Amputee Football Association Scotland (AFAS) are looking for new members who love the game of football!
In collaboration with Motherwell FC Community Trust, AFAS are offering a new Amputee Football session open to Junior and Senior players with limb absence.
The first training session will take place on Sunday 10th September at Firpark Stadium, Motherwell from 11am -1pm.
If you have a passion for the beautiful game, come along and get involved!
Please see this flyer for more details.
Scottish Disability Sport is working in partnership to provide a National event exclusively for children, young people and adults with visual impairments from across Scotland.
The aim of the event is to provide an introduction to sport and engage participants in sport. RNIB, Haggeye, Guide Dogs Scotland and Visibility are supporting Scottish Disability Sport and governing body partners the Scottish Football Association, JudoScotland, Scottish Swimming and Scottish Athletics, Goalball UK and Blazing Saddles to provide a quality experience to participants on the day. This unique opportunity is funded by the BIG Lottery Fund.
Many people with a visual impairment are not aware of the opportunities available to them in their local area. Scottish Disability Sport Regional Managers will be on hand on the day to raise awareness and support participants to get involved in their chosen sport in their local area. If you would like to have a chat about the event please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sports on offer throughout the day are: athletics, cycling, football, goalball, judo and swimming.
Date: Saturday 11th November, 2017
Venue: Scotstoun Leisure Centre, 122 Danes Drive, Glasgow, G14 9HD
Time: 10.30 am – 4.00 pm
Cost: FREE
If you have a visual impairment or know someone with a visual impairment that would like to get involved in sport and would like to attend please register by telephoning Scottish Disability Sport on 0131 317 1130 or email admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com.
Please note that booking is essential for all participants.
For public transport information please see the SPT website at: www.spt.co.uk
I had the pleasure this week of having a coffee at Fisher and Donaldsons in Cupar with the remarkable Caroline Baird MBE. My specific mission was to meet the new Caroline following her extensive surgery and rehabilitation at the hands of a brilliant medical team in London. From the moment I picked her up at her parents home and bid farewell to her two daughters for a short period it was obvious that Caroline is indeed a very different person. Her posture, mobility, confidence and speech have improved dramatically following a number years of restriction, pain, lack of energy, frustration and loss of confidence.
Almost 18 months ago Caroline and Dr Sammler, her neurologist at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, embarked on a journey that eventfully led to her visit to the medical team in London. Caroline was introduced to different treatments under the expert guidance of Dr Sammler but the returns were disappointing. Deep brain stimulation is routinely used in the treatment of patients with Parkinson’s with incredible success but less so for those with dystonia. Caroline did not hesitate when it was offered to her as an option and she and husband John headed south on a journey that the family most definitely believe led to the return of the Caroline of old. While everybody at home held their breath, the gritty, determined successful Paralympian of the 90s took it all in her stride.
Caroline spent approximately three weeks in hospital under care of the superb medical team. She spent 7/8 hours in surgery over two sessions and ended up with two electrodes in her head and a “box” on the upper part of her chest that controls the whole stimulation process. John has the task of controlling the process under guidance from the London medical team and to date everything has gone exceptionally well. Approximately two weeks after leaving hospital Caroline proudly walked up the Bonnygate in Cupar in her role as a Past Chieftain of Cupar Highland Games to the complete astonishment of fellow Chieftains and friends. Another example of medical progress, the skills and abilities of the medical profession and the determination of a young woman to secure quality in her life free from pain and postural challenges.
During our coffee chat we spoke about the future and despite my efforts she did not buy into my suggestion of a future in bowls preferring instead her own mission to get back on a bicycle. Caroline reminded me that she meant a bicycle and not a tricycle. True to form challenge is always at the forefront of her thinking, with an emphasis on making up for lost time. Her immediate aim is to get back to work with Cornerstone Care where she works as a support worker with tenants with additional support needs.
Introduced to Para sport by Disability Sport Fife (DSF), Caroline’s first representative honour came as a member of the Scottish Junior Squad that competed in the British Junior Swimming Championships at Stoke Mandeville. She was encouraged to try athletics and very quickly it was evident this was where she would excel. Caroline’s first major representative honour came as a member of the Scottish Youth Team that travelled to the World Games in Miami in 1989. Caroline then went on to win 5 Paralympic medals of which 4 were gold. Her first Paralympic selection was Barcelona in 1992 and she returned with a gold medal. Further honours and medals followed in Atlanta and Sydney. She also won gold at the World Championships in Berlin in ’94 and Birmingham in ’98. For over a decade Caroline was recognised as the world’s leading sprinter in the T36 Class. She achieved times and set standards that had never been envisaged for a T36 athlete with cerebral palsy. Caroline was the true superstar of women’s athletics for her generation. She pushed the boundaries and raised the standards in the T36 class under the guidance of coach, John Oulton.
