Month: March 2019

Wheelchair Curling Silver for Scots at World Championships

The WCF World Wheelchair Curling Championships returned for Scotland for the first time since 2005, when the event was hosted at Braehead Ice Rink. On that occasion, Scotland emerged as World Champions and as the Scots prepared to face China in the 2019 final, it looked like history was about to repeat itself. In an exciting climax to the 2019 Championships at the Peak in Stirling, Team Scotland secured the silver medal after losing out 5-2 in a hard fought final against the reigning Paralympic Champions.

Silver, however, represented a huge achievement for the host nation, who qualified from the round-robin stages with a last-gasp win over Canada before beating the defending champions, Norway, 7-2 in the semi-final. For Scottish skip Aileen Neilson and her team mates David Melrose, Robert McPherson, Hugh Nibloe and alternate Gary Logan it was an impressive finish after a faltering start to the week which saw them lose their first two matches. However, Scots regrouped magnificently and victories against Germany, Norway, Korea, USA, Russia, Estonia and Canada led to a third place finish on the table and a play-off place secured.

Scotland had lost to Slovakia in the round robin stage but they took their revenge in the play-off with a 7-6 victory after an extra end. A 7-3 semi-final victory over reigning World Champions, Norway lined up a place in the final for the Scots against the Paralympic Champions.

In the final, the Chinese had been the top qualifiers from the round-robin stages of the tournament and took the lead early, when they registered a single at the 2nd end followed up with a steal at the next. The Scots fought hard to reduce the deficit but the Chinese rink skipped by Wang Haitao established a 5-2 lead going into the last of the eight ends, where they were able to run the Scots out of stones to lift their first world title.

After the final, Scotland skip, Aieen Neilson said: “We had really high hopes ahead of this final of coming away with that gold medal. However after our start to the week if I had been offered a silver medal I would have been happy with that. Obviously finishing on a loss isn’t easy, but getting on the podium on home ice in front of all our supporters is fantastic.

“If there had been key shots made, when I had a chance for a two or if I had put a better guard on at the seventh it might have been different, we had chances, however we did make it a close final,” she said.

“They were worthy winners and they were probably the best team here this week, however we became more consistent as the week progressed and we did manage to make sure we were peaking in our performances at the end of the tournament.

“Overall, to have that gold medal experience and to have my second silver at a world champs and this time on home ice with lots of Scottish supporters, it doesn’t get much better than that. This silver medal is all the more special because of that and it is something that I will never forget.”

British Curling Head Wheelchair Coach Sheila Swan, who had previously coached the Scottish team at World Championships in 2011 where they won the silver medal said: “It is a game of small margins and we maybe weren’t as sharp as we were in our last few games. China didn’t give us many chances and when we did get them, we didn’t quite manage to capitalise on them. The shot their skip made at the 7th, when he feathered past the guard to make his two, that epitomised how tight that game was.

“They were the form team this week and reigning Paralympic Champions and a team we don’t see on tour much, so difficult to judge how they are playing. But you know coming into this week that you are playing the best eleven teams in the world and you have to expect tough games. There is a tinge of disappointment, but overall it is great to have won silver and we just have to build on this week and come back and get that illustrious gold medal next time,” Swan added.

In the bronze medal game, Korea beat defending World Champions Norway 10-3 to take their place on the podium in Stirling.

 

Scotland results after the round robin: 7W 4L

Scotland v Switzerland 4-5

Scotland v Latvia 7-8

Scotland v Germany 9-7 (EE)

Scotland v Norway 7-4

Scotland v Korea 7-6

Scotland v China 3-7

Scotland v USA 7-6

Scotland v Slovakia 5-9

Scotland v Russia 5-4

Scotland v Estonia 9-3

Scotland v Canada 5-3

 

Play-off result:

Scotland v Slovakia 7-6 (EE)

 

Semi-final result:

Scotland v Norway 7-3

 

Gold medal match:

Scotland v China 2-5

 

 

SCOTLAND TEAM:

