Month: November 2016

Irene Edgar and David Thomas

Para Bowls Squads Announced

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is the recognised governing body for para bowls in Scotland and is tasked with selecting a national squad capable of delivering medals at the highest levels of international competition, including the Home Nations Championships, IBD World Championships and the Commonwealth Games.  Scotland is considered to be one of the leading nations within the sport and our intention is to build on this success.

With the inclusion of two events within the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games para programme – Mixed Pair B2/B3 and Open Triple B6/B7/B8 – preparations have accelerated.  As a result SDS, along with the coaching staff, have been in the process of monitoring players (and Directors) within the current programme in order to select a Commonwealth Games 2018 Extended Squad to ensure that we are in the best possible position to compete on the world stage.  Furthermore, the opportunity was taken to review the whole squad due to the programme being buoyed with the addition of several new players.  This has improved performances across the board and increased the competition for places.

The players selected will be in contention for the Home Nations Championships in Wales in April 2017, as well as the all-important Multi Nations Event in Broadbeach, Australia in June 2017.  The latter event which will contribute to the qualification of Scotland for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Commenting on the team selection, SDS Performance Manager Gary Fraser said:

“SDS are delighted to announce a strong field of players within our 2018 Commonwealth Games Extended Squad, as well as our National Squad as a whole.  It is an exciting time within the sport as we head into a busy training and competition calendar next year.  We will compete in the Home Nations in Wales in April, prior to selecting a team for the Multi-Nations event at the Broadbeach Bowls Club on the Gold Coast, where the 2018 Commonwealth Games will take place.  We look forward to the months ahead and have every confidence in the players we have selected.”

The extended squad will be reduced to a maximum of 10 players and 4 Directors for the Multi-Nations Event at Broadbeach Bowls Club.  This selection will take place towards the end of April and the final selection for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games will take place on a date to be confirmed in October 2017.

CG2018 Extended Squad

Open Triple B6/B7/B8

Player Classification Town Local Authority
Billy Allan B6 Cowdenbeath Fife
Gary Clelland B6 Linlithgow West Lothian
Mike Nicoll B6 Jedburgh Scottish Borders
Garry Brown B7 Kirkmuirhill South Lanarkshire
Don Chalmers B7 Buchlyvie Stirling
John Hughes B7 Stewarton East Ayrshire
Martin Hunter B7 Burntisland Fife
Barbara McMillan B7 Cowdenbeath Fife
Michael Simpson B7 Auchtermuchty Fife
John Wardrope B7 Ayr South Ayrshire

 

Mixed Pair B2/B3

Player Classification Town Local Authority
Robert Barr B3 Glasgow Glasgow
Billy Edgar B2 Saltcoats North Ayrshire
Irene Edgar B2 Saltcoats North Ayrshire
Harry Harris B3 Larbert Falkirk
Maria Spencer B3 Dunfermline Fife
Mary Stevenson B2 Barrhead Renfrewshire

 

Director Town Local Authority
Sarah-Jane Ewing Dunfermline Fife
Ron McArthur Falkirk Falkirk
Christine Morrow Dalmuir Clydebank
Doreen Strachan Glasgow Glasgow
David Thomas Ardrossan North Ayrshire
Grace Whitton Bothwell North Lanarkshire

 

National Para Bowls Squad

Player Classification Town Local Authority
Eleanor Clark B1 Kirkcaldy Fife
Billy Edgar B2 Saltcoats North Ayrshire
Irene Edgar B2 Saltcoats North Ayrshire
Mary Stevenson B2 Barrhead Renfrewshire
Harry Harris B3 Larbert Falkirk
Maria Spencer B3 Dunfermline Fife
Robert Barr B3 Glasgow Glasgow
Billy Allan B6 Cowdenbeath Fife
Fraser Mathieson B6 St. Ninians Stirling
Gary Clelland B6 Linlithgow West Lothian
George Guthrie B6 Glasgow Glasgow
Mike Nicoll B6 Jedburgh Scottish Borders
Barbara McMillan B7 Cowdenbeath Fife
Derek Hartley B7 Tullibody Clackmannanshire
Don Chalmers B7 Buchlyvie Stirling
John Hughes B7 Stewarton East Ayrshire
John Wardrope B7 Ayr South Ayrshire
Martin Hunter B7 Burntisland Fife
Michael Simpson B7 Auchtermuchty Fife
Rosemary Lenton B7 Dumfries Dumfries and Galloway
Tracy Black B7 Alloa Clackmannanshire
Garry Brown B7 Kirkmuirhill South Lanarkshire
Brendan Handling B8 Stranraer Dumfries and Galloway
Ian Brown B8 Kilbirnie North Ayrshire

