Month: August 2018

07/08/2018

Scotland Perform Well at National Junior Championships

Scotland U15’s and 19’s produced their best combined result at British Wheelchair’s Basketball Lord Taverners National Junior Championships over the weekend of Saturday 4^th & Sunday 5^th August. The Championships welcomes junior players representing their regions and countries with all matches played at the University Arena, Worcester over the course of two days.

Over the two age groups, there were twenty teams (9 under 15’s and 11 under 19’s) battling it out to become National Champions at this year’s tournament, with the more senior of the Scottish sides coming very close to claiming victory as they lost out in the Gold medal match to a strong North West side (24 v 16). The Scots were in impressive form, losing out only once on route to the final (27 v 18 against North West) while recording 4 victories including a 22 v 17 victory against West Midlands at the semi-final stage. This result highlights the excellent progress of the under 19 side as they improved on their sixth place finish in 2017.

The young Scots introduced some new players to the under 15 set up and they were also able to taste victory over the weekend, defeating the North West convincingly on Saturday evening (20 v 4). However, the youngsters were unable to match the under 19 squad result and were narrowly beaten in Sunday’s Quarter Final match (22 v 18 against Yorkshire). This meant they would face East Midlands on Sunday afternoon in the 5^th/6^th place play off, claiming a great 23 v 14 victory. Head Coach Niall Ritchie was pleased with the result, highlighting that the Scottish programme continues to ‘move forward’.

Under 19 Squad List

Name (Classification)	Region
David Beattie (2)	West
James Beattie (5)	West
Josh Manson (3.5)	East
Rory Geddes (4)	Grampian
Tom McCaffrey (2)	West
Logan Kidd (4)	West
Rhys Collier (1)	Tayside
Cameron Watson (4.5)	West
Ben Leitch (4.5)	Tayside
Adam Donnachie (3.5)	West

Jen Scally	Head Coach
Tina Gordon	Assistant Head Coach

Under 15 Squad List

Name (Classification)	Region
Ben Flanigan (3)	West
Charlie Redmond (2)	East
Daniel McLoughlin (2.5)	West
Sarah McCaffrey (5)	West
Finlay Erskine	East
Shayne McVicar	Tayside
Owen Leitch	Tayside
Jason Gillies	East
Ronnie Cassels	West
Blair Marshall	Tayside

Niall Ritchie	Head Coach
Connor Smart	Assistant Head Coach

07/08/2018

International Challenge for CP Footballers

Scotland’s rejuvenated Cerebral Palsy football squad face their latest challenge against English based club side CP United. This match will take place at Stenhousemuir’s Ochilview Stadium on Sunday the 9^th September with a 15.45 kick off.

The two sides met recently at the International Trophy CP Football Ciutat de Barcelona where the Scots emerged as 6-3 winners and finished the tournament in a very creditable 3^rd place.

There will be no entry charge to this match but donations to support the running costs of the squad will be welcomed at the gate.

Our sincere thanks go to the Scottish FA, NorDan UK Ltd, The Blue Eyes Sports Foundation, Arnold Clark and Fresh Interior Solutions for their generous support of the Scottish National Cerebral Palsy Football team.

07/08/2018

Team Scotland arrive in Sant Cugat

The Scotland Team have arrived safe and well in Sant Cugat, Spain, for the CPISRA World Games 2018.

After a very early start and a smooth operation at Edinburgh Airport with fantastic assistance from the staff and crew of Ryanair, all athletes, coaches, support staff and luggage arrived intact at El Prat Airport in Barcelona.

A quick 20-minute bus journey transported Team Scotland to their hotels in Sant Cugat.

Although the team is split between two hotels, all athletes, coaches and support staff settled in to the accommodation comfortably. Everyone familiarised themselves with the surroundings and explored a little of the lovely Spanish town.

Team management ventured to the swimming and athletics venue, and the swimming and athletics coaches attended classification meetings.

Athletes, swimmers and boccia players rested before training sessions begin on the 7th of August.

The team are looking forward to the week ahead, with the Opening Ceremony taking place this evening at La Guinardera.

06/08/2018

Surprise Purvis Visit Inspires Gymnasts & Coaches

Young gymnasts from all over Scotland and their coaches were treated to an experience of a lifetime during this year’s annual disability gymnastics camp when none other than Dan Purvis – multiple Olympic and Commonwealth medalist – made a surprise appearance during training.

The camp, which is now in its 3^rd year, took place at Aberdeen’s Alex Collie Centre – a dedicated gymnastics facility – and provided 20 gymnasts with an opportunity to access a wealth of training opportunities in all disciplines of the sport including Artistic, Rhythmic, Acro & Team Gym, and enabled 21 coaches to share learning & gain experience of working with athletes with a range of impairments.

The visit by Purvis, along with Patrick Bonner from the British Gymnastics Foundation, had been kept a closely guarded secret by organisers Lorna Presly & Lydie Slater, and their arrival sparked huge excitement from everyone involved. Purvis even went above and beyond the call of duty to make the experience unforgettable for the youngers by leading the group warm-up, coaching the artistic elements of the camp, joining in with training exercises in all disciplines, and taking on some of the youngsters in fun challenges!

Lorna Presly, camp organiser, said “What an amazing camp we had this year; it went away above my expectations. To top it off, having our special guest Dan Purvis this time, who spent the whole day, and evening with us all. To see the gymnasts, and coaches faces when he walked into the gym, was a moment I will never forget, the excitement and disbelief of their idol standing there…We can’t thank Patrick Bonner from the British Gymnastics Foundation enough for arranging this. A big thank you also to the coaches who helped make it a camp to remember”.

