Month: May 2019

Kieran is well and truly back in business

Boccia Paralympian Kieran Steer from Crossgates took some time out after Rio before deciding to return to the sport that he loves so much. Kieran went back to basics and eased himself back into training under the guidance of his fiancée Cat as his coach. Together they have made excellent progress and Kieran was called up last year to the national development squad.

If there ever was any doubt that Kieran is hungry for success yet again, it disappeared today at the SDS National Boccia Championships. Kieran had wins in the BC4 class against Jackie Morrison, Scott McIntyre and Ross Munro to set up a final against Scotland’s most successful ever BC4 player Stephen McGuire. Although he lost 2-4 Kieran was pleased with his performance and I am reliably informed that he has qualified for the British Championships in Ireland.

Welcome back Kieran and congratulations on how you have handled your comeback and how you performed at the Scottish Championships.

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

Best Performance to Date from Fife Boccia Player

As well as celebrating the performance of Kieran Steer at the Scottish Boccia Championships on Saturday, Disability Sport Fife is particularly pleased with the performance of young Tyler McLelland from Windygates and Auchmuty HS.

The young teenager is still relatively new to performance boccia but he improves with every competition. This weekend h experienced his most dramatic step change since he first became involved in competitions. Tyler trains at the Michael Woods Sports & Leisure Centre where he has access to a full court provided by Fife Sports and Leisure Trust. Tyler is coached by his mum Emma who recently completed her level 1 UKCC boccia award.

Thanks to support from Scottish Disability Sport, Tyler was able recently to experience and enjoy two master class sessions led by one of the world’s leading BC4 boccia players, Stephen McGuire from the West of Scotland. Coach and athlete learned an enormous amount from these sessions and Stephen now takes more than a passing interest in Tyler’s progress in the sport.

When Tyler realised he was playing his first match at the Scottish Championships against Stephen, he was really nervous. Stephen later told Emma that he was a little nervous also which is so typical of this great athlete role model. One day he will become as successful a coach as he is a player. Despite all his many successes in international and Paralympic boccia, Stephen remains a very modest and committed player. So many Scots have been influenced by Stephen over the years.

Imagine the scenario. Novice and master take to the court with lots of spectators showing interest. A new experience for Tyler, par for the course for Stephen. Tyler had ownership of the red balls so first end was his throw and he kept the balls tight making Stephen work to score. First end to Stephen and 1 point.

Second end Stephen threw first and again Tyler played consistently well keeping the balls so close that Stephen only managed 1 point once again.

At the the 3rd end Tyler threw long which tactically was the correct strategy. The tactic paid off because Tyler picked up 1 point and took the end away from Stephen. What a mature performance from the young Fife player. He was playing better than ever.

In the 4th and final end Stephen knew he had to pull something out something special and he did. The master tactician played really short but Tyler again kept the balls close to the jack. Stephen however played a superb drive moving the jack up the court for a five point score and an overall 7 – 1 win. Excellent play and a superb performance by Tyler against the past world champion.

Apart from the two points won by his Fife team mate Kieran Steer, Tyler was the only player to take points from Stephen at the championships. This demonstrates exceptional progress by Team McLelland.

Tyler continued his success at the 2019 Championships in the BC4 class by winning two games comfortably and this set him up for a bronze medal play off against Ross Munro. Tyler won two ends against Ross but just failed to win enough shots for a win. Tyler undoubtedly offered Ross a strong challenge.

On the results recorded by Fife players at the 2019 SDS National Boccia Championships we now have two players in the top four in the BC4 class where Scotland has always enjoyed international success. DSF is proud of the progress made by Tyler and Kieran and would wish to acknowledge the role played by partners who have contributed to this success.

Now that we have strong BC4 players in boccia we are on the look out to identify players in the BC1, BC2 and BC3 classes. BC3 players require a ramp to deliver a boccia ball and BC1 and BC2 players have cerebral palsy and require a manual or power wheelchair for sports. Is that you or do you know somebody? Please get in touch with the DSF office. As well as our performance players we have recreational boccia groups in Glenrothes and Dunfermline.

Photo: Tyler and Mum and Dad, Emma and Mark

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

2019 Scottish Boccia Championships

The 2019 Scottish Boccia Championships took place on Saturday 4 May 2019 at Napier University in Edinburgh.

The event saw the very best of Scottish talent compete for the opportunity to play against each other for the right to be crowned Scottish Champion and earn a place at the UK Championships, which will be held in Northern Ireland from 14 – 16 June 2019.

The BC1 and BC2 competition was combined, with results only against players within the same classification counting.

Following the pool stages, the BC1 final was contested by Reegan Stevenson (West) and Murray Mallice (Central).  It was a tight affair, with Mallice taking a 2 shot lead into the final end.  However, the ever improving Stevenson showed his experience by winning the final end by three shots and ultimately re-claiming his national title by a shot.

The BC2 competition was another well contested event. Following the pool stages, the final witnessed experienced Callum Glasgow (Central) come up against the returning Lewis McConnell (West), who was making his first appearance in four years in the competition.  In a close encounter, it was McConnell who came out top to win his third national title. The bronze medal was taken by Innes Martin, who overcame the experienced Jim Anderson OBE.

The BC3 event is always strong with so many top players competing.  Sadly, the competition was deprived of the opportunity to see World number 11 Patrick Wilson (East) in action, who had withdrawn from the competition on the day.  Following the group stage, the predicted final saw world number 23, Scott McCowan (West) come head-to-head with his brother, and world number 2, Jamie McCowan (West).  In a very close encounter, it was elder brother, Scott, who came out on top to earn the bragging rights to become national champion.  The bronze medal match was contested by national squad players Sean McCann (East) and Hannah Craig (Tayside).  In a fairly one sided match, Hannah was more consistent and claimed the bronze medal.  A notable mention must go to newcomer, Ross MacNeil (West), who has vastly improved over the past few months and made a good account of himself in an extremely competitive class.  One to watch in the future!

The BC4 competition has a history of being strong in Scotland and this year the standard was particularly high.  Following a tough pool stage, the final was contested by World number 2, Stephen McGuire (West) and Rio 2016 Paralympian, Kieran Steer (Fife), who has recently returned to the sport following a break.  Steer, who has never beaten McGuire in a competitive match, took a 2-0 lead after the first two ends.  McGuire played a superb knock-on in the third to take a point, meaning it was 2-1 going into the last.  Eventually, McGuire showed his experience by taking three points in a short end, winning the contest 4-2. Steer can be pleased with his performance and is getting back to his best.  The bronze medal match was contested by relative newcomer, Tyler McLelland (Fife) and the more experienced Ross Munro (West).  Although very completive, National player, Munro, showed his experience to come out on top.

Selections for the UK Championships will be made in the coming days.

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS)would like to pay thanks to Napier University and all the dedicated officials and volunteers who continue to support the event.  We are also indebted to the Police Scotland Cadette volunteers who did a sterling job time-keeping and offering general support throughout.

For more information on the sport of boccia, please contact the SDS head office on admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or 0131 317 1130.

#ScottishBoccia

Scottish Student Sport Regional Development Coordinator

Scottish Student Sport (SSS) requires an ambitious and responsive sports development professional to drive forward our development work in the South East – in line with our Strategy 2017-21 National Vision, Regional Focus, Local Impact.

The successful candidate will be based within sportscotland offices with regular interaction with the SSS office. Engagement with members and a host of partners will help extend and strengthen student sport provision across the region.

The Regional Development Coordinator

The role will focus on facilitating increased sports club membership within a sustainable governance structure as well as develop key partnerships within the regions to help sustain and underpin this activity.

They will facilitate local and regional opportunities for competition and workforce development, will develop positive partnerships with community sports hubs and clubs, SGBs, local authorities and other agencies.

The successful candidate will possess excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills, will be a quick learner and will enjoy working independently and as part of a team. Further details relating to the job are provided as part of the online applications process.

Application procedure

The closing date for receipt of completed applications by the 24th May. Applications must be made online via the University of Edinburgh jobs site at the link here (Vacancy Ref: 047799)

Full details including Job Description.

Further information

For further information about the post or any related enquiries, please contact: Nicola Scott, Head of Development.

Interviews and start date

Interviews are scheduled to take place on the 31st May in Edinburgh with shortlisted candidates being notified by no later than 27th May.

It is intended that the post will commence by early July 2018.

SSS host their annual conference on the 12th and 13th June at the University of Strathclyde and it would be desirable for the successful candidate to attend at least part of the event.

Regional Development Coordinator JD

Fife water skier is one of the best in the world

As regular supporters will know we are fiercely proud of so many members of Disability Sport Fife and we never tire of telling their story. In any family there is always pride and our family of course is no different.

Carter Taylor is an ex pupil of Woodmill HS, lives in Dunfermline and is an exceptional all round young sportsman. Like so many successful sports people he was introduced to sport through his very supportive family and school PE staff. Carter represented his school in swimming and athletics and is now a member of Fife AC and also trains with Kay Maxwell and Cara Smyth at the weekly DSF swim session at Carnegie Leisure Centre. Carter will be a member of the Disability Sport Fife team for the SDS National Swimming Championships at Tollcross Leisure Centre at the end of May.

Carter enjoyed a very successful last year in swimming and athletics locally and nationally and this month he will be competing in his first half marathon around Loch Leven. It is however in water skiing that this young man really excels. In 2018 Carter competed in numerous Scottish National ranking events and always finished in the top three. Carter currently has an overall British ranking of 31.

Carter’s main achievement to date is being signed up to the Jodi Fisher Team based in the USA. This is a multi national team of carefully selected passionate young talented individuals from around the world. Team members come fromI Croatia, Germany, Colombia, USA, England, Serbia, Brazil, Japan and Norway.

Carter is the first and only Scottish athlete ever to be signed up. Carter will be visiting both the USA and Germany to compete and train with Jodi and the team throughout 2019. Jodi will be visiting Carter in June to train with him at Townhill Loch in Dunfermline.

Carter Taylor is a very special young athlete.

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

Young Fife Para Swimmer Enjoys Considerable Progress and Success

Young Ollie Carter from Cupar continues to make significant progress under the guidance of the coaches at the University of Stirling. Training has been going well and he is pleased with the progress he has made since he became an undergraduate and moved away from Fife. Ollie is very respectful of the coaching team at Cupar Swimming club and the late Russ Green in particular who recognised he had a future in Para swimming and signposted him appropriately during his early years.

Since the last update, Ollie has had three competitions. Edinburgh International (15-17th March); the Eindhoven Swim Cup (11-14th April); World Championship trials aka British International at Tollcross International Aquatics Centre Glasgow (24-28th). All of which went extremely well for the ex Carnegie SC member.

Ollie had three events in Edinburgh, 50 fly – 29.72 new Scottish record and his 18th overall as a top Para swimmer. 50 free – 27.22 another PB and Scottish record. 400 free – 4:36 on this occasion no PB but Ollie swam faster than he swam in the meet in Geneva.

Eindhoven was an incredible experience for Ollie and he reckons it was one of if not the best competition he has ever been fortunate to compete in. Travelling to an elite competition with the Stirling University squad was a unique experience. Ollie loved the Netherlands and the pool was exceptional. Eindhoven was perfect preparation for the Trials. Ollie was able to practice racing skills in a competition environment.

Ollie also had three events in Eindhoven and made the finals in all his events and managed to swim faster in all three finals. 200 free – 2:06.25 a new PB and Scottish record and placed 2nd fastest in the S10 class.
400 free – 4:29.4 again faster than his last swim over this distance and skills improving greatly. Ollie was placed placed 3rd in the S10 class.
200 IM – 2:28.87 a new PB and Ollie is pleased he is getting closer to the Scottish record help by Paul Noble at 2:27. Ollie was placed third again in the S10 class.

The final event of three was the World Championships Trials in Glasgow. Ollie was delighted that the classification review he was expecting went according to plan. A huge relief for the ex Bell Baxter HS pupil. Once again Ollie’s performances were impressive. 100 free – 57.62 and a significant PB and Scottish record. Ollie was second fastest swimmer in the S10 class.
400 free – 4:27 and again faster than two weeks previously. Ollie was second fastest in the S10 class.
100 breast – Ollie had to swim 100 breast for classification purposes and he swam a PB of 1:18 but was disqualified because of a bad leg kick. Ollie was surprised at the decision but accepted it and moved on.
50 free – 27.05 and another PB and new Scottish record. Ollie was delighted that he was almost down to “26” section and finished second fastest in the S10 class.
100 fly – 1:05.94 – another significant PB for Ollie and he was pleased yet again to be challenging another record still held by Paul Noble. Ollie was 5th fastest in the S10 class

A magnificent series of performances in the three major meets Ollie has been involved with over the last few months. I am reliably informed that Ollie sits somewhere between 4th and 9th in the world rankings and he is number one in the S10 class in Scotland and Great Britain. Ollie like many other swimmers is disappointed not to be heading to the World Championships but is delighted he has made such significant improvements since he moved to Stirling.

Not surprisingly Ollie is determined to work even harder to achieve his dream of swimming for Team GB. Over the next few months Ollie has the Glasgow International, British Summer Meet and potentially a meet in Berlin as well. Best wishes Ollie and very well done at the Trials and other major meets.

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

National Indoor Bowls Championships 2019

The Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) and Scottish Indoor Bowling Association (SIBA) National Indoor Championships took place at Falkirk Indoor Bowling Club from the 27 – 29 April 2019.  The event offers an opportunity for players with a physical, visual and learning disability to compete for the national title.

The event is grateful for the ongoing sponsorship from Coop Funeralcare and we are indebted for their continued support.  We are also delighted to announce that they will continue their support for the 2020 event.

These national championships are a significant event on the calendar as it allows players to compete within their classification group.  This opportunity is limited within the Scottish para bowls programme.

Physically Disabled B6 Men

Eight bowlers competed but it was no surprise to see two of the most experienced B6’s contest the final.  Reigning champion, Billy Allan overcame Henry Spiers 21-10 in the semi final to set up final with George Guthrie, who defeated newcomer, William Nichol, 21-14.  The final was a close contest that could have gone either way, however, the experience of Billy Allan shown through as he retained his title.

Physically Disabled B7/8 Men

This extremely competitive class is well populated with bowlers and for the first time in the events history, a playdown had to be held to reach the championships.  Eight bowlers eventually made the cut which set up an evenly balance competition.  The semi-final stages saw reigning champion, Johnny Boy Wardrope come up against the very experienced Jocky Hughes.  The Ayrshire men had a great battle but Wardrope came out on top, 21-14.  In the other Semi-Final, Commonwealth Games Lead, Garry Brown, was defeated by newcomer to para bowls, Garry Hood.  Hood is a v very experienced bowler and overcame his opponent 21-19 in a very tight affair.  In the final, Wardrope started quickly and took a commanding lead, 13-4 before Hood retired due to tiredness.  Another title for the very improving John Wardrope!

Physically Disabled B7/8 Ladies

The female section is lacking players and this year’s championships were contested by last years Champion, Barbara McMillan and newcomer (to Scotland), Pauline Wilson.  Wilson has recently moved to Glasgow from Wales but comes with bags of experienced, as she skipped the Welsh team at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast 2018.  They contested a very close 21-19 final in Pauline’s favour.

Visually Impaired B2/B3 Men

Four players contested this section following a selection process by our partners at Visually Impaired Bowling Scotland.  Ian Graham (Kathleen Sweetland) defeated Robert Graham (Ken Johnson) 21-10 in the first semi-final, whilst Robert Barr (Sarah Jane Ewining) defeated Billy Edgar (George Miller) 21-5 in the other semi-final.  This set up a final between two experienced players, but the outcome was a win for Robert Barr, who retained his title.

Visually Impaired B2/B3 Ladies

Four players contested this section following a selection process by our partners at Visually Impaired Bowling Scotland.  Melanie Innes (Grace Whitton) defeated Mary Stevenson (Chris Morrow) 17-9 after reaching the 2:15 time limit, whilst Sylvia Johnston (Ron McArthur) defeated Eleanor Clarke (Doreen Strachan) 15-9.  The final was played out in good spirits but in the end, Melanie Innes was too strong, winning 21-4.  Innes continues to improve and was delighted to claim the national title.

