Month: May 2019

South Lanarkshire Disability Sport Awards and AGM

On Tuesday 28th May 2019, South Lanarkshire Disability Sport (SLDS) held their Annual Awards dinner and AGM at the Town House in Hamilton.

It was a great turn out from the many talented athletes and their families, and schools, clubs and coaches that contribute so greatly to providing activities for the South Lanarkshire residents.

There were a few speakers on the night which gave a great insight into disability sport in the area and beyond.  David Crawford, South Lanarkshire Leisure & Culture (SLLC) provided an update on the activities that take place in South Lanarkshire (SL) and the successes that the athletes have had.  Gavin MacLeod, Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) gave an overview of SDS and how they link in/support SLDS and SLLC.  This support and relationship between SDS, SLDS and SLLC is crucial in the development of disability sport in SL.

It is not an easy task standing up in front of that amount of people, but Adam Donnachie, Scottish squad swimmer and basketball player gave a very inspirational speech on how he got involved in sport and what sport has done for him.   He gave a great account of his experience and what he aims to do next and everyone at SLDS wishes Adam every success for the future.

The evening was a great success with a fabulous array of talent attending, along with great and inspirational keynote speakers.  Well done everyone nominated for an award, the winners of the award and to the organisers for putting on a great night.

The winners are below:

Junior Male Sports Performer of the Year – Alexander Thomson – Athletics
Junior Female Sports Performer of the Year – Shiona McClafferty – Swimming
Adult Male Sports Performer of the Year – Jack Connelly – Bowls
Adult Female Sports Performer of the Year – Hazel Irvine – Badminton
Coach of the Year – Steven Moffat – Claremont Colts Football Club
Club of the Year – U18 Scottish wheelchair basketball Squad
High School of the Year – Lanark Grammar
Primary School of the Year – High Blantyre and Greenburn School

 If anyone would like more information on SLDS please contact Marion Wotherspoon on marion.wotherspoon@southlanarkshire.co.uk

Visibility icon

Visibility Ice Skating Session

Visibility’s Children and Families Team would like to invite you to an Ice Skating session on Monday, 1st July at The Time Capsule Waterpark, 100 Buchanan Street, Coatbridge ML5 1DL at 11:30-2pm. Lunch will be provided for children on the day, so please let us know if you have any dietary requirements.

The children will have an opportunity to learn about what ice skating is and then have a go themselves. All children must have a parent accompanying them on the ice rink in order to participate.

If you would like to join us on the day, please get in touch by calling the Children and Families team on 0141 332 4632. Places for this event are limited, so booking is essential.

We look forward to seeing you on the day. For more information contact  info@visibility.org.uk.

Owen Miller from Fife AC Tops World Rankings

I have just checked the IPC world rankings for the T20 class following the recent run by Fife ACs Owen Miller in Manchester.

The Dunfermline athlete is now number one in the world rankings following his 3:56.32 run over 1500 metres. How very special is that for the past pupil of Woodmill HS and his coach at Fife AC, Steve Doig.

Congratulations Owen from all of us at DSF.

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

Men’s 1500 m T20

Rank Name Time Date City Country
1 Miller, Owen GBR 3:56.32 2019-05-25 Manchester Great Britain

2 Pereira, Cristiano POR 4:01.92 2019-05-10 Beijing China

3 Iwata, Yuki JPN 4:06.80 2019-05-10 Beijing China

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

Outstanding London Performances by Fife Athlete

Congratulations to Graham McIntyre from Leven who has been in London for the Vitality Westminister mile and the Vitality London 10K. Graham completed the former in 4:23 and the latter in 32:27.

Two outstanding performances by Graham who is still a relative newcomer to high performance wheelchair racing.

Graham paid tribute Michele Weltman from GB Athletics who along with some of the leading GB wheelchair racers made the Fife man enormously welcome and helped calm his nerves.

Graham found the road surface very bumpy and the pollen count under the trees very tricky. Coach Pamela Robson was delighted with Graham’s two performances and was in no doubt that he rose to the challenge in the company of more experienced athletes.

Most importantly Graham enjoyed the experience of the big occasion. Graham is growing in confidence with every event and his addition to Team Fife has prompted the whole Fife squad to step up their training and commitment to competitions.

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

Elite Athlete Lines up with the Best

If you were ever in doubt about how far Derek Rae from Kirkcaldy and Fife Athletic Club has come since his accident and consequent engagement in Para sport, then the BBC Sport screenshot says it all.

At the recent Vitality Westminster mile and Vitality 10K Derek lined up in the elite start alongside some of the leading international athletes in distance running. Derek was the only Para athlete on the start line. Recognition of a world class athlete who is ranked two on the IPC world rankings list for T46 marathon as a consequence of his memorable run at this year’s Virgin Money London Marathon.

Last Sunday afternoon in London in the Vitality Westminster mile Derek ran 4:40 for a two second PB. On Monday morning Derek ran in the Vitality 10K and finished on the Mall in 31.59 for a PB by 15 seconds. An exceptional run and a performance that more than justified his selection for the elite start and a position alongside great athletes such as Sir Mo Farah.

