Month: November 2017

Gold Coast 2018 Para Bowls Squad Announced

St Andrew’s Day (30 November) was a fitting occasion to announce the next 35 Scots, proud to be flying the flag for Team Scotland at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast. The list includes six past medallists and 21 debutants from the sports of Boxing, Para- Bowls, Shooting, Triathlon and Weightlifting and now join those previously selected in Swimming, Lawn Bowls and Squash.

Para bowler Irene Edgar and her Director, David Thomas make a return to Team Scotland having won silver in Glasgow in the B2/B3 Mixed Pairs. Robert Barr, directed by Sarah Jane Ewing, will partner Irene this time around and the pair have already experienced success on the Gold Coast greens, taking silver at the 2016 Eight Nations Championships. In the B6/B7/B8 Open Triples, Michael Simpson is the sole returning member of the team that took 4th place in Glasgow. He is joined by 2015 Singles World Champion, Martin Hunter and 2016 Scottish Champion, Mike Nicoll.

After many years of coaching and holding positions as Head Coach and Team Manager at the Commonwealth Games, within both mainstream and para bowls, Bob Dick has decided to step down ahead of the Gold Coast Games in 2018.  The decision wasn’t taken lightly, and although Bob will remain heavily involved with Scotland’s para bowlers, he will not be attending any long-haul overseas events in the future.  SDS is extremely thankful to Bob for his contribution to our programme and we are grateful that he continues to be involved at national level.

Although SDS is losing considerable experience at this level, it does provide a significant opportunity for one our national coaches to step into the role of Head Coach.  Following a robust recruitment period we are delighted to announce that Bob Christie has been successful and will lead the selected players into, and during, the Games.  Bob has a wealth of experience within bowls in Scotland both as a player and a coach, and in a relatively short period of time, he has made a significant contribution to the para bowls programme.  We are confident that the players will respond to his leadership and look forward to the Games with optimism.

Janice Eaglesham MBE, Chair, Scottish Disability Sport said: “Scottish Disability Sport is delighted to announce a strong field of players to compete in two medal events at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Selection decisions were extremely difficult, but the five players and two directors that were chosen have a blend of experience, as well as a strong sense of team unity, which is vitally important for pairs and triples disciplines. I’d like to congratulate those players and directors, who will represent Scotland at the highest level, and we look forward to the Games with great optimism.”

 

Welcoming the newly selected athletes, Jon Doig OBE, Team Scotland Chef de Mission, said: “Huge congratulations to all of the athletes who have been selected for Team Scotland. We look forward to them representing their families, communities and country with pride in 2018.

“Every athlete with a place on the team has met the tough selection standards, just to make the team and it is clear that we have the quality within the team to deliver our goal of having our most successful ever overseas Games.”

Aileen Campbell, Minister for Public Health and Sport, said: “A massive congratulations to the latest athletes announced to represent Scotland at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

“By making it to the top of their respective sports, and being chosen to represent Scotland, they have already done a huge amount to make themselves, and all of us who will be cheering them on, so proud – and I have no doubt that will continue when the Games come around.”

PARA BOWLS (7):

Name                         Hometown / Lives

Robert Barr              Glasgow / Glasgow

Martin Hunter          Burntisland, Fife / Burntisland, Fife

Mike Nicoll                Brechin / Jedburgh

Michael Simpson    Auchtermuchty / Auchtermuchty

David Thomas        Ardrossan / Ardrossan

Irene Edgar              Glasgow / Saltcoats

Sarah Jane Ewing  Dunfermline / Dunfermline

 

35 More athletes will fly the flag for Team Scotland in Gold Coast

St Andrew’s Day (30 November) was a fitting occasion to announce the next 35 Scots, proud to be flying the flag for Team Scotland at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast. The list includes six past medallists and 21 debutants from the sports of Boxing, Para- Bowls, Shooting, Triathlon and Weightlifting and now join those previously selected in Swimming, Lawn Bowls and Squash.

Having recently hand cycled her way 2,000 miles from Canada to Mexico, Paralympic Games gold medallist Karen Darke will take to the start line in Gold Coast where Para-Triathlon makes its debut. Since being paralysed from the chest down in a climbing accident age 21, the Inverness based athlete has pushed herself in an incredible series of challenges, alongside her sporting endeavours, including crossing Greenland’s ice cap and climbing Mont Blanc, Matterhorn and El Capitan, all using just the power of her arms.

Jane Moncrieff, CEO Triathlon Scotland said: “We are absolutely delighted that our triathletes have been confirmed for individual events and will be joining Team Scotland at Gold Coast 2018.  We are particularly pleased that para-triathlon will make its debut and Scotland will be represented. We wish all the triathletes the very best, as they continue with their preparations and look forward to getting behind them in April 2018.”

Welcoming the newly selected athletes, Jon Doig OBE, Team Scotland Chef de Mission, said: “Huge congratulations to all of the athletes who have been selected for Team Scotland. We look forward to them representing their families, communities and country with pride in 2018.

“Every athlete with a place on the team has met the tough selection standards, just to make the team and it is clear that we have the quality within the team to deliver our goal of having our most successful ever overseas Games.”