Aileen Neilson (skip) – 47yrs, born East Kilbride, lives Strathaven

David Melrose – 52yrs, born Haddington, lives Duns

Robert McPherson – 50yrs, born Motherwell, lives Bellshill

Hugh Nibloe – 37yrs, born Stranraer, lives Stranraer

Gary Logan – 47yrs, born Berwick-upon-Tweed, lives Cornhil on Tweed, Northumberland

Photo courtesy of Scottish Curling

Glasgow Disability Sport Co-ordinator

Salary: £11,500
Hours: Part time, flexible working (based on 17 hours per week)
Duration: Fixed term 1 year (with potential extension beyond)
Contract: Self-employed
Deadline: Monday 8 April 2019
Interviews: Monday 29 April 2019

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 in Glasgow. GDS 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. 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 license 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:

  1. Co-ordinate and deliver the GDS events programme and develop physical activity and sport sessions for children, young people and adults with physical, learning and sensory disabilities.
  2. Co-ordinate the selection and attendance of Glasgow/West of Scotland teams to compete in SDS National events.
  3. Develop, co-ordinate and promote education and development opportunities for Glasgow’s coaches and volunteers working with disabled athletes and players.
  4. Contribute positively to the GDS strategic development planning processes.
  5. To secure sufficient funds for the on going development of GDS in accordance with OSCR guidelines and procedures. This will include 50% of the post holder salary for future years funding. The post holder will receive 10% of all funds raised.
  6. Create, maintain and develop partnerships
  7. Actively celebrate and promotes Glasgow successes and positive role models in disability sport through GDS.
  8. Monitor and evaluate all GDS Programmes.
  9. Promote and market GDS programmes and services.
  10. Act as secretariat for the GDS Committee.
  11. Represent GDS at related and relevant meetings as required.
  12. Process and administer Protected Vulnerable Group (PVG) forms

General Responsibilities

  1. Any other reasonable duties as delegated from time to time that are appropriate to this position
  2. Contribute as appropriate to newsletter, website and other publications.

Management
The post holder should report to and meet with the GDS Chair on a regular basis to review progress.

Application procedure

The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 8 April 2019. A CV and cover letter must be sent to Jennifer Barsby by this date.

Further information
For further information about the post of any related enquiries please contact: Jennifer Barsby, Scottish Disability Sport, 0131 317 1130 / jennifer.barsby@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

Interviews and start date

Interviews are scheduled to take place on Monday 29 April 2019 in Glasgow with shortlisted candidates being notified no later than Thursday 18 April 2019. It is intended that the post will commence as soon as possible.

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 the Equality Act 2010. All appointments are made purely on the basis of merit and ability.

PBs Tumble at Grampian’s Mary Duncan Gala

Swimmers from all across Grampian flocked to Fraserburgh Swimming Pool for this year’s annual Mary Duncan Swimming Gala, in what turned out to be an exciting afternoon of quality competitive swimming.

The event, which serves as a qualifier for the SDS Senior Swimming Championships, was attended by a record 55 swimmers, some of whom had their debut para swimming events. The swimmers were on good form and there were some top swims put in by both new and seasoned athletes.

Noteable performances came from Matthew Scott, who claimed a new PB for his 100m IM. Tegan Davidson’s 50m Freestyle was also worthy of celebration. Other fantastic performances came from newcomer, Natalia Chociaj, Lucy Thomas, Jason Cobb, Ronan Hastings, James Leith, Danielle Rait, Bryden Lee & Michael Sutherland. That being said, all of the swimmers gave it their all and swam their best on the day, so a massive congratulations goes to everyone who took part.

As well as a high level of participant entries, the event was well-served by an abundance of volunteers including parents, branch members, swimming club coaches and club committee members. A huge thank you goes to everyone who helped out on the day with marshalling, timekeeping, recording, judging, handing out medals and all of the other tasks that these unsung heroes do to make it all happen. A special thank you goes to Pauline Stirling who coordinated all of the entries, brought everyone together and managed the event on the day.

