Moira Ord MBE is a former Scotland netball captain and coach, and a resident at Meallmore-operated Kelvinside Manor Care Home in Glasgow’s West End. Since the 1950’s, Moira has been an international player, Scottish Captain, Scottish Coach, President of the Scottish Netball Association, and served many years as a Chair and director of the Board.
Recognising that Moira would be keen to attend a netball game at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, activities coordinator, Marie Gibson secured courtside tickets to the Malawi vs Tonga game for Moira and fellow resident, Irene at the OVO Hydro.
A career that shaped Scottish netball
A career that shaped Scottish netballWatching the game was extra special for Moira, who was awarded the MBE for services to netball in 1988 and in 2008 received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Service to Sport at the Glasgow Sportsperson of the Year Awards. She was also one of just three players to be inducted into the Netball Scotland Hall of Fame in its inaugural year.
Moira played netball for Scotland for a decade, earning 39 caps for her country and leading the team as captain on 16 occasions. She took part in the first world netball tournament in 1963 and one of her most notable achievements was bringing the World Netball Championships to Scotland in 1987, leading the delivery of the event on many levels.
As well as playing netball, Moira coached the national team across 18 matches and served as an international umpire.
Bringing back happy memories
Speaking about the visit, Moira said: “It was great! It was amazing to be back watching and felt like I’d never left. It brought back many happy memories from playing and teaching. It just felt like being home.
“My proudest memory is watching my team grow and win, and it meant everything to me to be inducted in the Hall of Fame. I never thought someone like me would be there.”
Asked about her advice for the next generation, her instruction was clear: “play with your heart,” explaining that her passion for the sport was the key to her success.
Paula Ritchie, Care Home Manager at Kelvinside Manor said: “We were honoured to chaperone Moira to the netball at the Commonwealth Games. She was over the moon when we told her she was going, and it was clear how much it meant to her. The beaming smile on her face in the photos just says it all!
“Moira has made a remarkable contribution to Scottish netball over the last half a century – and it’s something that has completely shaped her life, so when the Commonwealth Games was here in our city, we just had to get tickets to take her back courtside. She was in her element and her love and passion for the sport was clear to see. We loved seeing how meaningful the experience was for Moira, and it was amazing to hear her share her stories and successes. It was a truly special day all round.”
Situated on Dorchester Avenue in Glasgow’s West End, Kelvinside Manor provides personalised care for residents with a range of support needs, including 24-hour nursing care, dementia care, short-term and respite care, with a choice of en-suite rooms and executive suites.
Meallmore currently operates 27 homes across Scotland: 21 for older people, five for adults with mental health needs and one for adults with learning or physical disability. Three new homes are in development, which will provide services for elderly people in Aberdeen City, Broughty Ferry and Clarkston.
