A group of young people from West Lothian were recently introduced to wheelchair basketball for the first time thanks to a partnership between basketballscotland and the Lord’s Taverners.

The first session came as a new project is launched at Armadale Academy, where a club development programme, national junior league and a schools programme – named ‘Incluzive Zone Basketball’ – will all take place in the coming months.

Tina Gordon, basketballscotland’s Disability Talent and Pathways Manager, was delighted with the success of the launch event and believes the partnership with the Lord’s Taverners will see an increase in young people becoming involved with wheelchair basketball:

“The Lord’s Taverners funding will enable basketballscotland’s wheelchair basketball clubs to grow their junior development programmes by providing more training opportunities and set up a Scottish Junior League, which we’re aiming to start in April. In addition to this, a new school based competition will be established, called ‘Inclusive Zone Basketball’, which we’ll be looking to start at the beginning of the next academic year. This is a 4v4 game combining wheelchair and running basketball on the same court, in zoned off areas, which provides opportunity for inclusion within the sport.”

The support from The Lord’s Taverners will allow basketballscotland to provide more opportunities for players to try out – or compete in – the sport, whilst also raising awareness of the wheelchair basketball in the community.

Regional Development Executive for the Lord’s Taverners in Scotland, Jan Mckenzie, is happy to continue their support of basketballscotland:

“The Lord’s Taverners in Scotland is pleased to continue their support for Scottish Wheelchair Basketball with this grant to assist basketballscotland in developing its junior leagues and competitions.Our aim is to help disadvantaged young people achieve their full potential and we have been delighted to follow the progress of the young athletes who have benefitted from the Lord’s Taverners’ partnership with basketballscotland”.

As part of the Get Out Get Active (GOGA in Fife) Action for Change initiative, Gayle Sloan attended visited the 39th Dunfermline Beavers and provided the youngsters with a stimulating and informative experience of inclusive physical activity.

GOGA in Fife is supported by Spirit of 2012 and is committed to inclusive activity and inclusive learning. Gayle introduced boccia and offered opportunities for the enthusiastic young learners to experience the challenges of visual impairment and guiding. The Beavers had fun playing ball games with a jingle ball.

Being the mum of a very talented young wheelchair user, Gayle was able to share some of her knowledge of wheelchair sports. I am reliably informed that the Beavers had lots of great questions. The learning was planned to assist the Beavers with their Scouting interest of living in an inclusive community.

Gayle is a Scottish Athletics Level 2 coach and a Disability Sport Fife (DSF) volunteer who has blossomed as a member of the GOGA in Fife team. Thanks to GOGA investment in Fife, Gayle has had the opportunity to develop alongside more experienced coaches throughout the two years of the GOGA programme. GOGA in Fife has not only had a major impact on the lives of participants but also volunteers, coaches and peer mentor volunteers.

Best wishes to the 39th Dunfermline Beavers and thank you for your interest in inclusive active recreation and sport.

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

Congratulations to para athlete Derek Rae from Kirkcaldy and Fife AC who finished 6^th in the Tom Scott 10 road race earlier today in a 50 seconds personal best time of 51.52.

Derek has only recently returned to Fife following a spell of warm weather training in Tenerife. The warm weather training and the Tom Scott 10 are part of Derek’s preparations for the 2109 Virgin Money London marathon which is only four weeks away. Derek is coached by Ron Morrison at Fife AC and is supported by a multi disciplinary team at the Scottish Institute of Sport.

Before heading off to Tenerife Derek competed in the “Vitality Big Half Marathon” in London. Race conditions were exceptionally challenging with strong headwinds throughout. Derek kept his head down and addressed one mile at a time. Derek ran in a small group but as runners dropped off the pace the challenge became even mentally tougher. Derek was exceptionally pleased to cross the line in 69.35 and understandably so. He was close to his PB of 69.25.

Congratulations Derek and all the very best with your preparations leading to London 2019.

Great images from Derek’s training in Tenerife.

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