The Fife Athletic Club athlete loved the occasion and not surprisingly was motivated by the number of occasions he heard his name being called by spectators. Derek described the Vitality 10K as the proudest moment in his career to date. The London Marathon team organised both events and Derek was quick to pay tribute to Michelle Whiteman and the team for all they did to ensure his experience was as expected and more. 

Derek is coached by Ron Morrison at Fife AC and has a superb team of experts behind him at the Scottish Institute of Sport. Family and friends are massively important to Derek and of course his wife Susan is a massive influence in his life. Derek never forgets where it all began and it will not be long before he heads back to Kinghorn on June 14th for the Black Rock 5. Despite his many successes as a Para athlete Derek looks forward to running with local people in local settings.

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

Great Displays of Sportsmanship at Grampian Games

With some tense moments and close matches, talent and competition was plentiful at this year’s Grampian Games. But it wasn’t only the top performers who left a lasting impression.

The Branch’s annual 2-day multi-sport event comprised of competitions in boccia, 10-pin bowling, table tennis and bowls, and took place at Aberdeen Sports Village and Garioch Indoor Bowling Centre over the weekend of the 25th and 26th May. The event attracted around 70 participants from across Grampian and beyond, including our visitors from Dundee Boccia Club.

What was very notable about the whole event was the relaxed and friendly atmosphere created by the competitors, who gave it their absolute all during the competition but were welcoming to our visiting teams and courteous towards their fellow competitors, even following a defeat.

Thanks goes to everyone who made the day possible including all of the volunteers at Grampian Disability Sport, staff at Garioch Indoor Bowling Centre and Aberdeen Sports Village, the parents and carers who made sure the participants were able to attend, and to the participants themselves for really doing Grampian proud.

The results for the competitions were as follows.

Saturday 25th May – Boccia

Group A (Adult Players with Physical Disabilities):
Gold: Kerry Mathers
Silver: Samantha Sturrock
Bronze: Sheila Hendry

Group B (Adult Players with Learning Disabilities):
Gold: Andrew Keddie
Silver: Stuart Gunn
Bronze: Rebecca Perry

Group C (Adult Players who use Assistive Devices):
Gold: Hannah Craig & assistant, Carole Craig

Group D (Junior Players):
Gold: Holly McWilliam
Silver: Daniel Strong
Bronze: Kyle Latto

Saturday 25th May – Table Tennis

Open Ladies Singles:
Gold: Kara Rae
Silver: Eveline Johnston
Bronze: Julie Morrison

Open Men’s Singles:
Gold: Alex Rae
Silver: Stephen Welsh
Bronze: Terry Sowah

Men’s Singles for Players with Learning Disabilities:
Gold: John Clark
Silver: Andy Drummond
Bronze: Aaron Morrison

Mixed Doubles:
Gold: Alex Rae & Kara Rae
Silver: Steven Welsh & Eveline Johnston

Sunday 26th May – 10-pin Bowling
Gold: Scott Fisher
Silver: Emma Stelmach
Bronze: Robert Travis

Sunday 26th May – Indoor Bowls

Ladies:
Gold: Shona Fraser
Silver: Kelly McDonald
Bronze: Kerry Mathers

Mens:
Gold: Tommy Low
Silver: Alan Dawson
Bronze: Robert Travis & Malcolm Cran

If you live with a physical, sensory or intellectual disability in Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire or Moray (or know someone who does) and would like to get more involved in sport, please get in touch with Alison Shaw on 07828 744 848 or alison.shaw@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

Success for Forth Valley Flyer Athletes

Forth Valley’s Steven Stone and Liam Nolan, both T/F 20 classified athletes, were in action over the weekend – Steven down in Bedford in The English Open and Liam through in Livingston at the Throws Grand Prix.

Steven jumped 6m 44 on his way to winning the event and is currently the No. 1 long jumper in the UK. Steven has also been selected for the GB National Squad and is heading to Italy next week to take part for the first time in  an International meeting.

Liam has recently taken up throwing the hammer and produced a throw of 24m 24 which was an improvement of nearly 6m in wet, difficult conditions. Liam then went on to better his discus PB by over a metre. Liam is currently ranked 2nd in the UK for both hammer and discus.

Both athletes represent Forth Valley Flyers and Falkirk Victoria Harriers and have made the transition from disability into mainstream athletics. Both athletes share the same coach, Beau Bissett, who holds both athletes in high regard, stating that he is proud of them both and that they deserve their success as both train extremely hard and are very dedicated and talented young men.

Liam and Steven train regularly at Grangemouth Stadium with both Forth Valley Flyers and Falkirk Victoria Harriers.

Success for Lewis at National Learning Disability Awards

Congratulations to Forth Valley’s Lewis McDermid, who won the National Learning Disability Sport Achievement Award 2019.

Lewis received his award at Scotland’s National Learning Disability Awards on 17th May in Glasgow. He was overall winner in the Sport Achievement category and is pictured being presented with his award by Megan Glancy of the Scottish Young Person’s Sports Panel (YPSP) and STV presenter Rona Dougall.