Spending time with Caroline is always a pleasure and this occasion was no exception. She inspired me as an athlete and continues to amaze me as a friend of many years. Coffee time was a pleasure and one particular phrase sticks in my mind “waking up every day and experiencing the changes that have happened is like a dream come true”. Well done Caroline and her medical team plus of course her devoted husband and family who have been behind her throughout her life. Disability Sport Fife is fiercely proud of this great athlete role model.
Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife
Nominations are invited from those connected with SDS for awards that will be presented at the AGM on 17th September 2017.
Please note that all nominations must be supported/seconded by an individual or organisation in membership of SDS. It is important that there is a clear indication why the individual is being nominated.
A list of former award winners can be seen here: www.scottishdisabilitysport.com/sds-award-winners
All nominations should be returned in confidence, before Monday 21st August 2017, to:
Gavin Macleod, CEO, Scottish Disability Sport, Caledonia House, South Gyle, Edinburgh EH12 9DQ
Alternatively the nominations can be completed online here.
The award categories are:
The Team Scotland Awards take place on Thursday 21 September 2017 and they are looking for your vote on who should be crowned Para-Sport Athlete of the Year!
Team Scotland have suggested four inspirational athletes – Samantha Kinghorn, Gordon Reid MBE, Alison Patrick and Karen Darke MBE, however you can also suggest another athlete to vote for.
In order to vote for your favourite Para-Sport Athlete follow the link below and like or share the picture of the athlete or choose ‘other’ and comment with the name of your choice. From your votes a shortlist of 3 athletes will be shortlisted for a chance of winning the awards. Voting closes on Monday 14 August so get voting!!
https://www.teamscotland.scot/2017/last-chance-vote-team-scotland-awards-winners/
Mary Wilson continued her medal streak at the Peru Para-Badminton International in Lima last week. She was the only representative from Scotland and playing all three events, SL4 women’s singles, SL3-SU5 women’s doubles with Danielle De Araujo from Brazil and Raul Anguiano from Guatemala in the SL3-SU5 mixed doubles.
In the Mixed Doubles event Mary and Raul topped their group with two convincing wins before losing out in the quarter finals to 4th seeds and eventual winners Tetsuo Ura and Asami Yamada from Japan.
In the women’s doubles Mary and Danielle secured 2nd place in their group losing out to the Japanese eventual winners Akiko Sugino and Asami Yamada, however with 2 wins and a 2nd place they secured a place in the semi-finals v Cintiya Oliviera and Cassia Araujo from Brazil. IN a tough fought 3 setter Mary and Danielle lost 16-21 21-19 13-21 securing a bronze medal in this event.
Her gold was won by topping the group for the SL4 singles. With three spectacular games and no opponent getting more than 6 points in any set she was able to secure the singles win and her first gold since starting international competitions in Majorca.
Before the tournament Kaity Hall was in Lima running a workshop with BWF working with the AGITOS Foundation. The workshop introduced over 50 new para-badminton athletes to the sport alongside coach education. The athletes were then classified and participated in the tournament.
With Tokyo 2020 only three years away now it is fantastic that we are having success both in the playing and coaching fields within para-badminton.
Last week four Scottish boccia players competed against the best players from across the world as part of the Boccia UK Team in the Boccia World Open in Seville, Spain.
In addition to the players the Scottish contingent also included Boccia UK Performance Coach Claire Morrison and three ramp assistants, Linda McCowan, Gary McCowan and William Wilson.
In the BC3 pairs, Jamie McCowan and Patrick Wilson also triumphed in both of their opening fixtures, the first coming against France.
| Player | Home Town | Team & Pairs Results | Individual Results |
| Patrick Wilson | Peebles | Silver Medal | 4th Place |
| Jamie McCowan | Dundonald | Silver Medal | Group stages |
| Scott McCowan | Dundonald | Silver Medal | Group stages |
| Stephen McGuire | Hamilton | 4th Place | Bronze Medal |
The BC4 duo of Stephen McGuire and Evie Edwards had a strong start beating Germany and Portugal to progress through to to the semi- final stages against Hong Kong. Unfortunately a score of 1-7 put them in the bronze medal play off with Portugal who put them into fourth place in the pair’s competition.