 

 

Coach / Assessor Town Local Authority
Bob Dick (Head Coach) Cupar Fife
Chris McGready Perth Perth & Kinross
Eric McMillan Cowdenbeath Fife
Nigel Walker  Dalgety Bay Fife
Bob Christie Brechin Angus

 

Visual Impairment Sport Engagement Day

Following the success of the pilot engagement day held in March of this year, participants from across Scotland came together for Scottish Disability Sport’s second ‘Visual Impairment Sports Engagement Day’ on Saturday 26th November, hosted at the Falkirk Sensory Centre, Mariner Centre and Falkirk Indoor Bowls Centre.

Thirty-three children, young people and adults with visual impairments aged between 5 and 48 years of age travelled from across Scotland to try a variety of sports delivered by top sports coaches and volunteers from scottishathletics, Falkirk Indoor Bowling Club, Talking Tandems, Scottish Football Association, Goalball UK, JudoScotland and Scottish Swimming.

The aim of the event was to provide an introduction and engage participants in more sport.  Many people with a visual impairment may not be aware of opportunities available to them, and Scottish Disability Sport Regional Managers were on hand to tell people about how to get involved with clubs in their local area.

In addition to the sports, partner organisations RNIB, Haggeye, Guide Dogs Scotland, Blind Children UK Scotland, FABB Scotland and Visibility provided information on their organisations and the support they can provide people.

Gavin Macleod, Chief Executive Officer of SDS said: “SDS is delighted to be working in partnership with the sports and the support agencies to support people with visual impairments to access this unique event to be introduced to and engage in sport.”

If you would like further information about sporting opportunities for people with a visual impairment, please contact Scottish Disability Sport by telephoning 0131 317 1130 or by emailing on admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

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Colin and Carolyn MacDonald with Gordon McCormack

SDS Celebrates Contribution of Colin & Carolyn MacDonald

Wednesday 23 November was an important fixture in the calendar of Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) as it represented the final Championships of the 2016 sporting calendar, however it also represented the end of an era with Colin MacDonald drawing his tenure as SDS Swimming Officials Co-ordinator to a close after a significant and successful period at the helm.

The MacDonald family first became involved with SDS because of their son Gordon who was a physically disabled swimmer with enormous potential. Sadly Gordon retired from competitive swimming while still a junior but mum, dad and daughter continued their interest and over the years have made an enormous contribution to swimming officiating in the west and the Scottish Disability Sport national events programme specifically. The team of swimming officials Colin has assembled is second to none and nobody epitomises commitment to SDS swimming more than Colin and his wife Carolyn. They have supported the programme for almost two decades and in recent years Colin has coordinated the swimming officials’ team-list for all galas nationally and in the west of Scotland. Colin is a true gentleman in every sense. Very professional and reliable and at the same time understanding of the needs of SDS members. Colin has supported SDS gala personnel enthusiastically and ensured that SDS swimming events are of a standard appropriate to the needs of SDS performance swimmers. Although Colin will be greatly missed from his role as co-ordinator it is hoped that both Colin and Carolyn continue to be involved at SDS events in the future. A fine couple in every way! We wish Colin, Carolyn and their family well and thank them for many years of unstinting service.

Thanks to Richard Brickley MBE for additional content.

Head and shoulders of Colette Martin

Colette Martin – November Report

This month, and the last few months, have been the busiest time for me. I began my 4th and final year at Stirling University and it wasn’t long before I had to begin work on my honours project. Working on my work for my final year has taken over a lot of my time. However, this has not stopped me from volunteering for most things that come my way.

I have recently started to volunteer every week for PLUS (Forth Valley) in which I work at their After School Club events for primary and high school students that have disabilities. This has been an amazing opportunity for me to meet new people, gain new skills and experience which will hopefully stand me in good stead for graduating next year!

Along with volunteering for PLUS I have also had opportunities to volunteer in my role as a Young Person’s Sport Panel member. Although not being able to volunteer this month in my role I did get to volunteer at the very first Wheelchair Sports Extravaganza. This event was amazing, as it saw a lot of young people come and try a range of different sports, from archery to athletics to wheelchair rugby. One of the other opportunities I got involved in as a Sport Panel member was the media training held at Stirling University. Both of these events got me thinking more about my future in sport.

Having had a lot going on in my life, and at University, I have had to seriously thinking about my sporting career. With many injuries and low points during the last few years of my athletics career I found myself becoming less enthusiastic about the sport. However, wanting to remain active and fit got me thinking about other opportunities, and with the help of the media training and the Sports event, I decided to try something new.

