Everyone involved with Scottish Disability Sport would like to take this opportunity to wish all our athletes, coaches, volunteers, partners and key stakeholders a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year. We thank you all most sincerely for your commitment, achievements and support during the last 12 months. We all look forward to working with you during what promises to be an exciting 2018.
I am now in my final year at university doing Sport and Exercise Science – between uni, training and work, life is very busy, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
My most recent competition was the British Para-Swimming Championships down in Manchester, which fell right in the middle of exams. However I am very lucky as I have really supportive lecturers at Napier who managed to change one of my exams to before the competition meaning I could focus more on racing while only having to revise for one exam.
This competition is one of my favourites on the racing calendar because the Scottish team travel, stay and race together. I have some great friends within the Scottish team so it’s always nice to catch up and having a team environment makes racing so much more fun!
I had four races and was pleasantly surprised to get personal bests in them all, including dropping over 18 seconds in my 400m front crawl which resulted in a Scottish record! I also came home with a gold, silver, bronze, so all in all a great weekend! It was great to see quite a few new young athletes in the Scottish Team all who swam brilliantly and have a promising future. I am now the granny of the team, but I’m ok with that!
After an amazing weekend away racing I got a quick bump back to reality by having my final uni exam the following day. I am now looking forward to finally having some time to go home for Christmas as I think my family will have forgotten what I look like.
After Christmas I will start my dissertation, which I am actually really looking forward to, and I will juggle this with training and racing. I am also looking forward to having a bit more time to spend working with SDS Young Persons Sports Panel – we are developing well as a team and I think 2018 will prove very successful by being a voice for young people with a disability within Scotland.
SDS has now officially released the Selection Policies and Standards for the Scottish team to compete at the CPISRA World Games in Sant Cugat, Spain, from the 5th-11th August 2018. Individual policies for the sports of Para-Athletics & RaceRunning, Para-Swimming, Para-Table Tennis and Boccia are attached.
The selection panel will meet on Tuesday 1 February 2018 to select the athletes to represent Scotland in all four sport.      All selected athletes will receive written notification formally through the SDS office no later than Wednesday 14 February 2018.
Scottish teams have historically enjoyed considerable success at the CPISRA World Championships and although there is likely to be a small Scottish team in Sant Cugat, further medal hopes are high.
Salary: £11,500
Hours:Â Part time, flexible working (based on 17 hours per week)
Duration:Â Fixed term 1 year (potential for a further 2 years and beyond)
Contract: Self-employed
Deadline:Â Monday 5 February 2018
Interviews:Â Wednesday 7 March 2018
Job Description
Introduction
Glasgow Disability Sport (GDS) is a voluntary sport group where the main aim is to lead in the development of sport for people with physical, sensory or learning disabilities in partnership with key local agencies and local authority areas of: Argyll and Bute, City of Glasgow, East Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, West Dunbartonshire. GDS is a member branch of Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) which are the governing body of sport for athletes and players with a physical, sensory or learning disability. The committee of GDS now wishes to appoint a co-ordinator to join the branch.
The Purpose of the Post
To co-ordinate and develop a range of physical activity and sport sessions and events for children, young people and adults with physical, learning and sensory disabilities in the Glasgow area.
The successful candidate must have a clean full UK driving licence with access to a car and will possess excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills, will be self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible and report to  Glasgow Disability Sport (GDS). The post holder will be required to:
General Responsibilities
Management
Application procedure
The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 5 February 2018. A CV and cover letter must be sent to Jennifer Livingstone by this date.
Further information
For further information about the post of any related enquiries please contact:
Jennifer Livingstone
Scottish Disability Sport
0131 317 1130
jennifer.livingstone@scottishdisabilitysport.com
Interviews and start date
Interviews are scheduled to take place on Wednesday 7 March 2018 in Glasgow with shortlisted candidates being notified no later than Friday 9 February. It is intended that the post will commence April 2018.
Notes to applicants
Glasgow Disability Sport is an equal opportunities organisation and aims to provide a working environment free from any form of harassment, intimidation, victimisation or unjustifiable discrimination. We aim to ensure that no job applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, marital status, race, colour, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, age or disability. All appointments are made purely on the basis of merit and ability.
With the inclusion of Para-Badminton in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics the whole world is upping their game to get those few coveted spots in 2.5 years’ time. This was evident in the most attended and most competitive Para-Badminton World Championships yet, with Asia taking 16 out of the 22 available gold medals and Europe taking 6.
Representing team Scotland were Colin Leslie and Alan Oliver in SL3 class, Mary Wilson in SL4 class, Deirdre Nagle in SS6 and Fiona Christie in WH2, with all 5 athletes playing all three events.
