Month: April 2017

BISFed European Regional Boccia Open Competition – Barcelona

Stephen McGuire, double gold medallist and world individual champion, started a successful campaign for the Road to Tokyo by winning gold in both BC4 Individual and Pairs category at the BISFed European Regional Open Competition. It was a successful competition all round for the Scottish players, with brothers Jamie and Scott McCowan and Patrick Wilson competing in the BC3 competition, where Jamie won gold and Scott won bronze for Scott in the Individual category. The last throw of a ball denied Patrick a bronze and left him in fourth place.

The competition took place in San Cugat, Barcelona, from Tuesday 11 April to Saturday 15 April 2017. Paralympians Patrick, from Edinburgh, Jamie and Scott from Dundonald and Stephen, from Hamilton, competed against players from Ukraine, Slovenia, Spain, Italy, Russia, France and Greece in the first competition of the cycle.

Results were:

  • Stephen McGuire, BC4 Individual Gold
  • Stephen McGuire, BC4 Pair Gold
  • Jamie McCowan, BC3 Individual Gold
  • Scott McCowan, BC3 Individual Bronze
  • BC3 Pair (Jamie McCowan, Scott McCowan, Patrick Wilson) – 4th place

SDS would like to congratulate all players on a tremendous effort, and Boccia UK Performance Coach Claire Morrison, as well as Dundonian Darren Thomson who was selected to officiate as an International Technical Official in the competition.

If you or anyone else you know would like to get involved in the sport of boccia, please contact Scottish Disability Sport by telephoning 0131 317 1130 or alternatively email admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

Fife Mourns the Passing of a Class Athlete

Within the past few days Disability Sport Fife (DSF) has learned of the loss of athlete Derek Frew from Glenrothes who passed away following a long illness. Our thoughts are with Derek’s friends and family during this period of sadness and loss.

DSF will remember Derek for the contribution he made to the Association as a young enthusiastic wheelchair racer in particular. Derek was ahead of his time but at the same time at the cutting edge of the development of Para sport north of the Border.

Like so many young Fife athletes with a physical impairment Derek was introduced to DSF when he was a pupil at Southwood Primary and attending a learn to swim class at the Fife Sports Institute led by Colin McGinlay. Swimming was never his favourite activity but it led to engagement in sport and the Monday evening multi sports session at the Institute. Wheelchair basketball in particular was a favourite activity.

It was evident early on that Derek had exceptional wheelchair handling skills and he was fast around the basketball court. This led to involvement in wheelchair racing and his friendship with coach David Sellar blossomed. In one of the early photos of Derek, he is lined up with Kenny Suttie, Iain Matthew and Paul (PJ) Johnston. PJ and Iain went on to successfully represent Team GB in Para swimming. Kenny and Derek became racing and training partners for many years..

Thanks to support from the Order of St John in Fife, DSF was able to purchase its own mini bus and travel to race meets all over the country. The late Danny Montague and thereafter Dale Wilson supported the developing Fife wheelchair racing team that also included Evelyn Cran (nee Neave), Martin McArdle and Nicky Diatchenko. As a group they contributed to the increase in interest in the wheelchair race that was part of the Glenrothes Half Marathon/10K. Leading racers from all over the UK travelled to Fife for the meet and during the early years accommodation was provided at the Forward Centre.

Derek became a committed wheelchair racer and through time was coached by Rachel Edgar at Fife AC. Vicky Strange at the Tayside and Fife Institute of Sport supported and believed in Derek and during the early years he delivered. Derek was however unable to make the transition to GB level but his races against Ross Lowe and Kenny Suttie will be remembered by many and formed the basis of the wheelchair racing programme of the present day. Derek was the master of the short sprint whereas the others were more at home in middle and longer distance races.

Along with a very talented group of young Scottish swimmers, Derek and Kenny went on to represent Scottish Schools Sport at the European Schools Games in Lisbon. This was Derek’s only international representative honour but he seized the opportunity enthusiastically and performed exceptionally well. His commitment to his sport at the height of his career involved him wheeling daily from home along Boblingen Way to the Fife Sports Institute. With support from the staff at Provident Personal Credit, DSF was able to purchase new racing chairs for Derek and also build a shed and training rollers at home. It is not an exaggeration to describe Derek as the fastest Fife wheelchair sprinter in the 40 year history of DSF.