Aileen Campbell, Minister for Public Health and Sport, said: “A massive congratulations to the latest athletes announced to represent Scotland at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

“By making it to the top of their respective sports, and being chosen to represent Scotland, they have already done a huge amount to make themselves, and all of us who will be cheering them on, so proud – and I have no doubt that will continue when the Games come around.

“Boxing, para-bowls, shooting and weightlifting have all seen great results for Scottish athletes over the years – triathlon and para-triathlon give the chance to make that success even stronger. I am really excited to see the mark all our athletes make on the Games.”

Today’s selections bring the total number of athletes named to Team Scotland to 68, following team announcements for Swimming and Lawn Bowls in October and Squash earlier this month. Further selections will be made over the coming months with Athletics next on 12 December 2017.

 

Grampian Flyers Inclusive Basketball Festival

School children from across Grampian took to the court in an inclusive Basketball Festival run by Grampian Flyers Wheelchair Basketball Club.

6 schools attended the popular, annual event, held at Aberdeen’s Beach Leisure Centre earlier this month, and fun, energetic & age-appropriate festival formats were on offer for primary and secondary pupils.

Secondary pupils were treated to short, small-sided games in the morning and were offered the opportunity to learn wheelchair basketball skills & inclusive basketball in the afternoon. The 10 primary pupils focused on skill development with standing basketball and wheelchair basketball being learned and played all morning.

The event was a massive success & was enjoyed by all!

The Festival took place at the Beach Leisure Centre & was organised in conjunction with Active Schools Aberdeen City, Active Schools Aberdeenshire & Grampian Disability Sport.

Thanks go to Sarah Hawkin, coach of the Flyers junior wheelchair basketball team & senior player, for organising the event.

Scots Selected for U23 GB Training Camp

British Wheelchair Basketball recently announced the under 23 GB selection for its 2017 Christmas Training Camp, with 4 players from North of the Border included within the 31 strong squad.

Scottish based players Ben Leitch (Lothian Phoenix) and David Hird (St Mirren Warriors) will join England based Scots Josh Manson (Tees Valley Titans) and David Beattie (CWSC Panthers) to represent Scotland at the camp, which will include 6 members of the historic U23 World Championship Team.  The 4 Scottish youngsters will be hoping to build on their recent success at the School Games and carry that form into the camp.

The training camp will take at the GB Elite Training Centre, EIS Sheffield and will be hosted alongside the men’s senior training camp between Monday 18th and Thursday 21st December.

The training camp will see players from across all the Home Nations travel to Sheffield and begin their journey through the selection process for the U23 GB European Championship Team.  The European Championships are set to take place in the summer of 2018, with the World Championships three years later in 2021.

Details of the selected Scottish players can be found below.  A full report can be found on the British Wheelchair Basketball website.

 

Name (Classification) Club Region
David Hird (1.0) St Mirren Warriors West of Scotland
David Beattie (2.0) CWSC Panthers West of Scotland
Josh Manson (3.5) Tees Valley Titans East of Scotland
Ben Leitch (4.5) Lothian Phoenix Tayside

 

Aberdeen Gymnast Scoops Up Disability Junior Title

Orianne Slater of City of Aberdeen Gymnastics Club (COAG) was crowned Scottish Disability Junior Gymnastics Champion at the Scottish Voluntary Championships, and Floor & Vault event at Kelvin Hall on the 25th November, adding to the British Disability Champion title that she clinched back in October for the third year in a row.

The competition was her last Scottish Championships as a Junior. Her overall score was higher than competitors in the Senior category which is a very promising sign for her upcoming years at Senior level.

Orianne has Perthes’ disease, which has caused deterioration of her hip joint. However, her disability has never deterred her and her Scottish and British titles have been achieved through a combination of Orianne’s hard work and determination at COAG & at her monthly sessions with City of Glasgow Gymnastics Club, and the inclusive nature of COAG – in particular, through the efforts of her coach, Lorna Presly.

Well done to all of the competitors and congratulations to Orianne.

 

Celia coaching at Edinburgh Eagles

Celia Peerless Wins National Award

Edinburgh Eagles lead coach Celia Peerless has won Scotland’s BBC Unsung Hero Award for 2017, recognising many years of dedication working with athletes with and without disabilities.

The West Lothian based coach has been instrumental in the success of the Edinburgh Eagles Athletics Club, creating an environment for all young people to come along and hone their athletic skills while also building friendships and developing social skills. The club was established in partnership with Lothian Disability Sport and Scottish Athletics, aiming to provide an environment for young people with autism and/or a leaning or physical disability to try a run, jump and throw session – an introduction to the sport of athletics. The weekly session, held at Forrester HS on a Wednesday evening, has been a significant success and Celia has been at the heart of this, providing enthusiasm and dedication that has been key towards driving the club forward.

In addition to leading the Eagles, Celia has previously supported Para Sport Festivals and Multi Sport sessions that have been delivered across the East region while also playing a significant coaching role with West Lothian club, Livingston Athletics Club. Celia is currently coaching two athletes at Livingston AC who have progressed from the Edinburgh Eagles session, highlighting the key role she plays in helping athletes with a disability to develop through the sporting pathway.

