Month: July 2019

Para Bowlers take centre stage at Bowls Scotland National Championships

For the fifth consecutive year the Bowls Scotland National Championships included para bowls disciplines, and once again, we witnessed some highly competitive matches across the five physically disabled and visually impaired competitions.

Bowls is a hugely inclusive sport and Bowls Scotland have embraced the inclusion of para disciplines within their showpiece event that draws large crowds to Northfield every year.  The para bowls competitions always attract a lot of spectators and this year was no different.

Notably, Pauline Wilson (Willowbank BC) competed in the ladies over 55 singles competition, as well as the para competition.

Everyone involved in the sport is delighted to see Kevin Wallace back competing in the para game.  Kevin is the former World B7 Champion (2011) and formed part of the B6/7/8 triple that finished fourth at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The results were:

Gents B2/B3 (Director)
Winner: Sandy McIntosh (Nigel Walker)
Runner-up: Ian Graham (Kathleen Sweetland)

Ladies B2/B3 (Director)
Winner: Mary Stevenson (Chris Morrow)
Runner-up: Melanie Inness (Grace Whitton)

Gents B6
Winner: George Guthrie
Runner-up: Billy Allan

Gents B7/B8
Winner: Kevin Wallace
Runner-up: Garry Hood

Ladies B7/B8
Winner: Pauline Wilson
Runner-up: Barbara McMillan

Scottish Swimming Independent Complaints Panel Members

Scottish Swimming is looking to recruit Independent Complaints Panel Members to manage complaints which have been referred to the Company. Reporting to the Head of Panel, you will be responsible for hearing Complaints as part of an Independent Panel, these complaints may concern:

  • Any breach of Scottish Swimming Governance documentation or any other behaviour alleged to be contrary to the interests of Scottish Swimming as a whole.
  • Breach of any code of practice, code of ethics, code of conduct, equality policy, equity policy, or any other code, rule or policy published from time to time by Scottish Swimming or that is otherwise adopted by Scottish Swimming.
  • Any alleged breach of any other policy of Scottish Swimming or any other body to which Scottish Swimming may be affiliated with or a member of and to which the party is expected to comply.
  • Any applicable in-water offending or out-of-water offending that amounts to misconduct of a more general nature.
  • Any conduct which may be considered by the Complaints Officer likely to bring aquatic sports in Scotland into disrepute or is considered to be detrimental to the best interests of aquatic sports in Scotland and/or the development of the interests of aquatic sports in Scotland.
  • Conduct by any person or body who is subject to these Rules that amounts to a breach of these Rules.

Persons shall be appointed to the Panel for a term of their own choosing with a minimum expectation of 12 months and provided that it is no longer than four years. A person can be reappointed (with there being no limit on the number of consecutive terms that a person can be appointed).

As the panel ultimately report to the Board of Directors, members of the SASA Council and/or Company Board shall not be eligible to apply and in the event that a person is appointed to the Panel and thereafter becomes a member of the SASA Council and/or Company Board the person shall automatically be removed from the Panel.

This is a voluntary position; however, expenses for travel will be met by Scottish Swimming at the standard volunteer rate.

Scottish Swimming is committed to selecting staff solely on the basis of their ability to do the job for which they are being recruited, and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.

If you are interested in the above appointment please submit a cover letter to Elaine Mackenzie, Director of Services, Scottish Swimming, Airthrey Castle, Hermitage Road, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA or email to e.mackenzie@scottishswimming.com.

The closing date for submissions is Friday 23rd August 2019.

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Visibility Family Day at Kelburn Castle Country Park

We would like to invite you to join us at our Family day on Saturday 7th September 2019.

The park has lots to offer from forest walks to adventure playgrounds, the onsite rangers will also be offering themed activities throughout the day/ This year’s theme is ‘Vikings and Superheroes’. Lunch will be provided and families will have the opportunity to enjoy some social time together and speak to the team about any questions or issues they may have.

Places for this event are limited and booking is essential. To book your place, please call the Children and families team on 0141 332 4632 or email Clare.Sweeney@visibility.org.uk.

Podium Position for Grampian’s Johnstone

A para-badminton newcomer from Grampian has taken home silverware at the inaugural UK Para-Badminton Championships.