Colin Leslie finished the tournament the most decorated Scot with a last 16 place in all three events. In the SL3 singles event, Colin progressed as second in his group to reach the knock out stages, meeting eventual runner up Manoj Sarkar of India where Colin was defeated in 2 sets. Alan Oliver also representing in the SL3 singles was beaten in his pool by two strong Korean and Indian opponents.
In the men’s SL3-SL4 doubles both Colin and English partner Antony Forester and Alan with Finish partner Rickard Nilson progressed out of their pools in 2nd position and lost out in the last 16.
SL3-SU5 mixed doubles saw three Scottish competitors, Alan with Dutch partner Megan Hollander, Colin with Danish partner Astrid Lihav Riss and Mary with Antony Forester. Colin and Astrid in a thrilling 3-way tie count back came out on top of their group after convincingly beating, Japanese and Thai opponents, loosing out only to fellow Europeans in a 22-20 third set thriller. Unfortunately, they were unable to continue the winning streak losing out to Corrie Robinson from New Zealand and Caitlin Dransfield of Australia in the last 16, who had earlier beaten Alan and Megan in three sets in their pool.
in the WH2 events Fiona having finished 2nd in her pool progressed to the last 16 meeting recent BWF Female Para-Badminton player of the year winner Amnouy Wetwithan from Thailand, where she lost out in straight sets to a very experienced opponent. Playing with Laura-Lee Jenkins and David Follet in the women’s and mixed WH1-WH2, Fiona lost out in both pools and was unable to progress further.
In SL4 singles Mary lost out in the quarter finals to eventual finalist Leani Ratri Oktila of Indonesia in straight sets, and in the ladie’s doubles with Russian Partner Natalia Irmachuck, Mary was unable to progress out of the groups.
Lastly in SS6 Deirdre Nagle having won a game in both singles and mixed with Russian partner Alexander Mekhdiev, were unable to progress due to being in pools of 4. In the women’s doubles Dierdre and Polish Partner Weronika Krzeminska lost to World number 1’s and, in a close 2 sets, to young Polish to finish third in their group.
Coach Kaity Hall was with the team for the event and commented; ‘The level of Para-Badminton at this World Championships is unlike I have ever seen before and I can anticipate that our international events will be stronger within the next few years. The Scots need to keep working hard and look to these champs as motivation and inspiration to continue to try and better their game. Thanks to Badminton Scotland for their support in this event and with the squad sessions over the last year and thanks to Korean Badminton Association for Disabled for running an extremely successful World Championships.
Name: David Birtles
Branch: Dundee City Disability Sport
Sport: Wheelchair Basketball, Rugby and Tennis
Club: Dundee Dragons Wheelchair Sports Club
How did you get involved in your sport? Newspaper article showing what was happening at Dundee Dragons Wheelchair Sports Club. Went down and I was hooked.
How long have you been playing your sport for? I’ve been a Dundee Dragons member for 4 years, playing many different sports, competing for last 3 years.
Biggest Strength (as an athlete): Determination, as I’m not naturally gifted at sports, so have to repeat exercises more then most to learn and improve.
What’s the best thing about your sport? Being able to move at speed, by my own propulsion and just getting involved in sports again, its even  got me out hiking again with a wee bit of added equipment to the wheelchair.
What equipment do you need to take part in your sport? The main piece of equipment is the sports wheelchair, which is loaned to me by Dundee Dragons Wheelchair Sports Club. Also tennis racket alongside tennis, basketball and rugby balls.
Greatest sporting achievement: Very hard to say, playing for Scotland in the 2017 rugby league world cup in France is something that I’m very proud of, receiving my first cap. Winning the first ever wheelchair tennis competition held at the Perth tennis club, which means a lot to me as its the oldest tennis club in Scotland.
Favourite Para-athlete: Gordon Reid MBE. It was amazing to see him win Paralympic Gold and Wimbledon in the same year and he presented me my Novice singles trophy at the Glasgow national tennis tournament in 2016, which made it even more special.
Favourite athlete to compete against: As I say I have to work pick to things up and improve, so its good to play with and against Michael Mellon (fellow Dundee Dragons member) who’s a natural at any sport he tries.
Any advice for someone interested in your sport? Get involved in a club like Dundee Dragons and try out the many different sports on offer and with most sports the wheelchair skills are very similar, which makes it easier play more sports and finding the right sport for you.
Recruiting body: Scottish Borders Disability Sport Group
Closing date:Â Friday 2nd February 2018
Scottish Borders Disability Sport Group (SBDSG) is a voluntary sport group where the main aim is to lead in the development of sport for people with physical, sensory or learning disabilities in partnership with key local agencies, including Live Borders and Scottish Borders Council. SBDSG is a member branch of Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) who are the governing body of sport for athletes and players with a physical, sensory or learning disability. SBDSG have achieved SDS Minimum Operating Requirements (MOR) which ensures all governance is up to date and appropriate. The committee of SBDSG now wishes to appoint new committee members to join the branch.