Derek Frew was a man of few words but exceptionally popular within his peer group. Derek was a team player, determined competitor and a young man who worked hard in the gym and on the track. Derek was around when support services were available but limited. Derek was a loyal DSF member who could always be relied on to support Team Fife. Derek had an excellent career in athletics and was part of a very special era in wheelchair racing in Fife. Derek may have passed away but will always be remembered.

Richard Brickley MBE
President, Disability Sport Fife

Disability Sport Fife Receives Civic Recognition

The Provost of Fife, Councillor Jim Leishman MBE, hosted a Civic Reception at the Town House in Kirkcaldy to recognise a number of individuals and agencies for the contribution they make to the local Fife community.

Disability Sport Fife (DSF) was one of the organisations recognised on the night for 40 years of service to children, young people and adults with a physical, sensory or learning disability.

DSF was proudly represented on the night by 2016 Rio Paralympians Alison Patrick, Derek Rae and Kieran Steer plus coaches Ron Morrison (Fife AC) and Claire Morrison (GB Boccia) who coach Derek and Kieran. Also representing the coaching/volunteering fraternity were Jenn Mann (Enigma Gymnastics Club), Cat Spencer and Jack Peasgood. Paul Noble MBE Chairman and Richard Brickley MBE President rounded of the team of invited DSF guests.

 

DSF representatives were enormously proud to be part of such a memorable occasion. During his time with Livingston FC, Jim Leishman was a massive supporter of disability sport in Scotland and five years ago when he became the Provost of Fife, he immediately took more than a passing interest in DSF. The Provost has attended every DSF Awards Evening but one since taking office and presented medals at a number of DSF events. The Depute Provost, Councillor Kay Morrison, similarly has been an enthusiastic supporter of DSF. Through the Mary Leishman Foundation, individual DSF have members have received significant levels of financial support.

The Provost is due to stand down at the forthcoming elections and he will be greatly missed by all of us in DSF. Thank you Provost for your interest in DSF members and for this very special award to DSF members past and present.
Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife

 

 

 

 

 

Irene Edgar and David Thomas (3)

Limited Success for Scottish Blind Bowlers

The Scottish Association of Blind Bowlers (SABB) attended the International Blind Bowlers Association World Championships in Cape Town, South Africa from the 20 – 27th March.

SABB, led by Team Manager David Thomas, were keen to maintain and indeed improve on previous performances and took a full squad of eight players and eight assistants to the event.

David, who was appointed President of the IBBA in Worthing 2013, would relinquish the title and duties to Dr Sarah Shapiro from Israel at the closing ceremony on the 27th of March.

The team arrived three days early to acclimatise to the hot conditions and faster green speeds, highly recommended for bowlers based in the northern hemisphere.  The heat was another factor to be considered and became a serious problem for the players, with play having to be suspended on a number of occasions as temperatures reached the high 30’s and low 40’s. Some of the players suffered from dehydration and others severe stomach upset.

However, under these extreme circumstances, there was a silver lining in the form of 2015 IBD World B2 singles and pair champion Irene Edgar.  Irene got off to a great start and won her first three games; she was in contention to win her first IBBA gold, but unfortunately, this was hampered due to illness and she had to concede her game to Australia.  This turned out to be costly and despite winning her last game, Australia won gold from Scotland on shot difference and Irene had to settle for silver.

Her husband Billy Edgar (B2) needed to win his last game for any chance of a medal.  A tough challenge as the game was against the section leader, Hong Kong.  Billy played an outstanding game and won 21 -19, earning himself a bronze and allowing South Africa to win gold and Hong Kong to end up with silver.

The final Scottish medal went to Fiona Scotland (B4) playing in her first World Championship.  Her victory 21 -20 against England’s, Liz Ward, guaranteed a bronze medal.

