Glasgow-based McCormack, who has committed himself to developing sport for people with disabilities for over 30 years, receives his honour for services to the Special Olympics and disability sport.

He started his involvement with Special Olympics GB in 1979 as he helped develop sporting activities for people with learning disabilities while he currently serves as Scottish Disability Sport chairman and is employed by Glasgow City Council as coordinator to disabled sports.

"I found out about the OBE a couple of weeks ago and it came as a complete surprise," said McCormack.

"I saw the letter which was post-marked from the Cabinet, and I wondered what on earth it was.

"It just blew me away.

"I work with some wonderful people.

"It is a cliché but they deserve this honour as much as me.

"It is very special to be recognised in this way.

"I am looking forward to flying the flag and wearing my kilt.

"I quite fancy the idea of going to Buckingham Palace so I am very excited about that."

Over the last 30 years, McCormack has participated actively in various roles at the National and International Special Olympics Games.

He was Games director for both the 1990 European Games in Strathclyde and the National Summer Games in Glasgow in 2005.

He has also been head of delegation for two previous World Games in Dublin in 2003 and North Carolina in 1999.


He joined the Special Olympics GB in 2010 to represent the National Executive Committee and the Scottish membership of volunteers and athletes and admits there is a lot of work to do going forwards.

"We have a marvellous team of staff that work to ensure that anyone with a disability can get involved in sport," he said.

"The big issue for me from the 2014 Commonwealth Games is what we get out of the legacy.

"For me it is so important that there is something lasting for the people of Scotland, and that it creates opportunities for everyone, regardless of their ability, to get involved in and enjoy sport."

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