Come and join our FREE Gym & Spin sessions on Monday 30th Oct, 6th & 13th November from 3-4pm @ Falkirk Stadium (side door to right of stadium).
Fun, fully inclusive indoor gym and cycling session to build fitness and make new friends. Refreshments and chit chat afterwards!
For full information see the attached flyer.
Play is for Everyone …
NEW! ASN Softplay Sessions at Tumbles in Portobello
Come along and try our new weekly softplay sessions for children with additional support needs at Tumbles Softplay Centre in Portobello.
The sessions are every Saturday afternoon, from 5:30pm – 6:30pm starting on Saturday 14th October 2017.
Play is an essential part of growing up for all children. Regular play supports children to lead a healthy active life, encouraging their learning, developing their confidence and creating opportunities for them to develop friendships.
At Edinburgh Leisure we believe that play is for everyone. We recognise that some children and families need more support than others to get active and stay active. For some children with additional support needs a busy softplay session might feel overwhelming. Within our Tumbles Softplay centre in Portobello we’ve created a specific session for children with additional support needs.
These sessions have been designed to provide an inclusive service for children with additional support needs. We feel the sessions will be appropriate for families of children with additional support needs, e.g. Autism Spectrum Disorders, Sight and Hearing Impairments, Global Developmental Delay, and Genetic Disorders.
What do you need to know?
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) today announced that RaceRunning is to be introduced as a World Para Athletics event.
World Para Athletics and the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association (CPISRA) have been in discussions for some time about increasing the participation of athletes with more profound physical impairments in World Para Athletics track events. The move will occupy the current T31 and T32 classes which have had no representation in recent years.
For the full announcement please click here.
Well done to Para Trap shooter Mike Drever from Leven who responded immediately to a last minute call up from British Shooting Talent Pathway Coach Christian Schofield to compete in the British Shooting Grand Final at the Faux Deglas Shooting Ground in Wrexham Wales. It took no time at all for the proud Orcadian to accept the invitation and head south to compete alongside the leading GB Olympic Trap and Skeet performers plus six of the country’s top Para Trap shooters. Many of these performers are among the best in the world in their respective disciplines.
Practice went really well for Mike, achieving a new Personal Best in a round of 23 from 25 with a high hit percentage of 77%. Although he started slowly, Mike carried his good form into day one of competition and in the end was pleased with his overall consistency in such a prestigious event. On Day 2 Mike started well with a 19 and signed off with another PB of 23 from 25 in competition, and an overall score of 95 from 125. Although this was not good enough for a podium finish Mike was delighted with his performance. Had he achieved this score at the Para Trap World Cup in Italy earlier in the year he would have qualified for the final. Mike also finished the competition 8 targets ahead of the current ranked British no. 1 in class PT3 Para trap.
Wrexham was a great confidence booster ahead of next year’s World Cup competitions that are scheduled for France and the United Arab Emirates. Most importantly Mike is now confident that he can compete with the best at the highest level in the sport. He has only been shooting the discipline for 6 months but his scores are improving with every competition. Understandably Mike cannot wait for the 2018 season and the challenges that lie ahead for him if he is to gain a place in the British Shooting Team for the World Championships in Italy.
Mike supports the fore end of the gun with his impaired left arm. Because he has no hand he does not have the ability to grip the gun and this of course makes gun control more difficult. Mike is coached by Iain Macgregor, one of the world’s leading coaches in his shooting discipline. Mike shoots 2 to 3 times a week depending on his weekend competitions programme and has a midweek practice at Auchterhouse Country Sports. For the past three years Mike has been employed as Project Manager in the Estates Department at the University of St Andrews
In 2015 Mike set himself a goal of representing Scotland in Olympic Skeet. After only 12 months of shooting competitively Mike was selected to represent Scotland at the 2016 Home Countries International Tournament, in Lispopple, Ireland. Later in the same year he was also invited to the CSF (ED) in Wales. It was there he became aware of Para Trap and he shot his first trap competition in March 2017. Mike has now set his sights on becoming successful internationally in Para trap and perhaps one day competing at a Paralympic Games.
Mike is the first Para athlete based in Fife to excel in international shooting. He is indebted to the Association of Fife Rotary Clubs and the Fife and Scottish Disabled Sports Trusts for financial assistance with his competition programme to date.
Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife
Derek Rae from Fife AC has rounded off his most successful season to date with an excellent run on his first visit to Amsterdam for the Mizuno Half Marathon.
Derek represented Team GB at the Paralympic Games in Rio in the T46 class and in the Netherlands clocked 71.59 and 7th position overall, running from within the pack. An amazing end to a brilliant season where Derek has set personal best performances for 3K (9:19.98), 5K (15:46.04), 10K (32:32), 5 miles (26:09) and 10 miles (53.38), half marathon (70.06) and marathon (2:33.34).
