Inspiring Bearsden skater (17) in line for top award

Juliana Sweeney-Baird (17) is losing her sight but she continues to compete in the sport she loves.

She is ranked first in the world rankings for inclusive skating and is a current British junior champion.

Her talent, courage and 
determination has put her in the running for a Young Scot Award.

Juliana is one of five young people in the Glasgow and surrounding area who have been announced as finalists in the competition, sponsored 
annually by national newspaper, the Sunday Mail.

The Young Scot Awards recognises extraordinary young people, aged 11-26, who improve the lives of people in their community.

Juliana is losing all her sight due to a rare genetic condition but she continues to skate and train five times a week.

A spokesperson for the Young Scots Awards said: “Juliana shows amazing grace and courage and is loved by everyone she meets.

“She has been an incredible ambassador for Inclusive Skating – a world-recognised charity that promotes the sport for young people with physical and learning disabilities”.

Over the years, Juliana has appeared on TV and social media representing the charity, whose aim is to get Inclusive Skating included in the Winter Paralympic Games.

On the BBC Three Amazing Humans series, Juliana’s video went viral and was watched more than two million times.

The spokesperson added: “Juliana is an inspiration to everyone in the world of skating and is proof anything is possible.”

The winners of the Young Scot Awards 2020 will be announced later this year.

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