: “I am so impressed by the community spirit that exists all over Glasgow, and the way so many people go above and beyond to help their fellow citizens.

“I cannot wait to meet everyone tonight, and I wish all the finalists the best of luck.”

A special, 16-page souvenir supplement from this year’s event, packed with pictures and stories, will be on sale with the Glasgow Times on Wednesday, December 11.