Month: September 2019

GOGA in Fife 2nd Great Get Together

The 2nd GOGA in Fife Great Get Together supported by Spirit of 2012 was held in brilliant sunshine at the magnificent Fife Cycle Park on the afternoon of Thursday 19th September.

60 participants plus volunteers, families, peer mentor volunteers and significant others  enjoyed walks of varying distances around the identified Fife Cycle Park “loops” of 500 metres to one mile.  The GOGA in Fife peer mentors played a significant role throughout from setting up the facility to leading the individual walks.

Team GOGA member Pamela Robson led the warm up and Team GOGA member Gayle Sloan coordinated arrangements for the refreshments and cake at the conclusion of the event.  We were well looked after throughout by Fife Cycle Park staff member Colm who did everything possible to ensure the 2nd GGT was a success.  Many thanks also to Lochore Meadows staff member Kev who brought over adapted bikes and made the day for a significant number of participants and significant others.

Pupils from Levenmouth Academy DAS, Balwearie HS DAS, Kirkcaldy HS DAS and individual families signed up for the 2nd GGT. In addition there was a strong representation from West Fife Community Support Services and Scottish Autism.  The first three quarters of an hour concentrated on walking and thereafter it was all bikes and adapted bikes.  The range of bikes available was impressive and Kev was always available to adjust and advise where necessary. Colm made the Fife Cycle Park cycles and helmets available to those whose skills and abilities were appropriate.

Everybody retired to the Fife Cycle Park for refreshments and cake plus of course the presentation of certificates. There was a wonderful buzz throughout the afternoon and many people enquired when the 3rd GGT will be held. The GOGA in Fife team will consider dates and options and hopefully squeeze in another session before the end of the year.

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

 

Branch MOR Success

SDS member branches are required to go through a reaccreditation process every three years to ensure they are still fit for purpose. The Minimum Operating Requirements (MOR) covers the 5 key areas of the SDS Strategic Plan 2017-2021:

  • Engage and Participate
  • Progress and perform
  • Coaching, Education and Learning
  • Governance
  • Communication

At this year’s AGM four of the SDS branches were awarded their certificate for achieving the MOR re-accreditation. Congratulations to Ayrshire Sportsability, Disability Sport Fife, Forth Valley Disability Sport and Highland Disability Sport. The branches work exceptionally hard to complete the MOR and go above and beyond the minimum criteria to ensure there are positive opportunities for athletes and participants in their areas as well as sound governance in place.

Scots deliver at World Para Swimming Championships

The 2019 World Para Swimming Championships took place at the London Aquatics Centre from 9-15 September. GBR had a strong team of 24 athletes competing, four of them Scots: Stephen Clegg, Louis Lawlor, Scott Quin and Toni Shaw.

The British team had a very successful meet, claiming 47 medals: 19 gold, 14 silver and 14 bronze, finishing second on the medal table behind Italy. With less than a year to go until the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics it was the perfect preparation.

The Scots on the team all contributed to the medal tally with some outstanding performances. None more so than Toni Shaw, whom was making her debut at the World event, as she won six medals – 2 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze.

Toni Shaw summed up her week, saying:

“It’s been a crazy week – a great experience. To end it with that race and those girls is really special.”

Louis Lawlor was also making his debut at the event as he continues to rise to prominence in the S14 class for swimmers with an intellectual impairment. Lawlor claimed a bronze medal in the 100m backstroke.

Lawlor was delighted with his performance and said:

“That was a huge surprise, I didn’t expect that at all. It’s a dream come true. One race, one final, one bronze! I’ve loved every minute here and this will give me a platform to move forward.”

Para swimming stalwart, Scott Quin, continues his fine form in the SB14 100m breaststroke as he delivered a silver medal, pipped by the Naohide Yamaguchi (JPN) who broke Quins WR in doing so.

Quin said of his race:

“I would have liked to have executed things a bit better. I came into the final a bit more relaxed than the heat and it’s the fourth time this season I’ve gone 65 for the event.”

Speaking about Yamaguchi taking his World Record, Quin said:

“It’s good to see the youngsters coming through and making improvements and you have to applaud that. I think he’s 18 and I’m 29 so I have to accept it when people go faster than me.”

Stephen Clegg is also realising his potential at this level by winning a silver medal in the S12 100m Butterfly final. Clegg turned first at the 50m mark and was shoulder to shoulder with Dzmitry Salei (BLR) in the final 15m. It was the athlete from Belarus who took the touch in 57.28, with Clegg winning silver in 57.36.