Because of the health issues, this affected the mixed pairs events and no medals were achieved.

Overall, Scotland ended up 6th out of a field of 10, which is felt by many as an underachievement.  On a positive note, the performances of the Edgars at this level bodes well, as both players are members of the Scottish Disability Sport para bowls programme and both are in contention for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

January 30, 2017

Minutes of the meeting held on 30 January 2017
Caledonia House, South Gyle, Edinburgh EH12 9DQ at 1700

Attendees

  • Janice Eaglesham MBE, Chair
  • Catherine Goodfellow, Vice Chair
  • Gavin Macleod, CEO
  • Dave Rhoney, Director
  • Gerry Milne, Director
  • Claire Morrison, Director
  • Oliver Barsby, Director
  • Jennifer Griffin, sportscotland Partnership Manager
  • Gary Fraser, Performance Manager
  • Caroline Lyon, Company Secretary

Apologies

  • Jay Runga, Director
  • Iain Smith, Director

1.    Welcome and Apologies

2.    Conflicts of Interest and Legal Register

There were no conflicts of interest and no matters on the legal register of which SDS is aware.

3.    Minutes of Previous Meeting, 12 December 2016

The minutes were agreed with the following amendment.

  • P1: the sportscotland Team Scotland dinner will be held on 21st September.

4.    Matters Arising

  • Bowls Scotland had confirmed they would be willing to assist in the delivery of the IBD World Championships with umpires, volunteers and promotion. Financial support would be the responsibility of SDS or the organising committee and the Performance Manager and Opportunities & Events Manager will clarify with BS. Action: GF, MG
  • It was confirmed that the Intermediate level of the Equality Standard was to be maintained notwithstanding any work on the part of the Opportunities & Equality Manager with regard to the Advanced level.
  • The Finance Director had indicated his need to reluctantly stand down from the role due to both work and family commitments. However, he had sourced a possible replacement Finance Director. A meeting would be set up with the Chair. The Chair expressed the appreciation of the Board for Gerry Milne’s contributions to SDS. Action: Chair
  • Feedback was awaited from Iain Smith on updates to the Data Protection Act and the CEO will follow up. Action: CEO
  • It was agreed that there is a need to develop a volunteer policy in the future.
  • A statement had been placed on the website regarding safeguarding. Information had been sent from sportscotland to the BBC.
  • Jay Runga had attended the South Lanarkshire Branch meeting.
  • The Board would consider the content for the staff presentation at the next Board meeting. Claire Morrison will feed back to the CEO who will liaise with the relevant staff to shape the presentation. Action: All

5.    Performance Presentation

A presentation was delivered by the Performance Manager.

6.    Operational Plan Update

  • The draft operational plan for 2017/18 had been circulated. Changes were in line with the new strategic plan and headings and outcomes had been altered accordingly. The plan would also include the sportscotland target tracker and outcomes agreed with sport
  • Boccia targets should be agreed regarding playing membership and clubs. Investment would require to be confirmed before this could be finalised.
  • The Highland Regional Manager had been working on the establishment of a Shetland Branch after the strategic planning consultation.
  • The Opportunities & Equality Manager had supported Grampian Branch in recruiting the new Chair Len Ironside, who is now in place.
  • The RDMs had trialled videoconferencing and it was considered to have been a success.
  • Education and training targets had been met despite a decrease in Education Scotland funding. UKDIT had been delivered at Edinburgh University and DIT was embedded in the curriculum.
  • The Development Coach Conference had been held at Stirling Court Hotel on 29 January and the Education & Development Manager was congratulated on its success and her work on the conference.
  • Feedback on the media campaign around the Rio Paralympic Games had been received from Burt Greener and was positive. The CEO will circulate to the Board. Action: CEO
  • The Celtic FC Foundation fundraising dinner will be held on 2 March at Celtic Park and SDS will again be beneficiaries. The CEO, Chair and Lori Ure had confirmed attendance along with Sammi Kinghorn, Stephen McGuire and Reegan Stevenson. Seats are available and Board members should notify the Chair if interested in attending.
  • Continued funding from Sainsbury’s had been confirmed to 2020. This will cover tertiary education delivery and an amount towards the e-learning module.
  • The CEO and Stephen McGuire had attended the sports policy conference last week. The Chair had been interviewed on the John Beattie radio show about the redevelopment of Inverclyde.
  • A paper had been circulated regarding the governance audit. A meeting had been held today. The CEO was thanked for his work on preparation for the audit and Board members who had attended a meeting with the auditors earlier today were also thanked.