Role Title – Committee Member (voluntary)
Organisation – Scottish Borders Disability Sport Group (SBDSG)
Responsible to – Scottish Borders Disability Sport Group committee
Location – Scottish Borders (committee meetings mainly held in Galashiels)
Contract – This is a voluntary position but all reasonable expenses will be paid. Committee members will be expected to attend branch meetings (held 4-6 times per year), support the branch to maintain SDS Minimum Operating Requirements and support the chairperson in driving the branch forward. The Level of time commitment is flexible and will be tailored to suit the applicant’s current commitments and the needs of the branch.
Term – 1 year (with the option to extend)
| SKILLS REQUIRED: | ·     Enthusiastic
·     Prepared to make a regular time commitment ·     Prepared to make decisions when necessary ·     Passionate about disability sport
|
MAIN DUTIES:
Interviews – Wednesday 7th February 2018
Applications
All applicants should send a note of interest to mark.gaffney@scottishdisabilitysport.com detailing why you are interested in the role and any relevant skills and experience.
If you have any questions or would like more information please contact Mark Gaffney on the above email or phone the SDS office on 0131 317 1130.
Commonwealth Games Scotland have announced the 25 strong team that will represent Team Scotland at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
19 of the athletes selected were part of the team that competed at the home Games at Glasgow 2014 and, spurred on by a capacity crowd at Hampden, delivered Scotland’s best Commonwealth Games medal haul for 20 years.
Since that tally of one gold, two silver and one bronze, the sport of athletics has gone from strength to strength with a record 15 athletes selected for the Olympic Games and six for the Paralympic Games at Rio 2016.
The Gold Coast 2018 Para-Sport programme will surpass Glasgow 2014 to become the largest in Commonwealth Games history and Team Scotland will be represented on the track by three exceptional athletes.
Having broken her own World record to take gold over 200m at the World Para-Athletics Championships in London, going on to take a second gold in the 100m and bronze in the 400m, Sammi Kinghorn moves up in distance to tackle the 1500m and Marathon in Gold Coast.
At just 21 years old she is the senior member of a strong Scottish trio in the para-events, joined by 17-year-old Rio 2016 Paralympic silver and bronze medallist Maria Lyle and 18-year-old Amy Carr, who won two golds and a bronze at this summer’s IPC World Junior Championships in Switzerland.
Rodger Harkins, Performance Director at scottishathetics said: ‘I want to offer my congratulations to the athletes and coaches selected. They have really performed well in the past year and made a commitment to the Commonwealth Games and to a Gold Coast event being held in April.
‘I’m very pleased with the application and planning that’s already being shown and has been shown over the past few months.
‘When you take in the way Scottish athletes and coaches have stepped up over the past two years – and their involvement in the Olympics in Rio and then London 2017 – then we see the strength and the depth. Here we are seeing that reflected in a Team Scotland selection for athletics.’
Team Scotland Chef de Mission Jon Doig OBE said: ‘Congratulations to all selected today, as we welcome a great mix of experienced athletes and those who will be part of Team Scotland for the first time. We have a strong tradition of success, right from the first Games, in both Athletics and Boxing, with results continuing real upward momentum since 2014.’
SELECTED ATHLETES (25)
Name: Hometown/Lives
Chris Bennett: Glasgow/Glasgow
Andrew Butchart: Dunblane /Dunblane
Mark Dry: Burghead, Moray/Loughbourough
Callum Hawkins: Bridge of Weir/Elderslie
Guy Learmonth: Berwick/Berwick
Chris O’Hare: West Linton/Boston, USA
Robbie Simpson: Banchory/Banchory
Allan Smith:Â Edinburgh/Edinburgh
David Smith: Barrhead/Birmingham
Jax Thoirs: Glasgow/Glasgow
Jake Wightman: Edinburgh/Hampton Wick, Surrey
Amy Carr: Stockton-on-Tees/Stockton-on-Tees
Zoey Clark: Aberdeen/Aberdeen
Eilidh Doyle: Kinross/Frome
Rachel Hunter: Ayr/Ayr
Sammi Kinghorn: Middlethird/Glasgow
Maria Lyle: Dunbar/Dunbar
Holly McArthur: Kilsyth/Glasgow
Kirsten McAslan: Edinburgh/Manchester
Eilish McColgan: Carnoustie/Manchester
Emma Nuttall: Edinburgh/Loughborough
Lynsey Sharp: Edinburgh/Loughborough
Kelsey Stewart: Stonehaven/Stonehaven
Stephanie Twell: Farnbourough/Aldershot
Lennie Waite: Paisley/Houston, Texas
Thirty eight Scottish swimmers from 24 clubs competed in the National Para Swimming Championships in Manchester last weekend. The Scottish Contingent made up 15% of the competitors at the annual event.