The event, run entirely voluntarily, was established to foster collaboration between all of the Scottish clubs, enhance the quality of disability gymnastics coaching, help the gymnasts reach their potential, and raise the profile of the sport. The involvement this time round of the British Gymnastics Foundation showed great support for the development of the sport.

As well as the British Gymnastics Foundation, the organisers would like to extend their thanks to Grampian Disability Sport, City of Aberdeen Gymnastics, Denise DeLaunay Photography and Scotmid Co-op for their support.

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.

06/08/2018

West & Central Scotland Region Go South!

Disabled horse riders and carriage drivers from West & Central Scotland Region on winning form – RDA National Championships 13-15 July, Hartpury College, Gloucestershire

The dust is settling, and the excitement is quelling after another fabulous trip to the Nationals for some West & Central participants.

Our Arts & Crafts were well represented with six pieces of work travelling down to the Nationals. Overall turn out this year was greater than ever, therefore the challenge of returning with a rosette all the more difficult. However, Marissa Johnston’s painting with an RDA theme, came back with a 6^th place rosette. Many congratulations Marissa and her Glasgow Group. We were delighted with the high standard of all the works and look forward to seeing what we receive in the Regional Arts & Crafts Qualifiers for 2019.

First competitions on Friday saw Carriage Driving in the main arena. Dressage and cones in the morning, followed by Obstacles in the afternoon. Two competitors, Lynda Farquhar and Emma Hunter, both driving Ozzy, entered from Forth Driving. It was a thrilling competition all round with barely a ball knocked from cone, but more challenging obstacle rounds. Lynda and Emma focussed and succeeded. Lynda brilliantly retaining her first place and trophy from last year, with Emma coming a terrific 3^rd in her first National Championship.

Saturday saw Leanne Peters from Gareloch riding Harley. Though Leanne has been to the Championships before this was the first event on this scale for Harley. Leanne and Harley have built up a wonderful relationship and Leanne guided Harley calmly through their test, again in one of the main outdoor arenas. The scores for the class were incredibly close. Leanne and Harley can rightly be very proud of their performances. Just a few tweaks and the pair will soar.

Sunday was Gareloch’s Carys Marie Williams turn. This was the first time in such an environment for both Carys Marie and Bella. They took it in their stride, going out with confidence and massive smiles. The scoring was once again extremely close with Carys just being pipped at the places.

Travelling to the National Championships from Scotland is no mean feat for the competitors, the ponies or the supporting teams but the challenge of adventure, the thrill of competition and the companionship of everyone involved makes taking part the best thing that we have done for our sport and our Region. We are very proud!

06/08/2018

And we are off ……!

Early this morning 18 athletes and their coaches left Edinburgh Airport for Sant Cugat, Spain to compete as Team Scotland in the CPISRA World Games. The athletes consist of three boccia players, four swimmers and 11 athletes.

The first couple of days the team will be training (and heat acclimatisation) with some also going through classification, with the competition starting on Thursday.

There is a mix of experience in the team with 10 members previously representing Scotland at the last World Games in Nottingham in 2015. This was a very successful team in 2015 where lots of medals were achieved and numerous personal achievements accomplished. There is great excitement surrounding the team and the fact that some have been previously is helping this vibe and is also keeping the new athletes’ nerves at bay.

Many of the athletes have family and friends travelling over to support which will be a great boost and comfort for them!

Good luck Team!

03/08/2018

Scottish Curling Marketing & Communications Internship

Scottish Curling is looking for a Marketing and Communications Intern to assist with the 2019 World Wheelchair Curling Championships in Stirling.

This is an amazing opportunity to gain invaluable work experience, playing an integral part in organising a major international sporting event. We are a small team, and you’ll be taking on important responsibilities that will help develop your skill set considerably.

For full information see the Scottish Curling website here.

03/08/2018

Port Glasgow 10k

Join us on Sunday 12th August 2018 for our inaugural 10k.

The race takes place in the historic Clyde side town of Port Glasgow with many sights to see along the route including “the PS Comet”, the 1815 Town Buildings, Gourock Rope Works, Kelburn Park, Newark Castle and of course, spectacular views of the River Clyde. The race starts and finishes at the Coronation Park in the centre of the town.

The course offers excellent viewing areas for spectators who wish to follow the runners progress along the course. Or if you prefer you can shop in the local town and new retail park. There is an excellent sandy play park within the Coronation park to entertain the young children.

The race will be off road utilising pavements and off-road footpaths. All surfaces will are metalled with drop kerbs throughout the route and are suitable for wheelchair racers.

For full information see the Port Glasgow 10k website here.

Port Glasgow 10k Flyer

03/08/2018

Forth Valley Special Olympics Team, Ready To Go!

Forth Valley Special Olympics Team are getting themselves ready for the Special Olympics 40th Anniversary Games which will be hosting in the University of Stirling from Thursday 9th August and Sunday 12th August 2018.

The Forth Valley team of 10 Athletes and 7 coaches / carers will be compete against athletes from all over Great Britain, Europe and Asia. The team was made up of individuals from Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire athletes represented Forth Valley in the Special Olympics which is a competition for people with learning disabilities and is organised by Special Olympics Scotland.

The athletes will be representing Forth Valley for athletics, bowls, golf, MATP and swimming.

Mitchell Graham, Youth Worker said, “It is a fantastic recognition for all of the athletes. Everyone is very proud of the Forth Valley team. Looking forward to our local fans cheering us on”

Finally, FVDS Special Olympic Team would like to say a huge thank you to Bill McLaren Foundation for their support in sponsoring the team kit for the Special Olympics 40th Anniversary Game.

For further information on Forth Valley Special Olympic Team and clubs on offer in your area for children or adults with learning disabilities please telephone Forth Valley Disability Sport on 01786 466486 or info@fvds.org.uk