Aberdeen’s Lesley Johnstone, who has only been playing competitive para-badminton for just over a year, took back well-earned bronze medals in the SL4 Women’s event and the SL3 – SL5 Mixed Doubles event from the new event held in Sheffield.

Johnstone faced tough competition from seasoned players, Emma Stoner & Scotland’s Mary Wilson, but put up a good opposition against both. In the mixed doubles event, Lesley and her doubles partner, Richard Lean, took a lead in the first set against the strong pairing of Bobby Griffin & Emma Stoner, but narrowly lost the 2 remaining sets. In their match against Mary Wilson & Antony Forster, they unfortunately lost by a large margin in straight sets, but the experience was definitely beneficial for Lesley who is thoroughly looking forward to the challenges that await her this year in Para-Badminton.

Well done to Lesley & the rest of the Scottish players for their fantastic performances over the weekend, and thank you to all at BadmintonScotland who help support Lesley in her development.

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.

Reid and Lapthorne into British Open Semi-Finals

Gordon Reid and Andy Lapthorne kept alive their hopes of lifting singles titles at the 30th British Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships when both Brits secured their place in the semi-finals on Thursday’s third day of play at the Nottingham Tennis Centre.

Lapthorne made a fine start to his quad singles quarter-final against Brazilian seventh seed Ymanitu Silva and quickly managed to turn the momentum in his favour at the beginning of the deciding set before wrapping up a 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 victory. World No. 3 and top seed Lapthorne, who is aiming to earn a place in his fifth British Open final in six years, plays Dutch world No. 5 Sam Schroder next.

Lapthorne said:

“He played very well. It was very hot out there; possibly the hottest day of the year, but it’s good to get through another tough match and I’m very happy to be in the semis here again. I’ve got a lot of experience now, I know what I can do and I know when to switch on. So it’s all good and I’m expecting another tough match now against Sam.”

On another good day for players on the LTA’s GB Wheelchair Tennis World Class Performance Programme, Reid took full advantage of an early break against Dutch wold No. 9 Tom Egberink, carrying his form into the second set to complete a 6-3, 6-2 victory. Reid will play world No. 1 and 2017 British Open champion Gustavo Fernandez for a place in this year’s final.

 After extending his unbeaten career record against Egberink to 16 matches, Reid said:

“Tom’s got a lot of confidence at the moment, but I was in control most of the match. It’s a good match up for me and I have a good plan against him. I feel like I’m striking the ball as well as I have done for the last couple of years. I’m happy with the way I’m playing and while it’s a big challenge against Gustavo, who’s in the form of his life at the minute, I feel there’s definitely a chance to win it.”

Jordanne Whiley put up a tremendous effort in her women’s singles quarter-final. Playing in her first British Open since returning from maternity leave in February, the 2015 and 2016 British Open champion came close to upsetting defending champion and world No. 1 Diede de Groot before the Dutch top seed narrowly prevailed 7-5, 3-6, 6-2. Whiley said:

“I was pretty pleased with the performance because the last time I played Diede last month in France it was 6-3, 6-2. I’m changing a lot of things in my game at the moment and I’m about a week into that process, so to come out and go a close three sets with the world No.1 is only positive.”

Thursday’s third day of action at the LTA hard court event ended with added success for the Brit partnership of Alfie Hewett and Reid.

The reigning US Open champions came from a set and 3-1 down to edge out 2018 British Open champions and reigning Australian Open and Wimbledon champions Joachim Gerard of Belgium and Stefan Olsson of Sweden 6-7(4), 7-6(4), 6-4 to reach Saturday’s men’s doubles final.

While Friday’s fourth day of competition at Nottingham Tennis Centre will see Lapthorne and Reid both play their singles semi-finals, Lucy Shuker and Whiley will also be on opposite sides of the net in the same women’s doubles final.

Friday’s action will also see the continuation of the Nottingham Futures Tournament, which features many of Britan’s leading junior players, including local East Midlands stars Abbie Breakwell and Dahnon Ward, who are among the players on the LTA’s Junior Futures Potential Programme.