If you, or someone you know, lives with a physical, sensory or intellectual impairment and would like to get more involved in sport, please get in touch with Alison Shaw (Regional Manager for Scottish Disability Sport) on 07828 744 848 or alison.shaw@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

Major Para Successes at Kirkcaldy and Central Fife Awards

Disability Sport Fife values the strong relationship it enjoys with the three local Sports Councils. Each of the three Sports Councils offers Disability Sport Fife and others the opportunity to nominate and showcase the achievements of Para athletes, coaches and volunteers from within east, west and central Fife.

Last night it was the turn of Kirkcaldy & Central Fife Sports Council to showcase sporting/volunteering excellence within its catchment area and DSF members featured prominently.

Derek Rae from Kirkcaldy and Fife Athletic Club featured prominently in the awards list following his amazing 2018 season. Derek won the PLM Optometrists disability sports person of the year award. Michael Drever from Leven and Owen Miller from Dunfermline and Fife AC were runners up for their achievements in Para trap shooting and athletics.

Michael Mellon from Cardenden was the only Scot in the UK Invictus Games team in Australia and was awarded the Gary Innes Memorial Shield.

Steven and Robert Anderson were runners up in the Service to Sport section for their roles as DSF peer mentor volunteers.

Derek rounded off an amazing 2019 evening by winning the Fife College special achievement award. The award winner in this category is selected from all the winners celebrated throughout the evening. Derek is the first Para athlete to win this award – a very special achievement by a great athlete and role model.

Richard Brickley MBE – Chairman DSF (SCIO) Board of Charity Trustees

Young Person’s Sport Panel take to the ice!

Three members of the SDS Young Persons Sport Panel – Lewis McConnell, Caitlyn Ross and Colette Martin – attended the World Wheelchair Curling Championships at the PEAK on Wednesday 6 March 2019. The group attended to support panel ambassador Aileen Neilson and team Gary Logan, Robert McPherson, Hugh Nibloe and David Melrose, as they played against the USA in the number 10 draw of the round robin matches of the tournament.

It was a very exciting and tense game of curling to watch as the Scottish team got off to a strong start winning the first end 2-0. After some close shots in the ends to follow, Scotland were still leading at the half way point 4-3. The YPSP kept waving their flags of support as the USA went on to equalise in the 5th end before they went into take the lead by 1 point in end 6. As the teams went into their last end of the match Scotland were 6-4 down but Aileen skipped the team to victory as they won the end by 3 points and to a final result of 7-6 to Scotland. This win moved Scotland up to joint 5th position in the table with Canada and Switzerland. The team will play their next round of matches against Slovakia and Russia on Thursday.

Panel member Colette Martin said: “It was great to see a world championships in your home country and to see Wheelchair Curling played at the highest level. It was great to see our panel ambassador, Ailien in action as well!”

Good luck to Aileen and the rest of the Scottish team in the rest of the competition!

National Equestrian Awards 2019 Winners Announced

The horsescotland National Equestrian Awards 2019, very kindly sponsored by RHASS, took place on Friday 1st March at Doubletree Dunblane Hydro.

These prestigious awards celebrate and honour the outstanding contributions within Scottish equestrianism, providing an opportunity to both acknowledge and congratulate the success, performance, effort and sheer determination shown by so many throughout the year.

Following a drinks reception, horsescotland Chair, Grant Turnbull, welcomed over 300 guests. Grant stated “ I am delighted to be involved in such a progressive equestrian community in Scotland and it it is tremendous to see the support of so many of our Member bodies. The quality and number of award nominations received this year has exceeded all expectation”. Special thanks were given to RHASS for their continued sponsorship support.

Highly respected ex National Hunt Jockey, Peter Scudamore MBE, took to the stage after an excellent meal and entertained everyone with an interesting and humorous speech.

Finally, the waiting was over and the winners were announced. Awards were presented by RHASS chairman, Allan J. Murray and Peter Scudamore MBE.

