Christine McDiarmid Black receives the British Empire Medal (1)

Badminton star and community coach Mrs Christine McDiarmid Black has been presented with the British Empire Medal in recognition of her dedication to sport and coaching in her community.

The Lord Provost, acting as the Queen’s representative for the City of Edinburgh, presented the medal to the badminton champion from the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List at a special ceremony at the Capital’s City Chambers.

Mrs McDiarmid Black is celebrated for services to sport in recognition of her achievements as the driving force behind many female Scottish badminton players and as an inspiration to many more.

The British Empire Medal is awarded for a sustained, local contribution of innovative, high-impact work worthy of recognition by the Crown. Awarded from 1922 until 1992, it was brought back in June 2012 in celebration for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The Lord Provost of Edinburgh, the Rt Hon Donald Wilson, said: “Mrs Christine McDiarmid Black has represented Scotland 546 times, winning bronze medals at European Championships and Commonwealth Games events, as well as countless World and European Veterans Championships medals.

“Not only is she an inspirational role model as a successful sports person in her own right, but she is a dedicated and passionate champion for sport in Scotland. It is my honour and privilege to bestow to Christine, on the Queen’s behalf and everyone she has supported and inspired throughout her life, the British Empire Medal.”

Christine with her mother at her medal ceremony (1)

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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
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