Most athletes would be looking forward to a relaxing time after such a tough race but not the highly committed Fife marathon runner who has his short term sights on the 2018 London Marathon and longer term on gaining GB selection for the Paralympic Games in Tokyo.
The run in Amsterdam was yet another experience of competing overseas in a completely new environment. Coach and athlete now turn their attention to a winter of heavy weights, high mileage and cross country races all across the nation. In the words of the very talented Fife AC athlete “exciting times ahead.”
Derek’s wife Susan was in Amsterdam providing her usual exceptional support and even captured a brilliant image of Derek at the start of the Amsterdam race. Brilliant season Derek and best wishes over the winter from all your fans in Fife and beyond.
Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife
Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) are working in partnership with Edinburgh Active Schools and [EN]GAGE Sports Centre at Napier University to deliver a new weekly Boccia session for individuals with a disability across Edinburgh and the East of Scotland.
This exciting new opportunity will invite individuals with a physical or learning disability to come and try the sport of Boccia in a friendly and welcoming environment under the guidance of experienced coaches and volunteers. The session is being funded through The Big Lottery Fund, aiming to remove barriers and increase the number of individuals playing the sport across Scotland – as such, there will be no cost attached to the session.
Boccia is a Paralympic Sport and was introduced specifically for athletes with a severe physical disability, however it’s also become a very popular activity for individuals with a learning impairment. Boccia is a precision ball sport and requires players to propel the ball on to court by throwing, kicking or using a ramp while aiming to finish with their balls closer to the ‘jack ball’ than their opponent.
The session is open to all individuals with a disability, from primary school aged pupils right through to more senior players – we are confident the coaches and volunteers will make you feel comfortable and provide an excellent first experience into the world of Boccia.
Session Details
When: Every Friday during school term time, starting on the 27th October 2017 (2pm – 3pm)
Where: [EN]GAGE Sports Centre, Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh, EH11,4BN
Who: Individuals with a physical or learning disability. All ages welcome
Cost: There will be no cost
Please click here to view the flyer
If you are interested in this opportunity or would like to find out more, please contact Neal Herbert on 0131 625 4414 or email at Neal.Herbert@scottishdisabilitysport.com
Scottish Disability Sport worked in close partnership with East Lothian Council recently to deliver a pilot Boccia programme, the first of its kind delivered in Scotland. The programme, Boccia Bonanza, is aiming to target individuals with a disability and introduce them to the sport of Boccia with Scottish Disability Sport providing the tools in terms of resources and basic skills, increasing knowledge and understanding of the sport so school staff can replicate and facilitate delivery on a regular basis within the school environment.
Boccia is a Paralympic sport and is designed specifically for athletes with a disability affecting locomotor function, however can be played by anyone who has an interest. Individuals can throw, kick or use a ramp to propel the ball onto a playing area, aiming to deliver their ball closer to the jack ball than their opponent.
The Boccia Bonanza programme is aiming to introduce the sport in a fun and engaging way, looking to increase the number of individuals playing the game across the country. The programme includes a set of eight different stations in a circuit format, inviting players to deliver key skills involved in the sport through a variety of enjoyable practices. Scottish Disability Sport worked closely with four schools in East Lothian – Ross High School (Tranent), Sanderson’s Wynd Primary School (Tranent), The Cover at Dunbar Primary School and Meadowpark (Haddington).
In addition to the Boccia Bonanza, Scottish Disability Sport recently delivered a version of the UK Disability Inclusion Training (UKDIT) as part of the East Lothian Senior Pupil Coach Education programme. This training workshop welcomed senior pupils from across the local authority, looking to increase their knowledge, understanding and confidence in disability sport. The workshop also included the resources involved in the Boccia Bonanza programme, providing the senior pupils with the tools to deliver lunch time / after school clubs for young people from their own school who may be interested in playing the sport on a regular basis.
There are a number of local Boccia sessions running across the East of Scotland, with an exciting new session scheduled to start on Friday 27th October at ENGAGE Sports Centre, Napier University, Edinburgh.
If you are interested in this opportunity or would like to hear more about Boccia, please contact Scottish Disability Sport Regional Manager Neal Herbert on 0131 625 4414 or neal.herbert@scottishdisabilitysport.com
Borders Boccia hosted their third Open Boccia Competition with 50 players from as far as Perth and Glasgow along with neighbours Dumfries and Galloway travelling to the Queens Centre in Galashiels.
The competition was again part of Scottish Disability Sport’s Boccia Series, in partnership with Live Borders and Scottish Borders Disability Sports Group, and throughout all disciplines the standard of play was phenomenal with the majority of games being very close.
A total of 125 group games took place before the elimination stages, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final, in the learning disability section were played. With the physical disability category totalling 30 group games and then semi-finals and final.