Stephen McGuire put the disappointment of the pair’s result behind him and focussed on strong performances in the Individual Competition. He went on to the semi – final stages and again went on to the bronze medal play off. Stephen is delighted that he won his game against the reigning Paralympic Champion and World number one Ywing Leung from Hong Kong to win the bronze medal.
The McCowan brothers Jamie and Scott, and team mate Patrick Wilson formed a formidable team when competing against the best BC3 players in the world, beating France and Portugal to head into the final with Portugal. A tie break situation resulted in a Silver medal for the trio.
In the BC3 Individual competition Patrick Wilson was the BC3 Player to progress to the quarter and semi – finals. Unfortunately Patrick finished outside the medals following a 5-1 defeat against Alexsandr Legostaev from Russia
SDS with partners will shortly be rolling out new Boccia participation sessions across Scotland thanks to funding through the BIG Lottery Fund.
If you or anyone you know has a disability and would like to try the sport of Boccia please telephone Scottish Disability Sport on 0131 317 1130 or alternatively please email admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com.
The morning of Monday 7 August saw over 200 family and friends arrive at St Modan’s High School for the send-off of the Forth Valley Special Olympics team. The team, made up of 53 Athletes, 29 Coaches and a 1 to 1 carer makes up the 82 delegation members of the Forth Valley Special Olympics Team 2017. FV athletes and players will compete in the sports of athletics, indoor bowls, boccia, golf, football and swimming within the six-day competition.
The Special Olympics, this year held in Sheffield, is largest multi-sports event for athletes with intellectual disabilities and is held every four years. The Special Olympics represents a huge opportunity to showcase the abilities of children and adults with a learning disability allowing them to compete at a national level, achieve personal bests, as well as enable them to make friends, travel and socialise. More than 500 athletes are heading from Scotland to participate in the Games to join over 2,500 competitors from across Great Britain.
The official send off for the Forth Valley team did not disappoint, with a host of family and friends, as well as the Clackmannanshire Provost Tina Murphy, Stirling Councillor Alasdair Tollemache and local, regional and national partners waving the team off. Tina Murphy gave best wishes by throwing Scottish ‘good luck’ teddies into a sea of excited athletes.
Forth Valley Disability Sport would like to thank all family and friends that have supported their fundraising efforts, and the many local companies and funders that assisted the team including M-Line for transport, RJM Sports for team kit, Awards for All, Schuh Trust and EDF Energy. Also a special mention to the local and regional clubs within Central Scotland who have worked extremely hard to ensure our FV athletes attended the Special Olympics this year: Forth Valley Flyers, Falkirk Indoor Bowling Club, Right on Target Boccia Club, Bridge of Allan Golf Club, Stirling City All Stars and Enable Arion Swimming Club.
Lastly a BIG thank you to Forth Valley Disability Sport, especially Graham Harvey and his team, for their continuous efforts to ensure that the FV athletes and clubs gain the best possible experience at the Special Olympics this year. Please follow the ongoing success of the Forth Valley team on their twitter @ForthValleyDS.
The Special Olympics will be hosted in the city of Sheffield from Monday 7th to Saturday 12th August. Tuesday 8th August sees the opening Ceremony take place at Sheffield United FC.
For more information on the Forth Valley Special Olympics team please contact Graham Harvey at info@fvds.org.uk, or for more information on disability sport in Central Scotland contact Cheryl Willet (Scottish Disability Sport Regional Manager) at cheryl.willet@scottishdisabilitysport.com.
Name: Gemma Lumsdaine
Branch: Angus Disability Sport
Sport: Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Rugby
Club: Dundee Dragons and Caledonian Crushers
How did you get involved in your sport?
I had started playing wheelchair rugby league at my local club (Dundee Dragons) and through this was contacted by Tina Gordon, basketballscotland’s Wheelchair Basketball Development Officer, who was looking for another player to compete in the School Games (2013). Having never played the sport before I felt very nervous but found I had transferable skills, so four weeks after starting playing the sport I competed for the Scotland U19 squad. From there on I was hooked!
Because of my level of functioning Dundee Dragons Wheelchair Sports Club suggested I should try wheelchair rugby as the sport is designed for people who have impairment in three or four of their limbs. Through the generosity of the Wooden Spoon charity some rugby chairs were purchased for the club. From this I then moved on to playing competitively and now as hoping to play at a high level in this sport.