The parent of one of these young people demonstrated the impact that Celia has had on her son’s athletic journey so far, stating: “As the parent of a young person with autism, my 18-year-old son, would not have achieved a successful transition to mainstream (athletics) if it had not been for Celia’s patient understanding and her belief that the sport can be for everyone.”

A truly well-deserved award. The video of Celia receiving her award can be found by following the link below –
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/42075076

Forth Valley Disability Sport

Forth Valley Disability Sport Awards 2017

Nominations are now open for the Forth Valley Disability Sport Awards, which will recognise the commitment, achievement and contribution that our athletes, coaches, volunteers and clubs have made to our community in Forth Valley in 2017.

The awards ceremony will take place on the evening of Monday, 19th February 2018 at The Stirling Albert Hall, Albert Place, Dumbarton Road, Stirling, FK8 2QL where shortlisted nominees and two guests will be invited to attend.

In order to nominate someone for a Forth Valley Disability Award they must meet the following criteria:

  • Any individual nominated must be resident in Forth Valley (Stirling, Clackmannanshire, Falkirk) or a member of a club affiliated to Forth Valley Disability Sport.
  • Nominated Clubs must be affiliated to Forth Valley Disability Sport.
  • The sporting year is defined as the year prior to the closing date for nominations

Please return completed nomination forms with a digital picture of the nominee by the closing date of Friday 19 January 2018.

FVDS Awards 2017 Form

FVDS Awards 2017 Form

Special Olympics 40th Games – Stirling

Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organisation for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This year’s Games will be held in Stirling from 9th – 13th August with 1400 athletes with intellectual disabilities taking part.

Athletes will attend from across the GB and European countries for three days of competition, competing in nine different sports.

You can keep up to date with the latest news and press regarding the games and any announcements at the newly launched Special Olympics GB Anniversary Games website here.

There is also a new Anniversary Games facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsScot40/

Highest Entry to Date at 2017 Fife Bowls Championships

78 senior and junior bowlers with a physical, sensory or learning disability participated in the 2017 Disability Sport Fife Carpet Bowls Championships, supported by the Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, at the Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre. Volunteer markers from bowling clubs in Central Fife officiated for five hours to determine the outcome of 144 ties. In total 14 singles titles were contested. Leading bowlers in the open sections were also competing for places in the Fife team for the Scottish Championships to be organised by Scottish Disability Sport at DISC in Dundee in February.

Sections were amalgamated for physically and visually impaired bowlers because of late call offs through illness. Kenny Dow from Central Fife CSS took the title for ambulant players with a 7-2 victory over Eleanor Clark from Kirkcaldy. The final of the section for wheelchair bowlers was keenly contested by two Central Fife CSS bowlers with Jim Donaldson defeating Willie Harrison by 5-4 after an extra end.

Four junior sections for bowlers with a learning disability were involved pupils from Lochgelly HS and Balwearie HS. Balwearie HS pupils were taking part for the first time. Balwearie HS pupils Caitlin De Soyza and Jennifer Grist won the two girls’ titles with victories over defending champion Kayshaleigh Lambert and Derry Reilly from Lochgelly HS. The title winners in the boys sections were Brandon Cuming from Lochgelly HS and Simon McAndrew from Balwearie HS. Runners up were Ian Stephen and Dawood Murtaza from Balwearie HS.

Three ladies’ senior sections were held for the first time thanks to a much larger entry than before from West Fife CSS. Julie Allan from East Fife CSS enjoyed her most successful tournament to date with an undefeated run to the open final where she defeated past Scottish champion Michelle Wallace from Central Fife CSS by the convincing margin of 5-0. Roberta Buchan from Central Fife CSS similarly went through to the B section final without losing a match and defeated Hannah Moffat by 8-3 to take the title. The ladies C section final was a close encounter between West Fife CSS bowlers Lauren Jack and Kim Vivien with Lauren winning by 5-4.

Not surprisingly Fife’s most successful bowler with a learning disability, Craig Donaldson from Central Fife CSS and Kinghorn BC, won the men’s open section for players with a learning disability with a victory over newcomer Robert Anderson from Dovecot Park BC. Robert’s brother Steven also had an excellent championships, losing out on count back during the qualifying stages to the eventual champion.

Kevin Mustard from Central Fife CSS won the B section when he defeated Jimmy Ramsay from East Fife CSS. Wayne Moreland won the C section with a victory over Mathew Blisset from Dovecot Park BC. The D section final involved two East Fife CSS players David Scott and George Goodsir with David winning the title 6-3. Robbie McKenzie Smith from East Fife CSS won the E section final with a win over Kevin Rowe from West Fife CSS.

Paul Richardson from Brand Rex walked the West Highland Way in support of Disability Sport Fife and raised over £600 which DSF assigned to the purchase of new bowls and a second hand mat. Paul was on hand at the end of the Championships to present trophies to the finalists.

Photo: Championships finalists

Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife