Super 1s cricket is a new exciting form of softball cricket for those with physical, learning or visual/hearing impairments or additional supports needs (ASN) ranging between 12 and 25 years old.  Super 1s welcomes and caters to all impairment groups as the program allows us to focus on the individual needs of our participants. The program has allowed participants to create new lasting friendships as well as allowing the group to be an active part in the community, develop their skill set and learn something new.

Super 1s Hub is launching at the Blantyre Leisure centre on Sunday 21st of October from 2-3pm.

For more information please contact Madison at madisongarland@cricketscotland.com or 07568 319 099.

Super 1s

Disability Sport Fife (SCIO) has a Service Level Agreement with the Fife Sports and Leisure Trust. The SLA results in cooperative working in a range of areas including the following – hosting of the busy DSF annual events calendar; provision of settings for the weekly DSF active recreation and sports sessions; access to FSLT staff expertise including the design team; an office base in the Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre; support from the vast team of swimming teachers who operate across the FSLT network of swimming pools; support for individual GB and Scottish representative athletes, etc.

One group of FSLT staff members who have embraced inclusive practice wholeheartedly and the principles of Get Out Get Active supported by Spirit of 2012, are the members of the gym teams in FSLT leisure centres across Fife led by Stuart Bizzarri. From east to west individual gym staff enthusiastically support participants of all ages and abilities through the induction process and follow up with individualised programmes that take account of their physical, sensory or learning challenges. From simple programmes on a few pieces of equipment to supported engagement in a wide range of options, positive examples are many and varied. Some gym staff have recorded major successes working with participants with severe and complex needs while others are exploring the challenges associated with gym users with communication differences. Active recreation as promoted by GOGA in Fife sits comfortably with the inclusive FSLT gym team.

There are outstanding examples of participants with disabilities who have not only improved their health and well being but have benefitted immensely from the social and psychological benefits of regular gym visits. Some gym staff in Fife work with DSF members who are competing at the highest level in international Para sport and Stuart himself continues to support aspiring young Fife Para swimmers with Paralympic potential. The bespoke programmes he has devised in conjunction with swimmers and their families are exceptional and result in clear measurable improvements in strength gains.

Thank you to FSLT gym staff across Fife. Disability Sport Fife (SCIO) considers you key partners in our quest to encourage participants to Get Out Get Active in Fife.

Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife

In her very first year as a senior gymnast, Orianne Slater triumphed in the Disability Artistic Gymnastics British Championships 2018 to take home the title of “British Women’s Senior Disability Gymnastics All-Around Champion 2018″.

The Championships, held at Lillieshall National Sports Centre in Telford, was Slater’s first competition since changing both her coach & club, and with a 20% increase in competitor numbers from the 2017, competition was tough and she had to work hard to keep her nerves at bay. But in the end, her dedication to training and focus on the day saw her pick up not only the All-Around top spot, but gold medals in uneven bars, beam and floor (the floor routine being choreographed by team mate & Commonwealth gymnast, Izzy Tolometti).

Orianne’s mum, Lydie, showed appreciation for those who have supported Orianne during her time in disability gymnastics so far:

“I am so grateful for the support from parents, gymnasts and coaches at Garioch Gymnastics Club. In particular, many thanks to Head coach Trish Swan and coach Jamie Czop for believing in Orianne’s ability and coaching her: their expertise and their complete involvement are so appreciated! Also thanks to The Dr Hellen Lind Reith Trust, The Active Aberdeen Partnership, CHC Scotia Helicopters, The Birnie Trust and Grampian Disability Sport for their invaluable support towards Orianne’s development in 2018.”

Well done to Orianne!

If you or anyone you know is living in the Grampian area with a physical, sensory or learning disability and would like to get more involved in sport, please get in touch with Alison Shaw, Regional Manager, on 07828 744 848 or Alison.shaw@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

Go Kidz Go are delivering a free wheelchair skills workshop for individuals looking to increase their confidence, develop their skills and improve their independence. Go Kidz Go deliver exciting and interactive workshops across the country and have helped many individuals improve their wheelchair skills, including TV presenter Ade Adepitan!

Details of the session can be found below or by clicking onto the flyer.

When: Sunday 21st October 2018 (10am – 3pm)

Where: Calaiswood School (Duloch Community Campus), Nightingale Place, Dunfermline, KY11 8LW

Who: Wheelchair users aged between 2 – 18 years old

The workshop provides a great chance to meet other young wheelchair users and learn skills to help participants become more independent. Extra wheelchairs can be provided for mums, dads and siblings if required.

If you are keen to find out more or reserve a place, then please contact Claire McKenzie-Sime at roy@gokidsgo.org.uk or 01482 887163.

