Published: 02/12/2024

Hamilton Paralympian Stephen McGuire Honoured as Fellow of New College Lanarkshire

Stephen McGuire, a Paralympic gold medallist, wearing formal graduation attire with gold trim and a medal around his neck, seated in a wheelchair. He is smiling and positioned in a well-lit hallway, with blurred figures of graduates in the background.

Gold Medallist Stephen McGuire was honoured at the College’s Graduation ceremony in Coatbridge.

Stephen has overcome extreme adversity to become one of Scotland’s most distinguished Paralympians winning Gold in Paris earlier this year.

Stephen told the graduation students it was an ‘Incredible honour’ to receive the fellowship.

HE said: ”Thank you so much for allowing me to celebrate with you. Being a student is a lot like being an athlete. You work a long time to get to an awards ceremony like today! I know all about that because it took me six years to win my first international match! So what I would say to you is to remember that you are not defeated when you lose, but only when you give up!”

The College’s Dean for Academic PArtnships, Nicola Mulholland have the laureation address saying that ‘with such a distinguished, illustrious and inspirational career alongside his work as a champion for Muscular Dystrophy, Stephen McGuire, is truly worthy of this award.”

Born and brought up in Hamilton, Stephen and brother Pete were diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, a degenerative muscle-wasting disease which would eventually result in both using wheelchairs from the age of 12.

Stephen was introduced to the sport of Boccia – which he describes as being related to bowls but with the strategy required of chess – and began a 20-year chase for Paralympic glory.

After a bad leg break in 2022, Stephen contemplated quitting. However, he gained a wildcard entry to Paris 2024 and, as the oldest member of the team, he finally achieved his goal by bringing Paralympic Gold back to Lanarkshire.

Stephen is an ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions.

Andy Fletcher their Chief Executive said: “Congratulations to Stephen for being awarded the New College Lanarkshire award. It’s fantastic to see him being recognised for his achievements from winning gold at this year’s Paralympics. Alongside, his ongoing support for Muscular Dystrophy UK, raising awareness of muscle wasting and weakening conditions and being an inspiration for so many people in the local community and beyond.”