RDA Chief Executive Ed Bracher, followed on by thanking horsescotland for helping to celebrate the 50th anniversary of RDA in Scotland before presenting the RDA Scotland Outstanding Contribution award to Susie Elliot MBE. Ed expressed his gratitude by saying “Thank you so much to horsescotland for marking our 50th anniversary in this way and allowing us to show off the power and importance of our volunteers”

The full list of winners (Photography – Sinclair Photography):

Equestrian Business of the Year
Lindores Equestrian – Celebrating 30 years in business this year, Lindores Equestrian has supported not only the equestrian community but also Scottish tourism. They have listened to demands and needs and continually develop the business in response. Their focus on customer care is exemplary.

Employee of the Year
Jamie Turnbull – Jamie has made a significant contribution to Scottish Racing as an assistant trainer. His hard work and dedication helped produce the 2017 Grand National winner and in 2018 he worked with the team to produce a total of fifty winners. It is clear that he is an integral and pivotal part of the team at Arlary House Racing.

Youth Coach of the Year
Sean Henderson – Through his coaching, Sean has demonstrated a great ability to inspire confidence and to encourage riders to develop, participate and enjoy their sport.

Young People’s Coach of the Year
Jennifer Burnett – Over the past 10 years, Jennifer has coached over 200 horse and rider combinations. As a result, the Scottish Junior Tetrathlon girls team is consistently in the top four and the boys team have won twice.

Participation Coach of the Year
Martin Arnott – Martin shows a genuine desire to see both the horse and rider develop regardless of their experience or age. By building on traditional coaching approaches and using video review techniques, he helps riders to acquire the knowledge to train their own horses. He has also developed links internationally and delivered the UKCC platform in the United Arab Emirates.

Performance Coach of the Year
Andrew Hamilton – The judging panel were surprised that Andrew had not won this award before. He was one of the first in Scotland to complete the UKCC level 3 coaching certificate. A former British International Showjumper, he has been influential in working with riders at all levels.

Youth Performer of the Year
Nicole Lockhead-Anderson & Shaunie Greig – Joint winners, Nicole and Shaunie’s hard work has certainly paid off over the last year. Amongst several notable individual victories throughout the year, they were part of the gold winning British Pony Team, Team LeMieux, at the Pony European Championships, Bishop Burton in August 2018.
Award collected by Lucy Moss (British Showjumping Scotland) and Claire Lockhead-Anderson

Performer of the Year
Graham Babes – A member of the horsescotland elite performance squad, this young man has had many international successes in the last year. Graham was part of the British Young Rider team which took silver at the European showjumping Championships.
Award collected by Sandra Low-Mitchell

Youth Volunteer of the Year
Alexandra MacMillan – Alexandra is a dedicated young lady who has consistently proven herself to be reliable and competent with a true desire to learn. She has covered many miles in her volunteer role and is also an aspiring young judge.

Volunteer of the Year
Fiona Roebuck – Having spent 29 years as a volunteer on the the committee of the National Pony Society Scotland, Fiona is now the current Chair. Over the years she has shown unbounded commitment and continues to push forward the development of the Society. She dedicates her time to supporting the running of the light horse sections at various agricultural shows and following fifteen years of stewarding at the Royal Highland Show was recently elected Regional Director of the Light Horse section.

Club of the Year
Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA – There are many equestrian clubs in Scotland who offer exceptional support and facilities to participants. However, this club really stands out. They are committed to ensuring club members gain more than just equestrian aptitude by giving them life skills for the future.

Team of the Year
South of Scotland Select – Unbeaten in Scottish and British competition this team represented Britain in the 2018 European championships finishing fourth in their category. Highly motivated and very involved in their sport, most of the members are already coaching others towards future success.

Equine Breeder of the Year
Reay Campbell – Highly respected, Reay of Caledonia Dressage Horses has bred exceptional foals through her excellent breeding programme, providing many equestrians, not just in Scotland but further afield, with the opportunity to excel. She is a dedicated individual with many years of experience.

Owner of the Year
Gordon Grainger – Gordon has gone way beyond just providing a horse. By supporting the rider in all aspects of training and competing, his horse has gone on to compete and win. Rider and horse have so far excelled to become British Elementary Gold Freestyle Champions and British Elementary Gold Champions.