How long have you been playing your sport for? Wheelchair basketball: 4 years; wheelchair rugby: 2 years
Biggest strength (as an athlete): Probably my determination and passion.
What’s the best thing about your sport?
In both sports I love the tactical side of the game and the team elements but I also love how fast and fierce both games can be.
What equipment do you need to take part in your sport? Both sports require the use of a specialist sports wheelchair.
Greatest sporting achievement: With basketball it was probably our gold at the Celtic Cup in 2016. With rugby it was being voted GBWR Best In Class in 2016 or speaking at the House of Lords as part of Wooden Spoons’ “Supporting Tomorrows Superstars” campaign.
Favourite para-athlete: Jo Butterfield MBE
Favourite athlete to compete against: It’s too hard to choose there are so many awesome athletes out there.
Any advice for someone interested in your sport? Give it a go, you never know where it may take you!
Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid created British Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships history on Thursday after the Rio Paralympic gold and silver medallists set up the first all-British men’s singles semi-final to guarantee that there will be a Brit in Sunday’s Super Series final at Nottingham Tennis Centre.
British players secured a clean sweep of wins on the third day of the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour Super Series event, organised by the Tennis Foundation, after second seeds Antony Cotterill and Andy Lapthorne also reached Saturday’s quad doubles final.
World No. 2 Reid, already twice a finalist in Nottingham, booked his place in the last four this year with a 7-5, 1-6, 6-2 victory over French sixth seed Nicolas Peifer.
“It was even more difficult conditions than yesterday. It was quite blustery at times, it was a little bit cold and a little bit drizzly, but I thought I played some pretty good tennis in the third set. Nico started to be a little more consistent in the second set and I wasn’t missing by much, but it didn’t matter in the end and I was reading the ball better in the third set and used the wind to my advantage, too,” said reigning Paralympic champion Reid.
Hewett, who is at a career best world No.3 ranking for the first time this week, came from 5-2 down and two set points down to wrap up a 7-6(4), 7-6(3) victory over 2013 British Open champion Joachim Gerard of Belgium in his semi-final.
“I’m not sure how I got to be 5-2 down as I didn’t feel like Jo was doing to much on the court, but then I won eight straight points and that gave me the confidence to fight back and then save the two set points at 5-4,” said Hewett. “It’s great for everyone here to have an all-Brit semi-final and a Brit guaranteed to be in the final, I just need to do all I can now to make sure that it is me.”
The other men’s singles semi-final will see world No. 1 and Wimbledon runner-up Gustavo Fernandez of Argentina take on reigning British Open champion Stephane Houdet of France.
Fernandez kept himself on course for a possible first British Open title after earning a thrilling 6-2, 0-6, 7-5 win over five-time British Open champion Shingo Kunieda of Japan, recovering from 4-2 down in the final set.
Houdet maintains his hopes of a third successive British Open title after ending the winning sequence in Britain this summer of Wimbledon champion Stefan Olsson of Sweden. Third seed Houdet clinched their quarter-final 7-5, 6-2.
Cotterill and Lapthorne ensured that there will be a British pairing in Saturday’s quad doubles final after beating Australian Heath Davidson and South Africa’s Lucas Sithole 6-4, 6-2.
“We’ve been on something of a roll since winning the Doubles Masters in the USA in November and have only lost the one match since then, at the French Open Super Series in June, so it’s nice to be back in another Super Series final and our first together here at the British Open,” said Lapthorne. “We’ve got a great partnership and will be all out to win in front of the home crowd on Saturday.”
Cotterill and Lapthorne will play American top seeds Bryan Barten and David Wagner in the final after Barten and Wagner’s 6-1, 7-5 win over Greg Hasterok and Ymanitu Silva.
Meanwhile, Saturday’s women’s doubles final will see Dutch top seeds and Rio Paralympic silver medallists Marjolein Buis and Diede de Groot take on the second seeds, Dana Mathewson of the USA and Kgothatso Montjane of South Africa.
Tickets are available on the gate at Nottingham Tennis Centre all week. Entry is free for children, with adult tickets priced just £2 for a weekday ground pass and £5 for a Saturday or Sunday (finals weekend) ground pass. For more details, or to purchase tickets online in advance, visit www.tennisfoundation.org.uk/britishopen.
Photo courtesy of the Tennis Foundation
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