SDS is would like to thank our former Disability Bowls Inclusive Performance Manager, Ron McArthur, who has been the driving force behind this competition. Ron continues to support this event in a voluntary capacity, and we are extremely grateful for his continued input and expertise.

Learning Disability Sections Male A, Female A and Open Section B

The competition for players with a learning disability has now closed these championships for the last two years. The quality of play was unrelenting throughout and all players proved to be a credit to their representative areas. It proved to be a host of familiar names competing on the day as all three defending champions pitched up to retain their titles in the face of stiff competition from the leading bowlers from other areas.

Pamela Mitchell and Daryll Stewart (both Fife) defended their titles in dominant style. Pamela won all her matches in a round-robin group of five players finishing ahead of Glasgow’s Sandi Todd to claim the trophy and gold medal adding yet another title to her considerable haul in both the outdoor and indoor formats of the game. Daryll was in similarly imperious form and defeated Glasgow’s Jordan Donnachie – who himself had an outstanding championship – in the final by 16 shots to 6. It was left to Lothian’s Euan Wright to complete the full house of defending champions retaining their trophies, and he did it in style, overcoming local favourite Lee Duncan in the final by 11 shots to 4. To wrap things up Team Fife retained the Co-op Funeralcare Trophy they won in its inaugural year in 2018.

SDS is would like to thank our former Disability Bowls Inclusive Performance Manager, Ron McArthur, who has been the driving force behind this competition. Ron continues to support this event in a voluntary capacity, and we are extremely grateful for his continued input and expertise. SDS are also grateful to Falkirk Indoor Bowling Club for their continued excellence as hosts and to all umpires, markers and team support for their substantial efforts in supporting this event.

Photo courtesy of John Wardrope

Boccia – Who Can Play

Understanding boccia and classification can be challenging, so we have created this resource to help partners identify individuals ‘who can play’ the sport both competitively and internationally.  This will hopefully breakdown barriers and improve participation rates within the sport in Scotland.

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is promoting the hashtag #ScottishBoccia on social media to market the sport further.  Get involved!

If you have any questions regarding the sport or would like further information please contact the SDS office on 0131 317 1130 or admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

Boccia Who_Can_Play

Princess Anne Launches Anniversary Tartan for RDA

A new tartan has been produced by Lachcarron of Scotland in celebration of 50 years of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) providing therapy through horses. The tartan was launched at an Anniversary event in Edinburgh by RDA President, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal. The Princess met with volunteers and participants from around the country and was presented with her very own RDA tartan scarf by brothers Andrew and William McLeod.

In addition to launching the tartan, the event was an opportunity to celebrate 50 years of RDA in Scotland. There are 54 individual RDA groups in the country, supporting almost 3000 adults and children with physical and learning disabilities to benefit from horses. In her address to guests, The Princess thanked the volunteers – over 2,500 in Scotland – without whom RDA would not be possible. She acknowledged the whole team effort that it takes to help make such a real difference to people’s lives through riding and carriage driving.

Kim McCutcheon, Edinburgh and Borders Regional Chair for RDA, said “The tartan has been designed to incorporate the charity’s colours and it was lovely to launch it at a special celebration alongside our wonderful volunteers and participants. It would be fantastic to see the tartan worn across the whole of the UK and by purchasing a scarf you are helping to support another 50 years of therapy through horses.”

The event was kindly held at the People’s Postcode Lottery office in Charlotte Square, Edinburgh. Clara Govier, managing director of People’s Postcode Lottery said ‘It has been a honour to support Riding for the Disabled in celebrating their fiftieth year here in Scotland, and see the launch of their new tartan. They are an incredible charity, working across Britain to improve the lives of thousands of people. They are hugely popular with the players of People’s Postcode Lottery and have received over £2.5 million in funding since 2013.’

Celebrations for RDA’s 50th anniversary are continuing throughout the year around the UK.