Despite being so close to gold, Clegg was far from disappointed and said,

“I’m really happy with that result. I’ve progressed again and that’s all you can ask for. I’ve learned a lot from the last twelve months, and I can take all of this to Tokyo. I’m thrilled, and the crowd, wow! I had goosebumps today.”

Eight Scots selected for World Para Athletics Championships

Eight Scottish athletes are heading for Dubai, after selection for the GB&NI squad at the World Para Athletics Championships in November. It’s a strong showing from the Scots, that list of eight names an increase from the London 2017 World Para Champs where four Scottish athletes made the selection – the addition of RaceRunning to the competition for the first time a welcome development, which has helped to swell those numbers.

On the track, Sammi Kinghorn will defend her T53 100m title, attained in London, and also makes the Universal 4x100m relay squad. RaceRunners Kayleigh Haggo and Gavin Drysdale will compete in the RR3 100m. Maria Lyle will line up in the T35 100m and 200m, while Libby Clegg returns to competition following the birth of her son, selected for both the T11 200m and the Universal 4x100m relay. There’s great news for Owen Miller, who is selected for the T20 1500m after his performance at the Manchester International.

In the field, Stef Reid will defend her 2017 title in the T64 Long Jump, while Jo Butterfield competes in the F51 Club Throw.

There’s good news also for Ben Rowlings, who – while not Scottish for competition purposes – lives in Stirling and trains with Red Star AC – he’s selected for the T34 100m, 400m and 800m.

CEO of scottishathletics, Mark Munro, said: “It’s superb to see so many of our Para athletes gaining selection for the World Championships, and they can be rightly proud. I know this achievement comes after a huge amount of hard work, not only by the athletes, but also their coaches, families and supporters.

“Knowing how much effort the Scottish RaceRunning community has put into moving this discipline onto the world stage makes it particularly pleasing to see Kayleigh and Gavin selected for their first World Champs. And of course, we know they will have in their minds on the late Janice Eaglesham, who coached them and did so much for RaceRunning and Scottish Para sport in general.

“Seeing Sammi, Jo, Stef and Maria return to the World Champs after competing in London is a sign of their ongoing determination and commitment, and it’s great to have Libby back on the track and running at elite level once again. I’m delighted to see Owen step up to compete at this level, a deserved selection after a fine run at the Manchester International. Congratulations to all the athletes, and we look forward to watching them compete in Dubai.”

The selections in full:

Jo Butterfield (Phil Peat / Shona Malcolm; Forth Flyers) – F51 Club Throw
Libby Clegg (Joe McDonnell; Charnwood) [Guide Runner: Thomas Somers (Benke Blomkvist; Newham & Essex Beagles)] – T11 200m & Universal 4x100m relay
Kayleigh Haggo (Ian Mirfin; Red Star) – RR3 100m
Sammi Kinghorn (Ian Mirfin; Red Star) – T53 100m & Universal 4x100m relay
Maria Lyle (Jamie Bowie; Team East Lothian) – T35 100m & 200m
Stef Reid (Aston Moore; Charnwood) – T64 Long Jump
Gavin Drysdale (Ian Mirfin; Red Star) – RR3 100m
Owen Miller (Steven Doig; Fife) – T20 1500m

https://www.britishathletics.org.uk/news-and-features/british-athletics-announce-stellar-squad-for-the-2019-world-para-athletics-championships/

https://www.paralympic.org/dubai-2019

Another Successful SDS AGM and Awards

Forbes Dunlop, Chief Operating Officer at sportscotland brought to a close a highly successful 56th Annual General Meeting of Scottish Disability Sport (SDS). This year’s AGM was held at the Stirling Court Hotel, Stirling on Sunday 15th September and once again incorporated the running of the annual SDS Branch Conference. 81 members, athletes and players, friends and representatives from partner agencies attended the AGM.

The AGM opened with an emotional tribute to former Chair Janice Eaglesham MBE who sadly and unexpectedly passed away on the 21st July 2019. SDS Acting Chair Claire Morrison then welcomed those in attendance and thanked the key staff, coaches, volunteers and key partners for their hard work and commitment throughout the year. Attendees were informed that, in accordance with the SDS Articles of Association, the Board would appoint an interim Chair at the next Board meeting and that former Vice Chair, Catherine Goodfellow would take up this post. The election of directors of the Association followed and resulted in the following individuals being elected:

Directors
Oliver Barsby
Jay Runga
Rob Wilson

The Guest Speaker for the 2019 AGM was GB and Scotland Wheelchair Curling Coach, Sheila Swan who delivered an informative and entertaining presentation on her journey and experiences in the sport.