Rio Paralympians Scott Quin, Abby Kane, Stephen Clegg and Andrew Mullen were the role models for aspiring swimmers at Scottish and Club Level across the country.
Swimmers who competed were:
| Stephen Clegg (University of Stirling) | Scott Quin (Warrender Baths) | Andrew Mullen (City of Glasgow) |
| Conner Morrison (University of Aberdeen) | Abby Kane (REN96) | Adam Donnachie (East Kilbride) |
| Amy MacFarlane (Motherwell & Wishaw) | Beth Johnston (BEST) | Cameron Hemphill (INCAS) |
| Cara Smyth (INCAS) | Cerys Venters-Scott (Carnegie) | Charlotte Barry (University Stirling) |
| Christian Buchanan (Musselburgh) | Dylan Bleakley (ELST) | Erin Swann (Bellshill) |
| Fraser Kane (REN96) | Gavin Roberts (City of Glasgow) | Hope Gordon (ELST) |
| Isaac Dunning (Inverclyde) | Jack Milne (Dundee City Aquatics) | Jason Cobb (Bucksburn) |
| Jon Law (University of Stirling) | Kai Goldie (Kirkintilloch & Kilsyth) | Kayleigh Haggo (South Ayrshire) |
| Kyle Cooper (University of Stirling) | Kyle Hughes (Motherwell & Wishaw) | Laura Pilkington (West Lothian) |
| Lewis Beagrie (Hamilton Baths) | Louis Lawlor (City of Glasgow) | Mairin Savage (Stirling Swim) |
| Matthew Scott (Bridge of Don) | Neil Ferguson (Musselburgh) | Oliver Carter (Carnegie) |
| Reagan Doig (Stirling Swim) | Rhys Gill (Ythan) | Rosie Sheridan (Stirling Swim) |
| Sam Downie (Musselburgh) | Steven McCormick (Fins) |
Grampian swimmer Conner Morrison and West Swimmer Abby Kane who made her debut in Rio both showed excellent form by swimming superbly and breaking World Records in their events respectively:
World Records
Conner Morrison (University of Aberdeen) SB14 100m Breaststroke – 1:05.74
Abby Kane (REN96) S13 100m Backstroke – 1:09.59
European Records proved no challenge for City of Glasgow Swimmer Andrew Mullen who smashed his performances in the individual medley, butterfly and backstroke. Stephen Clegg was also out to make his mark with a hatrick of records, one European and two British Records:
European Records
Andrew Mullen (City of Glasgow) SM5 200m IM – 3:04.05
Andrew Mullen (City of Glasgow) S5 50m Backstroke – 35.87
Andrew Mullen (City of Glasgow) S5 50m Butterfly – 37.35
Stephen Clegg (University of Stirling) S12 100m Butterfly – 58.56
British Records
Stephen Clegg (University of Stirling) S12 100m Freestyle – 53.54
Stephen Clegg (University of Stirling) S12 50m Freestyle – 24.39
There weren’t many Scottish Records still standing after the event. As you can see below there were records broken across all strokes and distances by many swimmers:
Scottish Records
Ollie Carter (Carnegie) S10 100m Freestyle – 58.02
Louis Lawlor (City of Glasgow) S14 100m Freestyle – 56.36
Rosie Bancroft (City of Oxford) S10 100m Freestyle – 1:04.45
Jon Law (Helensburgh) SB13 100m Breaststroke) – 1:18.50
Beth Johnston (BEST) S10 50m Freestyle – 31.22
Beth Johnston (BEST) S10 100m Backstroke – 1:16.02
Abby Kane (REN96) S13 50m Freestyle – 30.56
Abby Kane (REN96) SM13 200m IM – 2:37.31
Conner Morrison (University of Aberdeen) SM14 200m IM – 2:18.74
Conner Morrison (University of Aberdeen) S14 200m Freestyle – 2:03.29
Reagan Doig (Stirling Swim) SB14 100m Breaststroke – 1:21.95
Hope Gordon (ELST) S9 400m Freestyle – 5:20.82
For a full list of results click here http://swimmingresults.org.uk/disability/results/2017/np17/index2.htm
Also over the weekend Toni Shaw (University of Aberdeen) was competing at the Scottish Short Course Champs in Edinburgh and broke Scottish Records in:
SM9 200m IM – 2:39.14
S9 100m Freestyle – 1:05.32
S9 100m Backstroke – 1:14.14
If you or any one you know living with a disability would like to get involved in swimming please telephone 0131 317 1130 or email admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com
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