Lewis received the award because of his achievements in athletics and martial arts. He has 60 medals so far (25 gold, 16 silver and 14 bronze and 5 in judo). He’s also won the Clacks Triumph Over Adversity Award for the past two years running and qualified for the Scottish Kickboxing Team after only 6 months in the sport. He’s heading to a couple of world championships and the Scottish Open with them later this year.

Most importantly though, he won the award because of how much his commitment to sport has changed his life and inspired him to support other children with autism and learning disabilities to achieve in school and in sport.

Lewis is hoping to look at opportunities to support others in sport now that he’s left school and will be starting college in Alloa.

Ayrshire Sportsability Chairperson

Ayrshire Sportsability: Chairperson
Recruiting body: Ayrshire Sportsability
Closing date: 5pm, 3rd June 2019

Ayrshire Sportsability (ASA) 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 in Ayrshire. ASA 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. ASA achieved SDS Minimum Operating Requirements (MOR) which ensures all governance is up to date and appropriate. The committee of ASA now wish to appoint a new chair to lead the branch.

Role Title – Chairperson (voluntary)
Organisation – Ayrshire Sportsabilty
Responsible to – Ayrshire Sportsabilty Board
Location – Ayrshire
Contract – The Chair is selected from an open and transparent process. If appointed from externally, they will become a Trustee and is formally approved at the AGM. The term is normally for two-years, with the 2019 appointment initially for a one-year term. Subject to satisfactory performance, he/she will be eligible for reappointment for up to 6 years maximum.

This is a voluntary position but all reasonable expenses will be paid. The chairperson is expected to attend branch meetings, held 6 times per year, ASA sport/fundraising events and sub group meetings.

Time commitment – 30 days per year

Term – 1 year initially, then a maximum 6 year term – re-elected every 2 years which is subject to appraisal &
recommendation of the board.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

    • Ability to lead the strategic direction.
    • Chair Board meetings effectively and efficiently
    • Ability to make decisions and work with others to reach agreed outcomes
    • Ability to understand and analyse complex issues
    • Ability to influence and communicate effectively

MAIN DUTIES:

  • Provide Strategic Leadership
  • Ensure Quality Governance
  • Develop External Relations
  • Promote Efficiency and Effectiveness
  • Establish and Maintain Relationship with Service Contractor

The above list is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Chair will be expected to perform all such additional duties
as are reasonably commensurate with the role. In addition to chairing the main Board meetings, the Chair has the
right to attend the Committees of ASA.

Interviews

Interviews will consist of two stages:

  • A meet and greet evening will take place on Monday 10th June, 6pm- 7pm.
  • A 10 minute presentation followed by interview questions which will take place on Tuesday 11th June, 5pm –
    8pm.

Applications
Deadline for applications is 5pm, Monday 3rd June 2019

All applicants should send Cover Letter and Curriculum Vitae to admin@ayrshiresportsability.org.uk.

The Cover Letter should highlight why you wish to be considered for the role of Chair of ASA and outline relevant
experience and expertise you have in relation to the Role and Person Specifications.

As part of the application it also required for two references to be provided within your CV. These will only be
contacted in the event of the successful candidate being offered the role.

If you have any questions or would like more information please contact: waiyin@waibeyond.com

ASA Chairperson

ASA Chair JD and PS

Andrew MacKenzie – West of Scotland Regional Manager

Hello there, I’m Andrew MacKenzie, the new SDS Regional Manager for the West of Scotland. I’ll be covering the areas of Glasgow City, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, Inverclyde and Argyle & Bute. I’m looking forward to the role and being part of the SDS family to build on the progress and good work that Lori Ure has done.

A bit about my past:

I went to UWS to study Sports Development and achieved a Bachelor of Arts Degree. During this time I was volunteering for South Lanarkshire Leisure & Culture with Active Schools and the Community Sport Hubs. I built my coaching skills and experience to then be a paid coach for SLLC. I wanted to be in Sport Development and I got my first opportunity as a Club Development Officer for The Lady Rocks Basketball Club in Cumbernauld in November 2015. I was with the Lady Rocks till December 2016 and helped develop grassroots basketball in Cumbernauld and Coatbridge. This is an inclusive club that welcomed all abilities and levels to try out basketball, as well as coach education and promotion.

I then moved to Aberdeen to be the BadmintonScotland Grampian Regional Development Officer in January 2017 and was with the organisation for two and a half years, and had a great experience. I worked in the area to support and develop clubs, pathways, competitions, increased coach education, and bring more people into the sport. I helped set up a Inclusive Badminton Club in Aberdeen; this club was for disabilities of all ages, levels and abilities, mixing with mainstream participants so everyone is able to play and learn. The club has seen players attending National events and winning competitions, while one player has been entering International competitions to boost their skills and development.

Now I’m with SDS and looking forward to my next adventure and putting all my effort to help the volunteers, coaches, partners and my team to develop disability sport.

Gavin Macleod, CEO said: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the Scottish Disability Sport team and look forward to working with him.”