And so, here I am, almost 6 months later into my journey, having started a new sport- basketball!

I have, also, not officially mentioned anywhere that I have started this new sport, and transitioned from athletics. This being the first time, is pretty scary I must admit!!

This month has been great for myself in this new sporting chapter. I have recently been on a weekend trip to Nottingham to play basketball in the British Women’s League for Angels of the North 3. This league was the most fun as I was able to meet many new people in the sport from all over the country and also got a chance to watch GB Paralympians play in the first division- which was an amazing opportunity. Managing to play four games while I was away and meeting great people along the way, I can honestly say that starting basketball was a great decision for myself at this time.

Colette Martin

Tammy Need and Jack Milne receiving their Best Female & Male Awards at the Championships

2016 National Junior Swimming Championships

The Junior Swimming Championships are one of the longest running in the national calendar organised by Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) and next year we celebrate the fortieth edition of the Junior Championships for swimmers with a learning disability – the major occasion of the junior swimming year.  SDS was pleased to return to Tollcross International Aquatics Centre for the 39th edition which assisted in inspiring further record-breaking performances at a venue considered amongst the best in the world.

Paralympians from Scotland have represented their Branch junior teams in the past with distinction. One of Scotland’s leading swimmers is Scott Quin from Lothian.  Scott won a silver medal in 100m Breaststroke SB14 at the IPC World Championships in July last year at this very venue before repeating this achievement at the Rio Paralympics where he lost the gold by a whisker to his GB stablemate Aaron Moores in arguably the most thrilling finish seen at the games. Scott is a great supporter of the Junior Championships, competing many times for Lothian and was sorry he couldn’t join us at the event to see the next wave of swimmers coming through.

This year’s event, as with last year, was supported by the Sports Council for Glasgow and SDS is hugely grateful to the Sports Council for Glasgow for their significant support, enabling the event to take place at Tollcross. It is hugely exciting for our swimmers to compete again in such an impressive venue and it really allows the championships to exist in an arena worthy of the effort put in from the participants.

Youngster Tamsin Neef (Highland) followed her outstanding year in 2015 with an even more successful visit this year. Neglecting the early morning start required in 2015 to travel in from Skye, Tammy decided to stay the night before to ensure she was well rested for her personal assault on the Championship Records (CR) held by Perth’s Reagan Doig. Tammy was successful in breaking the 50m Backstroke CR in a time of 35.07 and was just outside the others but retains the ambition of making these records her own in future years – as a relative youngster she has plenty of years left to do this. Tammy was a clear winner of the trophy for ‘Best Female’ of the Championships.

A feature of these championships in the last few years have been the enthralling battles between Rhys Handleigh from Dumfries & Galloway and rivals that present themselves each year. Highland’s Dean Brannen fulfilled this role in 2014, Louis Lawlor (West of Scotland) and Christian Buchanan (Lothian) had designs on his titles in 2015 but this year it was the turn of Tayside’s Jack Milne to go head to head with the D&G swimmer. And what a battle it was; Rhys added to his collection of gold medals with a championships record in the 100m Freestyle along with a first place finish in the 100m Individual Medley. With the title on a knife-edge the ‘Best Male’ of the Championships was awarded to Jack for his exceptional performances in the 50m Breast Stroke, 50m Butterfly and the 50m Backstroke where he finished ahead of last year’s ‘Best Male’ Rhys Handleigh.

Yet again Scottish Disability Sport was able to call on a great team of volunteers and officials to ensure the smooth running of the event in testing circumstances due once again to the weather and number of withdrawals and we thank the officials – very able co-ordinated for the last time by Colin MacDonald – who assisted on the day. An article on Colin and his wife Carolyn appear elsewhere on this site, however SDS would like to place on record their appreciation of the unstinting support Colin and Carolyn have given the organisation for over a decade.

Branches are working on wider engagement and all now should have ready access to or are running qualification galas for this event which greatly helps the organisation and implementation of the national championships through the increased experience of swimmers and accurate timings and this should continue to be encouraged within branches and their links to key local partners including clubs, leisure trusts, education, local authorities and other leisure providers.

SDS hope that many more young people in Scotland are inspired to take up swimming following Rio 2016 and hope that the partnerships within the branch areas and regions can allow this to happen.

2014 conference workshop

Reflections on Rio – Development Coach Conference

Stirling Court Hotel, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA

Scottish Disability Sport would like to invite coaches to register for the Reflections on Rio: Development Coach Conference 2017. There is no cost to attend as SDS recognizes the huge contribution coaches make to disability sport in Scotland.