7.    Sub Groups

Finance

  • Gerry Milne had provided feedback on the financial procedures policy to the Finance Manager and CEO and there were no fundamental changes. The policy was agreed with the amendments and would be circulated at the next Board meeting.
  • Information was provided by the Finance Manager on SDS reserves. It was agreed that these would be kept under review but no changes at present, and that the situation could be re-considered if circumstances changed.
  • The quarterly accounts and breakdown on income sources were circulated and accepted by the Board. The Finance Manager and Finance Director were thanked for their work.

Governance

  • The Financial Procedures Policy was accepted with amendments from the Finance Director.
  • The ICT Policy has been updated by the CEO and Oliver Barsby was thanked for his contribution. It was agreed that the ICT risk assessment was covered in the wider risk assessment and the ICT Policy was agreed.
  • The Board Recruitment Policy was agreed.
  • The Ethic Statement was agreed on condition that policies and procedures be added.
  • The Chair/CEO Separation of Responsibilities Policy was agreed.
  • The Equality Action Plan had been approved by the working group and was agreed by the Board. The Opportunities & Equality Manager was thanked for the large amount of work which had been done on this.
  • The Communications Plan had been drafted. The aim is to engage with a PR company regarding the Commonwealth Games and there may be possibilities for partnering with other sports. Consideration was being given to developing specific sections for Boccia and bowls. Feedback was requested from the Board. Action: All
  • The sportscotland Partnership Manager gave an update on the current budget situation, awaiting final figures from the Scottish Government however it was indicated that funding was unlikely to increase from previous years, therefore in the light of the new strategic plan this should be given due consideration. The Finance sub group would meet to consider options prior to the next Board meeting. Action: Chair, Finance Director, CEO, Finance Manager

8.    Board Updates

  • The Development Coach Conference had been attended by the CEO, Vice Chair, Oliver Barsby and Claire Morrison. Good feedback was given and it was considered to have been a very interesting event with a good quality of speakers and presenters.
  • Dave Rhoney had attended a meeting regarding a shooting DIT with the Education & Development Manager and Oliver Barsby.
  • Claire Morrison had delivered a Boccia session at Forfar Academy with Jennifer Scally.

9.    Partners Updates

  • The CEO had spoken with Neil Tunnicliffe regarding the GBDFA and communicated that SDS would terminate membership for the time being. SDS were thanked for their time, having been involved since the inception of the GBDFA.
  • The BPA had circulated a list of nominees for the Board and Chair. There are four posts available for election including the Chair. Profiles of nominees will be circulated shortly.
  • There has been no change in the circumstances of the UKSA. Funding is in place until April or May and Tracey McCillen is currently working in a voluntary capacity.

10. Sports/Events

  • The events programme and Branch meeting dates had been circulated. Board members were asked to feed back their availability to CL until 13 March. It was agreed that where possible duplication of attendance at meetings would be avoided. The Chair would notify Jay Runga and Iain Smith. Action: All, Chair

11. AOB

There was no other business.

12. DONM

13 March 2017

Craigie CSH Supports Thriving Wheelchair Basketballer

A partnership between Scottish Disability Sport and Craigie Community Sports Hub has seen support for thriving Craigie athlete, Rhys Colliar. Rhys plays wheelchair basketball for local club Dundee Dragons Wheelchair Sports Club.

The 15 years old Craigie High School student has started additional strength and conditioning sessions at Craigie Community Sports Hub, who have kindly offered their facility to him so that he can continue to develop as an athlete. Rhys was recently named Athlete with a Disability of the Year at the Dundee Sports Awards in recognition of his hard work and training throughout 2016.