Writer of the Year
Emma Cheape – Through their writing to a national audience, an increase in participation has been reported along with increased support for charities. Emma has brought equestrianism to a wider audience through traditional print and online media

Equestrian Photo of the Year
Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA – Equi-Power’s photo submission achieved over 1200 likes on the horsescotland Facebook page. A firm favourite with our public voters.

Lifetime Achievement
David Blair & Tom Best – Previousl school teachers, Tom and David became involved in equine breeding when they formed Waxwing Stud in 1972. Their Welsh Section A and B ponies are renowned for having excellent temperaments and trainability. Many have gone on to become winners, including Horse of the Year Show Supreme Pony Champion ‘Waxwing Thumbs Up’. Their continued passion and dedication to the world of breeding, showing and judging coupled with their willingness to share their knowledge and expertise makes them very worthy winners of this award.

Board Special Recognition
Ursula XII – Special recognition goes to an outstanding equine who recently retired from an exceptional career in showjumping. This Scottish sport horse mare was bred in 2001by Mary Turnbull and was originally produced by horsescotland performance programme rider, Mark Turnbull. Her career was furthered under the ownership of Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham. This exceptionally talented mare, along with top Scottish rider Scott Brash, went on to secure many wins at top level showjumping worldwide.
Award collected by Anne Logan and Mark Turnbull

RDA Scotland Outstanding Contribution
Susie Elliot MBE – A volunteer for over 50 years, Susie has inspired countless others. Her selfless commitment and dedication has enabled many at both regional and national level to develop and succeed.

PHOTOS (left to right)
Photographer – Sinclair Photography

  1. Equestrian Business of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE, Lindores Equestrian, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
  2. Employee of the Year: Jamie Turnbull, Peter Scudamore MBE, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
  3. Youth Coach of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Sean Henderson, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
  4. Young People’s Coach of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Jennifer Burnett, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
  5. Participation Coach of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Martin Arnott, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
  6. Performance Coach of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Andrew Hamilton, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
  7. Youth Performer of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Lucy Moss (British Showjumping Scotland) collecting on behalf of
    Shaunie Greig, Claire Lockhead-Anderson collecting on behalf of Nicole Lockhead-Anderson, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
  8. Performer of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Sandra Low-Mitchell collecting on behalf of Graham Babes, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
  9. Youth Volunteer of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Alexandra MacMillan, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
  10. Volunteer of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Fiona Roebuck, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
  11. Club of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
  12. Team of the Year: South of Scotland Select, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
  13. Equine Breeder of the Year: Allan J. Murray(RHASS) , Reay Campbell, Peter Scudamore MBE
  14. Owner of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Gordon Grainger, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
  15. Writer of the Year: Allan J. Murray(RHASS) , Emma Cheape, Peter Scudamore MBE
  16. Equestrian Photo of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
  17. Lifetime Achievement: Peter Scudamore MBE , David Blair, Tom Best, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
  18. Board Special Recognition: Peter Scudamore MBE, Anne Logan on behalf of Scott Brash and Owners – Lady Harris and
    Lady Kirkham, Mark Turnbull on behalf of Turnbull familly, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
  19. RDA Scotland Outstanding Contribution: Ed Bracher (RDA Chief Executive), Susie Elliot MBE

2019 Disability Sport Fife Badminton Championships

Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre was the venue for the Fife badminton championships and DSF is indebted to Fife Sports and Leisure Trust for continued support of the DSF events programme. The championships were the second major event of the 2019 Fife Sports Festival.

The late Russell Hogg worked for both Badminton Scotland and Scottish Disability Sport and had a major influence on the development of disability badminton in Fife. Russell’s achievements as a Scottish international badminton player are well known and his passion for badminton development was unique.