A video of the 2014 conference can be seen here.

The day will begin at 0930 with registration, for a 1000 start, and will close at 1530. Workshop topics will include:

  • Athlete Support – the transition periods of an athlete and how coaches can support the athlete through these transition phases;
  • Leadership and Mentoring – exploring the leadership role of a coach and how to support successful practice;
  • Understanding the basic principles of performance nutrition and hydration to support para athlete training and recovery;
  • Developing a strength and conditioning programme for para athletes.
  • Communication – the use of technology for ensuring communication is relevant to the needs of adults and children with a variety of disabilities;
  • Planning and periodisation for coaches – consideration will be given to goal setting, competition and coping with unforeseen circumstances.

In addition, there will be keynote addresses from Nik Diaper, EIS head of sport science and sport medicine (Paralympic sports), and Matt Hammond ,GB Boccia Performance Manager. The day will also include a discussion panel of athletes, players and coaches on topical issues, future aspirations, and an opportunity for questions from the floor. The closing remarks will be made by Mike Whittingham, sportscotland Director of High Performance.

The information and registration pack can be downloaded here.

 

Gordon Reid at the British Open

Reid Hopes to Emulate Murray at Season Ending Masters

After watching Andy Murray end his season as world No.1, his compatriot Gordon Reid knows he has the chance to end the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour as world No.1 if he can win the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters 2016 that starts in London on Wednesday (30 November).

“It has been an incredible season – one that has gone by in a bit of a flash. I’ve loved every minute so far and hopefully I can end it on a high in London. I know the world No.1 ranking is at stake,” says Reid.

Reid, the 25 year-old world No.2 from Helensburgh in Scotland is careful not to over-state his chances of wrestling the top spot from Stephane Houdet of France when the action gets underway at the Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

“Right now I’m feeling pretty good and quite relaxed, though nothing is guaranteed when you are competing at the highest level.  Expectations were high at Wimbledon where I did well (won the singles) and in Rio (Paralympic Games) I again played well (and took gold).  If I go out and play strongly next week I’ve got a chance, but I know there are eight very strong world-class players in the mix so it will be very tough.  I’ll definitely have to play my very best tennis if I’m to win it (the Masters).”

Left-hander Reid is one of five British players currently confirmed for the season ending Masters, with world No.7 Alfie Hewett (GB) making his debut in the men’s singles draw.  In a tournament that will also feature the defending men’s champion, Joachim Gerard (Belgium), Reid knows he must be at his best. However, if drawn against current world No.1 Houdet, he believes he now has the game to match the 46 year-old Frenchman. Though Houdet has won 21 of their 33 encounters, Reid has recently won 7 of those matches.

“Yes, I think for me the gap is definitely closing (against Houdet),” said Reid. “He’s a great player but I think I’ve had the better of our exchanges over the past couple of years. I’m increasingly using good tactics against him, my game has improved a lot and I’m making it harder for him to exploit any weaknesses.”

With Hewett joining Reid in the men’s singles and fellow Brits Andy Lapthorne (quads), Lucy Shuker and Jordanne Whiley (both women’s singles) also competing in London, Reid hopes the home support can inspire the players to emulate Murray’s feat. As Reid headed for his latest practice session, he added:

“Whether it’s Nottingham, the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters or Wimbledon, it’s brilliant playing in front of crowds that are closest to my home in Scotland.  Last week you could see how the crowd got behind Andy Murray for his ATP World Tour Finals win. Hopefully, we can also get good crowds next week, with people coming to cheer on the British players and inspire us to a similar result! I really enjoy playing in front of home crowds and I’m looking forward to getting the matches started.”

In the women’s singles, world No.7 Diede de Groot (Netherlands) has signaled her form in advance of making her debut at the Masters by last week winning the women’s singles title at the ITF British Open in Bath. Jiske Griffioen (Netherlands) and David Wagner (USA), the respective women’s and quad Masters champions will also be competing in London, aiming to defend their titles at what is one of the most prestigious events on the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour.

Tickets for the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters are available from as little as £1. For details visit www.wheelchairtennismasters.com

Photo courtesy of the Tennis Foundation

Jonny and David Brown

DSF an Organisation Founded on Partnerships

Partnerships mean an enormous amount to Disability Sport Fife (DSF). Major local partners are Fife Council, the Fife Sports and Leisure Trust and inclusive sports clubs across Fife. National partners are Scottish Disability Sport, sportscotland and several of Scotland’s Governing Bodies of Sport. DSF is thrilled to be working with Spirit of 2012 and the UK consortium that is part of the Go Out and Get Active (GOGA) programme. DSF is dependent on funding partners such as the Association of Rotary Clubs in Fife, the Russell Hogg Trust, the Order of St John in Fife, the Russell Hogg Trust, the Bill Pullar Trust and the many families and friends of DSF who regularly fundraise on our behalf.