CEO Gavin Macleod reported on progress made during the past year in relation to the SDS strategic plan, “Inspiring Through Inclusion; 2017-2021” and also laid out the timeline and the consultation process for the next strategic plan.

Sheila Swan was then joined by Bill Hogg, on behalf of the Russell Hogg Trust, to present the SDS Awards to athletes, coaches and volunteers. The main award of the evening, the Gordon Brown Memorial Trophy for the Athletes’ Athlete of the Year, was awarded to Fife athlete Derek Rae.

The afternoon concluded with the AGM closing remarks being delivered by Forbes Dunlop who congratulated SDS on the successes of the year gone by and outlined how SDS contributed significantly to the new sportscotland national strategy, Sport for Life.

Click here for a copy of the slides from the SDS AGM of 2019.

SDS AWARD WINNERS 2019

MOR Certificate
Ayrshire Sportsability
Disability Sport Fife
Forth Valley Disability Sport
Highland Disability Sport

Russell Hogg Bursary
Sam Fernando
Cameron Radigan

Archie Cameron Bursary
Abbie McNally

Special Recognition Award
Tracey McCillen

Special Olympics Trophy
2019 World Games Team

John de Courcy Trophy
Fin Graham

Glasgow Trophy
Bob Dick

Elspeth Watson Trophy
Jack Calder

Russell Hogg Trophy
Pamela Robson

Fife Trophy
Sheila Swan

Dedication to Para-Football
Craig Milne

Findlay Calder Trophy
Derek Rae

Brian Dolan Memorial Trophy
Scott Quin

Angus Trophy
Scottish Wheelchair Curling Team

Gordon Brown Memorial Trophy
Derek Rae

South Lanarkshire Disability Sport: Committee member

Recruiting body: South Lanarkshire Disability Sport
Closing date: Friday 11 October

South Lanarkshire Disability Sport (SLDS) 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 the four local authority areas of Camglen, Hamilton, Clydesdale, East Kilbride. SLDS 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. SLDS achieved SDS Minimum Operating Requirements (MOR) which ensures all governance is up to date and appropriate. The committee of SLDS now wishes to appoint a new committee members to join the branch.

Role Title – Committee Member (voluntary)
Organisation – South Lanarkshire Disability Sport (SLDS)
Responsible to – South Lanarkshire Disability Sport Committee
Location – South Lanarkshire
Contract – This is a voluntary position, but all reasonable expenses will be paid. Committee members will be expected to attend branch meetings (held 4-6 times per year), support the branch to maintain SDS Minimum Operating Requirements and support the chairperson in driving the branch forward. The Level of time commitment is flexible and will be tailored to suit the applicant’s current commitments and the needs of the branch.
Term – Minimum 2 year (can be re-elected at annual AGM)

SKILLS REQUIRED:

  • Enthusiastic
  • Prepared to make a regular time commitment
  • Prepared to make decisions when necessary
  • Passionate about disability sport

MAIN DUTIES:

  1. Responsibility for attending committee management meetings and reporting back to appropriate members with matters arising from meeting (if required).
  2. When unable to attend meetings, send apologies along with a short report to the Secretary for the minutes.
  3. Complete trustee’s declaration.
  4. Be completely familiar with SLDS constitution, clubs/organisation committee procedures and the SLDS rules and regulations.
  5. Vote on SLDS matters when asked to and attend EGM and AGM meetings.
  6. To support SLDS to ensure SDS Minimum Operating Standards are kept up to date and complete.
  7. To be part of committee sub groups assisting in: Securing funds, organising events and strengthening communications with members and clubs
  8. Support the chairperson in the work of SLDS

Interviews
Interview dates to be confirmed

Applications
All applicants should send a note of interest to detailing why you are interested in the role and any relevant skills and experience. Please email this to Patrick Murphy on patrick.murphy@southlanarkshireleisure.co.uk.

If you have any questions or would like more information please phone Patrick Murphy on 07795 453 914.