 

LTA has invested in making the event free for all spectators. To book tickets visit www.lta.org.uk

Follow the action on Twitter (@the_LTA) and Instagram (@LTA) and @WChairTennisGB.
For further details, please visit the British Open tournament website – https://www.lta.org.uk/britishopen
To find out more about the LTA’s work with disability tennis, head to www.lta.org.uk/play or email disabilitytennis@lta.org.uk.
 
Participant with disability being assisted into a kayak

Success at First Inclusive Aberdeen Kayak Club Taster

A partnership inclusive taster session programme has gotten off to a great start in Grampian.

Aberdeen Kayak Club opened their doors to those with disabilities some time ago, but a joint project with SDS, the MS Society & the Scottish Canoe Association looks likely to help increase regular participation in the exhilarating sport.

The project – a series of three free taster sessions aimed at people with disabilities aged 9+ and their parents, carers, partners, siblings and friends – started on the 18th July and saw approximately 10 new participants try out Paddlesport with the Club. It is hoped that following the taster series, the participants will have made progress in their skills & will be encouraged to become members of the Club thereafter.

Despite some thunder and lightning towards the end of the evening, which caused the session to end slightly prematurely, and a handful of participants capsizing, all participants had a fantastic experience & are looking forward to the next session, which takes place on the 1st August.

Well done to all of the participants for giving it their all and thank you to Roger from SCA and all of the volunteers from Aberdeen Kayak Club who made everyone feel welcome & included despite having a much higher than expected turnout on the night.

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.

Henley Royal Regatta Charitable Trust Scholarship Coach

Job Title: HRRCT Scholarship Coach
Reports to: Education & Training Manager
Directorate: Membership & Rowing Community
Location: Strathclyde Park, Scotland

Job Purpose

British Rowing, in partnership with the Henley Royal Regatta Charitable Trust, Sport England and the Rowing Community, offers a number of scholarships to graduates to deliver this highly successful programme. Scholarship positions are suitable for those wishing to spend two years combining part-time coaching of young people with studying for a part-time sport related postgraduate qualification. This role will support the development of British Rowing’s Junior Rowing programme. This role is designed to broaden the appeal of the sport by supporting young people who would not normally have the opportunity to try rowing.

Responsibilities

  • Coaching 11-18 year olds within each of the assigned partnerships to deliver agreed work programme targets
  • Facilitating the assigned partnerships to develop their coaching structures
  • Develop and deliver projects that provide opportunities for young people who would not typically access the sport of rowing. Focusing on disadvantaged youngsters from low-income families, BAME groups or young people with a disability
  • Develop a number of secondary school Satellite Clubs in the host club/organisation’s locality
  • Completing a British Rowing approved postgraduate qualification at a recognised university
  • Delivering specific British Rowing projects
  • Attending relevant Education and Training team meetings
  • At all times presenting a positive image of British Rowing, its volunteers and staff, and the Stewards’ Charitable Trust

This list is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive, as there may be other reasonable duties and requirements associated with the post, which British Rowing may call upon the post-holder to perform from time to time

Person Specification

  • A current student graduating this year, or a graduate wishing to go back to university
  • An offer of a place from a UK university to study a relevant postgraduate qualification (to be approved by British Rowing)
  • A passion for rowing and knowledge of coaching rowing, developing opportunities for participation, alongside the desire to develop your own skills as a coach
  • Ability to engage with people of all ages and abilities and manage challenge.
  • An excellent team player
  • Available to work 20 hours a week alongside studying
  • Applications from those with experience coaching in socio-economically deprived areas, hard to reach communities or with participants from ethnic minorities are especially encouraged

Additional Information

This scholarship role will involve 20 hours a week working towards an appropriate postgraduate qualification, and 20 hours a week of coaching, with 10 weeks holiday per annum. You will receive appropriate training and background checks in order to enable you to carry out the role in its full capacity.

Equal Opportunities

British Rowing is committed to equal opportunities for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

If you are interested in the role, please email your CV alongside a covering letter to Tim Messent at tim.messent@britishrowing.org.

Closing date: 30 July 2019

Only applicants to be invited for interview will be contacted.

No CV’s from agencies please.

European Amputee Football Federation (EAFF) Junior Camp

Daniel McDevitt from Dumfries & Galloway, Harris Tinney from Glasgow and Keeley Cerretti from South Lanarkshire have just returned from the 4th EAFF Junior Camp in Hoffenheim.