Rhys is being supported by David Tolland, a 3rd year Sport & Exercise Science student at Abertay University. David has planned and is implementing an engaging and bespoke training programme with Rhys every week.

Craigie CSH chairperson, Steven Maloney commented: “Craigie CSH is centered around community needs and it is pleasure to support the development of Rhys, a member of the community. We wish Rhys all the best in his aspirations as an athlete.”

Many thanks to Craigie Community Sports Hub and David Tolland for their continued support.

Cerys in the pool

Fife Teenager on First Rung of Performance Pathway

Continuing on the theme of juniors with performance potential, Disability Sport Fife (DSF) is pleased to introduce Cerys Venters Scott from the west of Fife as one to watch. Cerys has a learning disability and recently found out that her classification application, submitted with support from Scottish Disability Sport, has been successful. Cerys has received an S14 national classification and her application will now go forward to the international body INAS for ratification. A successful outcome will offer Cerys the opportunity to compete at all levels of the para swimming pathway.

Cerys is 14 and a member of INcas where she is coached by Garrie Roberts. Cerys became involved with DSF when she joined DSF swimming coach Kay Maxwell at the Carnegie Leisure Centre for the DSF Thursday swimming session. Two years ago she left Kay’s session and signed up with INcas for increased water time and she has not looked back since. Cerys is now an established member of Team Fife and she has been identified as one of the leading young S14 swimmers in Scotland.

Cerys has been at home in the water since was a baby. Like so many talented young swimmers she hopes to represent her country one day. Cerys also has ambitions of taking up open water swimming and following in the footsteps of her Nana Sarah who won lots of medals and cups.  At the age of 16, Nana Sarah was the youngest girl to swim from Tayport in Fife to Broughty Ferry just outside Dundee. Cerys’s father, uncle and sister Taime were also swimmers with INcas.

Away from the pool Cerys would love to meet Robert Smith from the Cure. Cerys has a very keen interest in art and hopes one day to study at Edinburgh Art College. Cerys also has a crazy cat called Koshka.

Tracy Wiscombe and Rebecca Lee are swimmers from Fife who excelled at international level in the S14 class. Each was a multi medalist at world and European level. Tracy was also a multi Paralympic medalist who at one time was the leading swimmer in the S14 class in the world. Cerys is the first S14 swimmer from Fife to produce times that match the achievements of Rebecca and Tracy at a similar age. We wish her well in her efforts to follow in the footsteps of these great Fife champions and ambassadors.

Richard Brickley MBE
President, Disability Sport Fife

Group photo of volunteers

The Coach and Volunteer Workforce is the Fife Strength

Disability Sport Fife (DSF) is proud of the quality and quantity of coaches, volunteers and peer mentors it can call upon for sport specific and multi sport sessions organised across Fife. Some have been influenced recently by the Get Out and Get Active (GOGA) programme in Fife and others have demonstrated commitment over many years.

The team involved in delivering badminton coaching and a racquet sports session on Monday evenings at the Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre consistently delivers top quality learning to participants of all levels of ability with additional support needs. The progress demonstrated by participants is impressive and the enjoyment and appreciation are confirmation of the success of the project.

Alex Bird and Euan Bell (back left) are the coaches who lead the two hour Monday evening sessions. They are ably backed up by volunteers Ross Cameron, Maureen McNeill, and Cheryl Leech. They in turn are supported by peer mentors Steven Anderson, Robert Anderson, Briony Clark and Ryan Spearman. This team of nine plus others are committed to ensuring that participants have fun, improve their sports skills and interact in a friendly and safe environment. Numbers have never been higher, thanks to the quality of the programme and this very special workforce of coaches and volunteers.

Richard Brickley MBE
President, Disability Sport Fife

East Para Sport Festival

The sixth annual Para Sport Festival took place at Forrester / St Augustine’s Community Sports Hub, Edinburgh on Friday 24th March, attracting 71 school aged pupils with a physical or sensory impairment from across the East of Scotland.  The festival, previously known as the Paralympic Experience Event, aims to provide a platform for young people from the mainstream education environment an opportunity to access sports delivered by experienced coaches while also raising awareness of Para Sport.