It was in the latter category that Hawick’s own Ryan Evans (Borders Boccia Club) thrilled the home supporters by holding off a strong challenge from Alexander Tavendale (West of Scotland) to be crowned as champion. In his semi-final Ryan won a thrilling close contest against Fiona Hagenbach, West of Scotland.
Following his win Ryan told us: “I’ve been involved in Boccia since it started in the Borders in 2012 and being involved in its development over the years has been wonderful to be part of.
“This is the first time I’ve reached the final and to win the Borders Open event is a fantastic feeling. Boccia is a great sport to get involved with.”
In the learning disability section Hayden Keir (Dumfries & Galloway) retained the title that he won last year comfortably, beating his training partner Christian in a thrilling tactical match.
Over the past few years the sport of Boccia has become increasingly popular in the Borders and has expanded dramatically. The Borders Boccia Club itself is thriving with an additional session in Kelso.
The Open provided the ideal opportunity not only to promote the sport within the region but to welcome players across the region and beyond, allowing Borders players experience a competitive environment after a long time of practicing and playing games amongst themselves.
Further to this a new development session is launching in Peebles for young individuals to get involved in the sport.
Alan Oliver, Live Borders Disability Development Officer, said: “This year’s Borders Boccia Open Competition was a magnificent success and the skill level present was magnificent to watch.
“To have the entry numbers continually this high shows it is a competitive sport and all the matches were played in fantastic spirit”
“The level of play was exceptional and it shows the dedication and commitment of the participants improving in their chosen sport”
“There was constant action throughout the day and many thanks to all competitors who waited patiently for their matches.”
For more information on Boccia in the Borders contact Alan at aoliver@liveborders.org.uk
Scottish Boccia International Open, Day 2
Keep up to date with players, results and photos on our facebook page here.
Final Results of Day 2
BC1
RR3
Niamh Dunphy, IRL, def. William Graham, NIR, 6-1
Reegan Stevenson, SCO, def. Daniel Qvist, DEN, 5-1
Tia Ruel, GBR, def. Jabe Peake, ENG, 6-1
BC2
RR3
Will Hipwell, GBR, def. Callum Glasgow, SCO, 12-1
Tim Hayes, ENG, def. Scott Cromie, NIR, 6-2
Reshad Saraj, ENG, def. Padraic Moran, IRL, 3-2.
Dylan Nelson, IRL, def. Claire Taggart, GBR, 3-2
BC3
RR4
Matt Berry, ENG, def. Hannah Craig, SCO, 10-0
Jess Hunter (4/4), GBR, def. Lewis Fisher, ENG, 11-1
RR5
William Arnott, ENG, def. Connor Corroon, IRL, 12-1
Jenny Garde, IRL, def. Tom Hall, ENG, 7-5
Cecilia Turk, ENG, def. Sean Mccann, SCO, 8-0
BC4
RR3
Evie Edwards, GBR, def. Ross Munro, SCO, 6-3
Louis Saunders, GBR, def. Peter Mcguire, SCO, 7-1
Final rounds, semi-finals and finals to be played on Sunday with play starting at 9am and finishing at approximately 3:30pm
1st Scottish International Boccia Open Results Day 1
Keep up to date with teams, results and photos on our facebook page here.
BC1/2 Teams – Round Robin Group Stages
Boccia UK bt Ireland 8-1
Scotland/ N. Ireland bt England 8-5
Ireland bt Scotland/ N. Ireland 17-0
Boccia UK bt England 13-2
Ireland bt England 6-5
Boccia UK bt Scotland/ N. Ireland 15-1
Gold – Boccia UK
Silver – Ireland
Bronze – Scotland & N. Ireland
BC3 Pairs – 2 Groups of Round Robin then Elimination Semi-Finals
Group A
Boccia UK A bt England 11-0
England Scorpions bt Ireland 8-1
Boccia UK A bt Ireland 17-0
England Scorpions bt England 2-2 – 1-0 TB
England bt Ireland 3-3 – 1-0 TB
England Scorpions bt Boccia UK A 6-5
Group B
England Vipers bt N. Ireland 17-0
Boccia UK B bt Scotland 5-1
Boccia UKB bt N. Ireland 13-0
England Vipers bt Scotland 7-3
England Vipers bt Boccia UK B 8-5
Scotland bt N. Ireland 9-0
Semi Finals
Boccia UK B bt England Scorpions 8-2
Boccia UK A bt England Vipers 18-0
Final
Boccia UK B bt Boccia UK A – 5-3
¾ Play Off
England Vipers bt England Scorpions 4-2
Gold – Boccia UK B
Silver – Boccia UK A
Bronze – England Vipers
BC4 Pairs
2 Pairs playing 3 matches
Match 1: Scotland bt Boccia UK 4-2
Match 2: Scotland bt Boccia UK 3-1
Match 3: Scotland bt Boccia UK 4-2
Gold – Scotland
Silver – Boccia UK
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