Russell greatly influenced the DSF attitude towards badminton and thanks to Russell’s guidance and enthusiasm the sport has been part of the DSF programme for a significant number of years. DSF has a very special relationship with Kirkcaldy High School and for the fifth year Kirkcaldy High School’s Sports Leaders were responsible for umpiring duties.
For the 2019 Championships, DSF once again created divisions based on age, gender and ability to ensure that participants competed against players of similar ability. Junior players from schools and adults from West Fife CSS, East

Fife CSS and DSF weekly sessions in Glenothes and Cowdenbeath signed up for the all day event.
Scottish international Para badminton player, Mary Wilson from Edinburgh, successfully defended the open title for women and throughout the day offered advice, shot choices and subliminal coaching to all those she played. Pauline Bryson from the DSF Cowdenbeath group was runner up with Briony Clark from DSF Glenrothes won bronze. Tanis Murphy from East Fife CSS won the intermediate section and Erin Johnstone from West Fife CSS was runner up.
Rosalind Penman from Balwearie HS successfully defended the girls open title and Jade Trowell from Glenrothes HS was runner up. Samantha Christie from Balwearie HS won the bronze medal. Scott Todd from Glenrothes HS won the equivalent section for boys by defeating Calum Robertson from Balwearie HS 2 – 1. Leo Cord from Balwearie HS won bronze. Mark Phimister from Balwearie HS defeated David Goodsir from Glenrothes HS to win the intermediate boys title with Sufyann Saleem from Balwearie HS winning bronze.

The mens open section had several close matches plus play offs to determine the outcome. Lloyd Simpson from DSF Glenrothes was the outstanding player from the start of the competition and managed a comfortable win against Steven Anderson from DSF Glenrothes to retain the open title. Robert Anderson from DSF Glenrothes won bronze.
There were play offs in the mens intermediate competition also but once again Ryan Melville from DSF Glenrothes was the outstanding player from the start. Allan Robertson from DSF Glenrothes won silver and Stephen Russell from DSF Glenrothes a well deserved bronze. The level 3 competition was won by Ryan Peterson from East Fife CSS with Tristen Rankine from West Fife CSS finishing runner up. John Sapsed from West Fife CSS won bronze.
Great venue, committed players, super officials and volunteers – a very successful event and well done to all those who participated. The photo includes all the title winners and medalists.

Richard Brickley MBE – Chairman DSF (SCIO) Board of Charity Trustees

Fife Swimming Champs Produce Fine Performances

Swimmers from West Fife CSS enjoyed a very productive day at the 2019 Disability Sport Fife swimming championships held at the Michael Woods Sports & Leisure Centre on Friday 1st March.

The championships are supported by Fife Sports and Leisure Trust and Fife Council and as always are the first event of the Annual Fife Sports Festival that has been running for 43 years. The championships are also a qualifying event for the Scottish Senior Swimming Championships organised by Scottish Disability Sport.

Hannah Moffat and Connor Mitchell started the day off perfectly for the West Fife CSS team with wins in each of the two trophy races reserved for the leading community support services swimmers. Tanis Murphy and Ryan Peterson from East Fife CSS picked up the trophy race silver medals.

The day ended exactly as it had begun for West Fife CSS swimmers when they won the Inter CSS relay and the Sonia Kane Trophy followed by the overall team competition and the Anne H Brodie trophy. East Fife CSS finished second and Central third. An outstanding championships for West Fife CSS.

Eight schools contested the inter schools competition for the new Sky Trophy and it was the powerful Woodmill HS swim team that ran out worthy winners with 60 points. Madras college swimmers finished second and Balwearie HS third. This meant that Woodmill HS completed the junior swimming double having won the Russel Hogg trophy at the Inter shools gala held last September at Lochgelly HS. This was the highest number of schools entered for the championships to date and Queen Anne HS and Auchmuty HS were welcomed to the gala for the first time.

There were fine swims by Fife’s leading physically disabled swimmers Cara Smyth, Craig Smith and Katie Pake. Cara and Katie swim with Carnegie SC and Craig was making his return to competition swimming after an absence of several years.

