Month: April 2018

Aberdeen Para Shooter Claims World Record in Al Ain

By Allan Ritchie

Back to reality with a bump. It’s 4c and lashing down with rain, a stark contrast to the 30-36C I’ve “enjoyed” for the last week in Al-Ain, UAE, where the inaugural World Shooting Para Sport Para Trap 2018 World Cup has just been held at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club.

I’ve had a great time in the company of some truly exceptional individuals competing in rifle, pistol and shotgun competition. A great time had with the GB rifle and pistol squad and staff members; thank you for your help, support and welcome.

The Al Ain shooting ground is exceptional, a great range with a fresh green carpet of grass awaiting you each morning after the previous days clays were removed. The range staff were efficient and lent assistance in every way they could, so my thanks to them for running a near perfect competition.

The GB Para Trap squad performed well. Congratulations to Keith White who secured his MQS in his first major international competition. Michael Drever shot exceptionally well in training. This followed through the qualification rounds to secure Bib #2 for the final. Unfortunately, in Olympic Trap, Bib number is no guarantee of a medal and Mike was cruelly pipped at the post, finishing fourth. This is still a fantastic achievement so congratulations Mike.

I had a great time during free and pre-event training; shooting OT with mates from around the world, it doesn’t get much better! Solid rounds of 20, 20 and 24 (64/75) saw me ranked #1 at the end of day one, sharing the score with Australia’s Scottie Brydon.

Sunday, day two qualification: two more solid rounds of 24 and 22 gave a final qualification score of 110/125. Scottie shot exactly the same also giving him 110/125, meaning we jointly set and hold the new World Record for qualification (well done mate!).

A shoot off ensued for Bib #1 and 2 in the final, which I managed to sneak with a 2-1. From my perspective, not sure about the folks watching, a very tense final was shot with the lead bouncing backwards and forwards through the six-man field. I started pretty poorly and had to dig deep to get back into the competition to have any chance at a medal position, thankfully, training and process kicked in and I managed to secure the Gold medal with Scottie taking Silver and Oreste Lai taking Bronze.

I’m incredibly proud to represent Great Britain. To secure a Gold Medal at a World Cup, setting a World and European Record for the GB team, is something I never thought I would have the opportunity to do after my Spinal Cord Injury. It just shows, you should never give up, you don’t know what’s around the corner.

And now, for the Oscars part. Many thanks to the following people and organisations who have helped me get here:

My far better half, Izzy Ritchie, I could not do this without your support (and, more importantly, your approval)

Julian Coupland

Lewis Reed WAV Ltd

Cyclone Mobility – Stuart Dunne & Mark Eccleston

Scottish Target Shooting

Marco Micheli

Grampian Disability Sport

Scottish Disability Sport

Sportscotland

Anglo Italian-Arms

If you, or anyone you know, lives in Grampian with a physical, sensory or learning disability and is keen to get involved in Para Sport, please contact Alison Shaw on alison.shaw@scottishdisabilitysport.com or on 07828 744 848.

Perth & Kinross Disability Sport: Chairperson / Board Member

Perth & Kinross Disability Sport (PKDS) is a Registered Scottish Charity SCO 32262 with the purpose of being the lead organisation in the development of sport for people with physical, sensory or learning disabilities in partnership with key agencies in the local authority area of Perth & Kinross and the wider Tayside region.  PKDS 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.  PKDS have achieved SDS Minimum Operating Requirements which ensures all governance is up to date and fit for purpose. The Board of PKDS now has a vacancy for the position of Chairperson to lead the branch. The branch is currently supported by a Project Manager and an Administrator.

Role Title Chairperson/Board Member (voluntary)
Location Perth
Contract This is a voluntary position but reasonable expenses will be paid where appropriate.  The Chairperson is expected to attend branch meetings held 6-8 times per year, oversee and guide all branch decisions and support branch activities (as available). The level of time commitment is flexible and can be tailored to suit the applicant’s current commitments and the needs of the branch.
Term At each AGM, all Board Members must retire from office but may then be re-selected.
Attributes/Skills/Duties
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Enthusiasm
  • Well organised
  • Attend Board meetings and report back on matters arising if required
  • Attend Extraordinary and Annual General Meetings as required
  • Preared to make instant decisions when necessary and take responsibility for managing the Board and the affairs of the branch
  • Confident at keeping order during meetings
  • Lead the Trustee body in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation by making certain that the charity acts in accordance with its constitution, charitable status and by managing its activities
  • Passionate about the development of disability sport and a strong commitment to work towards the development of sustainable opportunities for people with a disability to take part in sport and physical activity
What we offer you
  • Training opportunities including specific Branch Conference workshops
  • A wide range of projects to oversee and the opportunity to be actively involved in the development of disability sport and to make a difference to children and adults with disabilities
  • A volunteer experience where you help to maximise potential for every athlete with a disability

Applications

All applicants should send a note of interest to enquiries@perthandkinrossdisabilitysport.com detailing why you are interested in the role, outlining any relevant skills and experience.

If you have any questions or would like more information please do not hesitate to contact us – further information about PKDS can also be found at www.perthandkinrossdisabilitysport.com or the PKDS Facebook page.