The youngsters jetted off last week for 3 days of non-stop football, with it all kicking off with an opening ceremony where all participants received a sports bag with their kits (5 tops, 2 shorts and 2 socks, water bottle).  They then had 5 different training sessions over the 3 days, and on the last day they were treated to a stadium tour at Hoffenheims ground Pre-Zero followed by dinner then the closing ceremony where they all got a medal and framed certificate.

This was yet again a wonderful experience for the 3 youngsters from the West of Scotland, who can’t wait for next year already.  The coaches were great with the kids and they all had an amazing time getting to know the 70 other participants from all over Europe.

Roll on camp 2020!

If anyone would like to know more about Amputee Football please contact Ashley Reid Ashley@amputeefootballscotland.co.uk

 

Scottish Rowing Club Support Manager

Fixed term contract until 31st March 2021

Salary £25,000

Scottish Rowing is the Governing Body for rowing in Scotland.  Our vision is to support and empower people in Scotland to enjoy rowing and achieve their potential.  To achieve this vision, Scottish Rowing has put in place an ambitious four-year plan to build on the recognised Olympic success of rowing and widen access to the sport at all levels.

In this role, the successful post holder will have operational responsibility for delivering the Scottish Rowing Club Support Framework to promote sustainable and well run clubs and to promote growth within clubs.

This post is considered Regulated Work with Children, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. It is an offence therefore to apply if you are barred from working with children. The successful applicant will be required to become a PVG scheme member or update their scheme record if already a scheme member

For a full job description, candidate specification, application, monitoring and self-declaration forms contact Carol Ann Ellis, Scottish Rowing Administrator.

Telephone: 01698 250206

Email: office@scottish-rowing.org.uk

OR see our website.

http://www.scottish-rowing.org.uk/index.php/about-us/vacancies

Application Process:

Applicant to return completed application form, CV, monitoring and self-declaration form by email to office@scottish-rowing.org.uk, or by post to Scottish Rowing, Scottish Rowing Centre, 366 Hamilton Road, Motherwell, ML1 3ED.

For more information or an informal discussion please contact Mark Senter on 01698 250206 or email mark.senter@scottish-rowing.org.uk

Applications for this position close at noon on Friday 16th August 2019.

Interviews will be held in week commencing 26th August 2019. Scottish Rowing is committed to selecting staff solely on the basis of their ability to do the job for which they are being recruited, and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Allan McDougall Solicitors appoints SDS as its charity partner

Allan McDougall Solicitors has appointed Scottish Disability Sport as its charity partner for 2019 / 2020.

As part of its commitment to the charity, the firm will offer a five-figure funding package comprising both financial and practical support.

With plans to help fund its national events programme, offer hands-on volunteering support, and take part in various fundraising activities, Allan McDougall Solicitors is aiming to make a positive impact on the charity for the year ahead.

The firm has already hit the ground running, as four of its employees recently completed the 5K and 10K races in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival to raise funds for the cause.

Jackie Raitt, partner at Allan McDougall Solicitors, said: “We have been reviewing and consolidating our corporate social responsibility activities in order to truly make an impact to one charitable organisation. We selected Scottish Disability Sport due to our shared commitment to justice, inclusivity and opportunities for the ordinary person. In addition to financial support, many of our staff are also willing to roll up their sleeves and help with the charity’s annual events programme.”

Scottish Disability Sport encourages the development of sport and physical recreation for disabled people throughout Scotland. It promotes sport for athletes with a physical, sensory or learning disability of all ages and abilities.

The charity’s national events programme comprises a range of sporting activities, including swimming, athletics, football, bowls, cross country, archery and boccia.

Gavin Macleod, chief executive officer at Scottish Disability Sport, said: “Scottish Disability Sport would like to thank Allan McDougall Solicitors most sincerely for their support of our national events programme. These events attracted more than 1,800 participants last year and offer competition for all levels of athletes and players.”

Allan McDougall Solicitors is one of Scotland’s most highly regarded specialist litigation firms. It recently won the coveted Litigation Team of the Year award at the Scottish Legal Awards 2019, having been successful in the same category in the Law Awards of Scotland 2018.