Shaun Rowlcliffe, Liam McIntyre and Carter Taylor were the outstanding senior swimmers with a learning disability. Skye Hammon (Dunfermline HS), Nathan Smith (Woodmill HS), Josh Johnstone (Woodmill HS), Stephen Braid (Woodmill HS), Cameron Hay (John Fergus School), Kieran Beaton (Madras College) and Keir Fisher (Auchmuty HS) showed up extremely well in the equivalent section for juniors.

The championships as always came to an exciting end with excellent relay events involving juniors, swimmers with physical disabilities and four teams of independent swimmers with a learning disability who attend coach led sessions at Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre and Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre supported by Spirit of 2012 under the GOGA in Fife programme.

At the conclusion of the championships tribute was paid to the many people involved with the organisation and running of the event including Kirkcaldy HS sports leaders, Scottish Swimming officials, DSF volunteers and peer mentor volunteers, FSLT duty staff and school and Health and social Care support staff. The 2019 Sports Festival is well and truly up and running.

Rchard Brickley MBE – Chairman DSF (SCIO) Board Of Charity Trustees

Local Funding Provides Boost to Boccia in Aberdeen

Thanks to the receipt of significant local funding, school-aged children in Aberdeen will have increased and improved access to boccia within their school & community environments.

The Active Aberdeen Partnership, which develops the sporting infrastructure and strategy across the whole of the city, granted Scottish Disability Sport enough funds to purchase boccia kits for each of the city’s Active Schools Coordinators and Active Schools Assistants, and to provide a Boccia Leaders’ Workshop for the recipients of the kit, local volunteers & school staff.

This project has been developed as a partnership between Active Schools Aberdeen & Scottish Disability Sport and aims to offer ongoing lunchtime boccia sessions in each primary & secondary school in the city, which are open to all of their pupils (both with and without disabilities). This will be achieved through the provision of the kit and training, and by linking with existing volunteering programmes within each community. In time, we also hope to be able to offer inter-school Boccia Bonanza Festivals and to launch after school & community clubs in several ASGs to provide a pathway for eligible players to develop in the sport.

If you, or someone you know, lives with a physical, sensory or intellectual impairment and would like to get more involved in sport, please get in touch with Alison Shaw (Regional Manager for Scottish Disability Sport) on 07828 744 848 or alison.shaw@scottishdisabilitysport.com

Special Olympics World Games

Andrew Stuart, 19 year old Golfer from Dunblane, is all set to represent Great Britain at the Special Olympics World Games, set for 14-21 March in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. More than 7,000 athletes from 170 countries will compete in 24 summer sports, along with 2,500 coaches. These will be the first Special Olympics World Games in the Middle East/North Africa region. The 2019 World Games kick off with a star-studded Opening Ceremony in the iconic Zayed Sports City Stadium in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the largest sports venue in the Persian Gulf. In addition to sports competition, the 2019 World Games will feature inspiring non-sports activities and programs, including Unified Sports experiences, free Healthy Athletes screenings, Global Youth Leadership Summit, and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Andrew has been playing golf since the age of eight and has represented Forth Valley Disability Sport at three National Summer Games including Leicester 2009, Bath 2013 and Sheffield 2017 and at the Anniversary Games hosted in Stirling in 2018. 2018 was a very successful year for Andrew winning 18 medals or trophies in golf. Forth Valley Disability Sport would like to wish Andrew and the Great Britain team the very best of luck.

Laura Stuart, Andrew’s mum, said: “It always was a dream for Andrew to one day play for his country. Andrew has made many friends over the years through playing golf within the Special Olympics and is giving him great confidence to be around different people. Andrew would like to thank his grandad and his Special Olympics Head Coach Jamie McDonald for always helping him. And all the family and friends who made it possible for Andrew to get to the World Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi it is a great achievement for Andrew and as a family we are all very proud of him.”

Forth Valley Disability Sport is the leading organisation in the Forth Valley area providing sporting opportunities to people with physical, learning, sensory and complex needs. We have many clubs and partners providing these and if you would like to know anything about sport or physical activity, please get in touch. You can do this by contacting us, give us a call on 01786 466486 or connecting with us via our social media channels – Facebook and Twitter.