Recently I caught up with 56 year old Ken de Soyza from Kirkcaldy who is a veteran and served in the RAF for 22 years. He had just completed a swim in the warm pool at the Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre. Ken values the freedom he enjoys in the water in this excellent Fife Sports and Leisure Trust facility.

Ken’s daughter Caitlyn is a peer mentor volunteer with Disability Sport Fife. I first met Ken around the time he was preparing for the 2016 Warrior Games that were held at West Point in New York State. Ken has always been a very keen road cyclist.

In 2016, while he was out cycling and training for the trials for the 2017 Invictus Games he was hit by a car. Ken suffered serious injuries, including loss of power in his left arm. Ken has what is termed a brachial plexus injury. Ken’s upper limb paralysis affected his ability to handle a cycle safely.

In May of this year Ken took possession of a brand new recumbent race tricycle and this has offered him access to the sport he loves but thought he had lost forever. Ken is once again involved in cycling but thought it had been taken away from him when he was involved in the road traffic accident. Like his Disability Sport Fife colleague Kirsty Brunton, Ken is training at the new Fife Cycle Park in Lochgelly and loving every session. Ken is covering up to 17kms but recently cracked 22 miles.

Ken demonstrates a determination and resilience that is admired by others. Ken is passionate about physical activity and his adapted tricycle has offered him the freedom and challenge he craves. Adapted equipment, inclusive facilities and key support personnel are critical to individuals who have lost power and/or mobility. In Fife they are present in abundance and best wishes to Ken as he continues to pursue his sporting aspirations. The de Soyza family are committed to the GOGA in Fife slogan of Get Out Get Active.

Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife

Kirsty Brunton has been a real breath of fresh air since she joined Disability Sport Fife late in her career. Kirsty is considered a bit of an “action woman” in Fife because she specialises in activities like sailing, open water swimming and off road cycling. A few years ago Kirsty represented Scotland in swimming at the CPISRA World Games in England.

Mum Kirsty fully approves of the new Fife Cycle Park and was particularly complimentary about the level of support available on site. Kirsty rates the Cycle Park highly and is of course delighted that there is such a great facility in Fife for users of recumbent cycles and tricycles as well as bicycles.

Kirsty has committed over 20 years to Dalgety Bay Sailing Club as a member of the organising committee of the youth week. She retains her involvement in InCas and hopes one day to pass her UKCC Level 1 swim award and join the poolside team.

Kirsty has taken to curling and every second Friday heads through to the Peak in Stirling. Always on the move and a role model to many. Kirsty and daughter Sarah truly believe in the GOGA in Fife slogan “Get Out Get Active.”

Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife

After a break of two years, Kieran Steer from Crossgates made a return to competitive boccia at the Scottish Disability Sport Invitational event at Engage Sports Centre in Edinburgh this weekend.

Kieran has prepared well for his return to high performance boccia but he could not have expected such a positive outcome after over two years away from the sport.

Kieran initially played Paul Mclister and Jayne Milligan from Northern Ireland and had significant victories. His final match for the gold medal was against fellow countryman Ross Munro and he was over the moon with his 5-2 victory.

Kieran reported that it was wonderful to be back playing again but the victories were not as important as how well he delivered his shots and managed the challenges of competition after so much time away from the court.

Kieran is Disability Sport Fife’s first ever high performance boccia player. As a junior Kieran won gold at the World Junior Para-Sport Games in Brazil. In boccia pairs rankings Kieran reached as high as 3 in the BC4 class and 11th in the BC4 class individual rankings. Kieran was part of Team GB for World Championships in Beijing in 2014 and the Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016.

After Rio, Kieran took time off from boccia to pursue other interests and concentrate on other aspects of his life. Kieran is now engaged to Cat Spencer who was a delegate at the UKCC Level 1 Boccia course at Lochgelly High School last weekend and is committed to boccia coaching.

Kieran is now driving and fully committed once again to the sport he loves. This is undoubtedly great news for Fife and Scotland. We all know what a talent he is and how much he has to offer the sport.

Kieran swims at the Michael Woods Sports & Leisure Centre and is supported by the Fife Sports and Leisure Trust through the Talented Athlete programme.

Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife

Part-Time Mobility Trainer – Until 31st March 2021 (initial 6 month probationary period)

The post is based in Glasgow though you will be required to deliver workshops across Scotland.

Go Kids Go are seeking to recruit a Mobility Trainer to deliver a programme of wheelchair skills training workshops throughout Scotland. Applicants should have a degree (BSc/BA) in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy or Sports Science. The role would require you to drive a transit van and you would need a full licence (and 3 years driving experience minimum if under 25).

Hours – flexible (to include weekend work) 30.3 per month.

Salary – £4719.40 (based on £23597 pro rata).

For more details please email roy@go-kids-go.org.uk

Closing date 9th November 2018.