The number of young people attending the event has grown year on year since its inception in 2012 and demonstrates a strong picture of partnership working between Scottish Disability Sport and Edinburgh Active Schools with significant input from key organisations Lothian Disability Sport and Edinburgh Leisure.  Active Schools Coordinators from Edinburgh provide a pivotal presence on the day, facilitating the event and leading the groups of young people throughout while making them feel welcome and supported for the day.  Jill Coleman, who has the responsibility for Disability and Inclusion while also taking a lead role on the festival, commented: “The festival is one of the highlights in the Edinburgh Active Schools school sports calendar. Not only is it a fantastic sporting event for the young people in our schools but it also creates an opportunity for dialogue with young people and their parents regarding further potential sports development in schools and the wider community.”

The day is also supported by some Scottish Governing Bodies and delivered by local inclusive clubs from the region, providing a direct link for any young people who are keen to make that transition into more regular sporting opportunities.  The sports delivered on the day were athletics, badminton, boccia, judo, powerchair football, swimming, tennis and wheelchair basketball.  Additionally, parents are encouraged to attend and stay for the duration of the event to provide an insight into disability sport and the opportunities that are available to their sons / daughters in local and surrounding areas.  This is supplemented by the event Market Place which invites associated organisations to promote their services to parents, young people, professional officers, coaches and volunteers.

Neal Herbert, Scottish Disability Sport Regional Manager (East) highlighted: “The event continues to grow each year, demonstrating its popularity and significance across the East of Scotland.  From the 71 young people who attended on the day, just over 50% were previous attendees while the other young people were attending for the first time, highlighting the hard work carried out by all local partners to identify and support these young towards the event.

“The region has some of the country’s leading sports clubs and they are central to the success of the event, the task is now to help support all interested young people into a regular sporting opportunity.”

For further information, please get in touch with Neal Herbert, Scottish Disability Sport Regional Manager (East) on 0131 625 4414 or neal.herbert@scottishdisabilitysport.co.uk.

Ayrshire Sportsability Awards Ceremony 2017

Ayrshire Sportsability held the ninth Annual Awards Ceremony on 18th March 2017 in the Princess Royal Suite, Ayr Racecourse.  The Awards gave us the opportunity to celebrate the fantastic achievements in disability sport in Ayrshire.

We had five categories including Athlete, Young Athlete, Most Active School, Disability Sports Coach and Activity in the Community.

The judges were inundated with nominations which in itself is a brilliant message that disability sport is being practised all over Ayrshire. The three finalists from each category were invited to attend the ball to find out if they won!

We were very fortunate to have shining examples of disability sport in the room on the night. We had Team McCowan who were part of the GB Boccia squad in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, along with Abby Kane who, aged only 13, won a silver medal in the S13 100m backstroke in Rio 2016.

Also supporting us was our very own patron Angie Malone who is part of the GB wheelchair curling squad.  Angie was just home from the World Wheelchair Curling Championships in South Korea where the team won bronze.

We also had Fiona Dawson who is a multi-Special Olympics swimming medallist and Danielle Joyce who is a multi-world Deaflympics medal holder.

Our guests were inspired by the impressive line-up that was in attendance on the evening.

Dr Waiyin Hatton, Chair of Ayrshire Sportsability said: “This year’s celebration was the most spectacular to date, with the new generation of local Paralympians winning the Athlete and Young Athlete awards. In addition, we saw a host of other aspiring talents.  Together with the momentum of school sports activities, strong coaching and greater capacities in clubs, Ayrshire continues to be the place to nurture athletes in disability sports.”

Ayrshire Sportsability began in 2001 when it was realised that children with disabilities did not have the same opportunities in sport as their peers.  In 2014 we began working with adults with disabilities.

If you would like to find out more about Ayrshire Sportsability, the next Awards, fundraising events or to take part in disability sport please contact admin@ayrshiresportsability.org.uk.