Partnerships are the backbone of so much of what we do. One weekly DSF session depends so much on a range of partners. The Fife Sports and Leisure Trust invariably provides the indoor, outdoor or aquatics facility. The lead DSF coach is supported by DSF volunteers, peer mentors, family members or significant others. Sometimes essential support is provided by staff from Education Services, Health and Social Care or the voluntary sector. DSF rarely if ever goes it alone and in fact goes out of its way to encourage young people to give up some time and support the programme.

Partnerships with families are worthy of special mention and often on this platform DSF has highlighted exceptional examples of partnership working. Jonny Brown from Thornton has cerebral palsy and is a wheelchair user. Jonny has been involved with DSF since he was a Fife Primary School pupil. Initially Jonny played basketball, swam and was involved in some throwing activities. Jonny always demonstrated promise as an athlete but only when his father’s work situation changed was he able to commit to throwing specifically and over the past couple of years he has improved considerably. Thanks to support from Scottish Disability Sport and Education Scotland, DSF was able to secure a racing chair for Jonny and his athletics options changed overnight. In addition to athletics Jonny is committed to racquet sports and independently he travels to the gym to train to compete.

As all this was going on with Jonny, father David embarked on the coaching pathway with Scottish Athletics through DSF. David is now the lead volunteer throws coach for the DSF physically disabled throws squad. David works with seated and standing throwers and is determined to grow the Fife squad and identify throwers from Fife with podium potential. Already a number are showing promise and it is only a matter of time before individuals shine like Michel Mellon from Cardenden and Pitreavie AC who is a 40 metre plus javelin thrower. There is nothing better than a partnership involving child and parent where both develop simultaneously within a sport. At the 2016 Awards evening both were recognised for the significant role they are now playing within Disability Sport Fife.

Richard Brickley MBE
President, Disability Sport Fife

DSF Carpet Bowls group photo

2016 Fife Carpet Bowls Championships

With support from the Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, the 2016 Disability Sport Fife (DSF) Carpet Bowls Championships were held at the Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre Glenrothes. Thirteen singles sections for junior and senior players with a physical, sensory or learning disability were contested and a significant number of bowlers were introduced to the event for the first time. DSF will select the Fife team for the Scottish Carpet Bowls Championships to be organised by Scottish Disability Sport at DISC in Dundee on Saturday 4th February from results recorded at the Fife event.

Lochgelly HS provided all the junior players for the three sections for junior players with a learning disability. Kayshaleigh Lambert and Brandon Cuming won the girls and boys “A” sections with Emily Cowan and Ryan Pollock finishing as runners-up. The boys “B” section was won by Jordan Mitchell and Adam Montague was runner-up.

The section for bowlers who use a wheelchair was keenly contested. DSF welcomed back Robbie Craig to competitive bowls after a long absence and Theresa Wyse confirmed her position as the leading female wheelchair bowler in Fife. The final however was contested by Central Fife CSS bowlers Jim Donaldson and Wullie Harrison with the latter winning the title.

Kenny Dow and Neil Laughlin once again contested the final in the section for restricted bowlers with a physical impairment with Kenny retaining the Fife title. Scottish outdoor international Billy Allan retained the Fife open title and blind bowler Eleanor Clark played brilliantly to finish runner-up.

Craig Donaldson and Michelle Wallace from Central Fife CSS won the men’s and women’s open titles in the West Fife CSS Group Photosections for bowlers with a learning disability and Gary Lindsay and Wendy Thomson from East Fife CSS finished as runners-up. The men’s B section final was an all East Fife CSS affair with Craig Bernard defeating Craig Houston in the final. In the equivalent women’s section final newcomer Erin Johnston from West Fife CSS defeated Roberta Buchan from Central Fife CSS.

West Fife CSS bowlers dominated the men’s C, D and E sections with Wayne Sammut, Tristen Rankine and Kevin Rowe winning the three titles. East Fife CSS bowlers Wayne Moreland, David Scott and George Goodsir finished as runners-up in each of the three sections.

Disability Sport Fife is indebted to the 18 volunteer markers from bowling clubs in central Fife who officiated non-stop throughout the five hours of the Championships. The Fife team for the 2017 Scottish Carpet Bowls Championships will be announced early in 2017.

Richard Brickley MBE
President, Disability Sport Fife