Second Place for Para Bowlers

The Scottish para lawn bowlers competed at the Home Nations Championships at the Rhiwbina Bowls Club in Cardiff, Wales.  The competition consisted of singles, pairs and triples for B2 – B8 players.

The annual event does have a focus on the B2/B3 Mixed Pairs and B6/7/8 Open Triple which is the two medal opportunities at the Commonwealth Games.  Furthermore, it allows Scotland to compete against two of their main rivals in the lead up to Birmingham 2022.

Scotland defeated Wales twice in the competition by score of 10-2 and 8-4.  However, they were also defeated by a strong England team twice by a score line of 4-8.

The final standings of the competition:

England: 34pts
Scotland: 28pts
Wales: 10pts

Congratulations to England who have spent a lot of time developing their para bowls programme and have gone from strength to strength over the last few years.

The Scottish Team:

Players:
Billy Allan
Garry Brown
Ian Brown
George Guthrie
Daniel Porter
Glen Livingston
Robert Barr
Mary Stevenson
John Fox
Melanie Inness

Directors:
Sarah Jane Ewing
George Miler
Christine Morrow
Nigel Walker

Girls in Boccia

As part of the sportscotland Women and Girls’ Fund, Scottish Disability Sport has created a new and exciting boccia campaign targeting women and girls.

Girls in Boccia is for all women and girls with all disabilities. We are here to support all of you into boccia and help you succeed in the sport, whatever your aspirations.  There are many different reasons to get involved in the sport, which could include; becoming more active, to have fun, socialise with peers or just to give you something to do.  And we are here to help!

We have a range of ways to get involved with boccia. We offer:

  • School visits, community visits and personal coaching.
  • Individual sessions or girls only group sessions.
  • Advise on and provide specific equipment to use in boccia sessions.
  • A peer mentor programme to support you with playing boccia and becoming more physically active. This may include supporting you to get you settled into a club or session.

Does this sound like something you would enjoy?

Do you know anyone who would benefit?

Then do not hesitate to contact our National Boccia Development Officer, Madison Garland.
madison.garland@scottishdisabilitysport.com
07568 319 099

Or complete the form below:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/ScottishDisabilitySport/GirlsInBoccia

Facebook: @SDSboccia
Twitter: @SDS_boccia

Partners: sportscotland, Muscular Dystrophy UK, Cerebral Palsy Scotland and Capability Scotland

2019 Tayside Schools Swimming Gala

Perth and Kinross Disability Sport are delighted to host the 2019 Tayside Schools Swimming Gala for pupils with a physical, sensory or learning disability on Wednesday 18th September 2019 at Perth Leisure Pool from 10am to 2pm in partnership with Leisure and Culture Dundee and ANGUSalive Sport & Leisure and supported by Perth City Swim Club, Live Active Leisure and Scottish Disability Sport.

Whilst this is a great opportunity for pupils to participate in swimming, it will also act as a qualifier for the Scottish Disabilty Sport  National Championships in November for those who would like to compete further.

Entry forms and information packs have been sent to all Tayside schools.

Any questions or if you would like an entry form sent out direct, please contact – graeme@pkds.org.uk

Closing date for entries – 11th September

Huge Success for Grampian’s First Inclusive Cycling Workshop

Six youngsters from Grampian are on their way to becoming independent cyclists after Adventure Aberdeen hosted its very first Inclusive Learn to Bike workshop during the summer holidays.

The specialist workshop was set up following an enquiry from a parent of a deaf child, who highlighted that her son couldn’t yet cycle without stabilisers, but felt too old to attend the mainstream Learn to Bike workshops which are offered routinely across the country. After enquiring a little wider, it was found that there were a number of young people with disabilities in the same situation and it was then that we approached Adventure Aberdeen with the idea of setting up a pilot workshop especially for these children, and they thoroughly rose to the challenge.

At the end of the 3-hour workshop, 2 of the youngsters were able to cycle confidently without stabilisers, and the remaining 4 children were close to cycling 2-wheeled too!

The chance enquiry from this parent has become a catalyst in driving forward inclusive cycling, and we’re looking forward to continuing working with Adventure Aberdeen to set up further Inclusive Learn to Bike workshops more routinely, and hosting the first inclusive Bikeability workshop for the youngsters who have ‘graduated’ from Learn to Bike and who are ready to develop their cycling proficiency.

Well done to all of the participants who put in so much effort during the workshop, and a huge thank you to the parents and to Sally from Adventure Aberdeen for making it all happen.

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.