Month: November 2019

Aqua mitts are a success at GOGA improvers session

Working with local partner Fife Sports and Leisure Trust and national partners Scottish Disability Sport and Scottish Swimming, GOGA in Fife has made a strong commitment over the three years of the programme to providing learn to swim opportunities for adult learners and adult improvers with additional support needs. Recreational swimming was one of three core activities set up by Scottish Disability Sport at the launch of the GOGA programme and Fife has retained its commitment to all three core activities.

Supported by Spirit of 2012, the GOGA in Fife adult improvers sessions atMichael Woods Sports & Leisure Centre, Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre andCowdenbeath Leisure Centre in particular are flourishing with new members signing up on a regular basis. Teachers Kathy, Lynsey, Kirsteen, Gabby plus pool side peer mentor volunteers have had major roles to play in the success of the programme. Significant others from families, voluntary organisations and Health and Social Care have been critical to the programme’s success.

Discussions are ongoing about the future of all adult learners/improvers sessions established during the life of GOGA but partners DSF and FSLT are confident that all continue throughout 2020 and beyond. Funding is in place for 80% of the programme with the final fifth to be negotiated shortly.

Thanks to support from Spirit of 2012 through GOGA, Speedo aqua mitts have been purchased for the improvers sessions and what a hit they are. Learners are on a breast stroke programme at the moment and the mitts are helping enormously with technique work.

Sessions participants with additional support needs proudly display their new swimming mitts earlier today in Glenrothes. Thank you once again Spirit of 2012.

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

SDS Junior Swimming Championships 2019

The first of two SDS junior swimming Championships were held last Wednesday at Grangemouth SC. These championships were for swimmers with a physical or sensory disability. It was heartening to see a new wave of younger swimmers from all of our regions competing against each other in the pool. This event has witnessed some thrilling swims over the years and one glance at the Championship Records (CRs) gives you an idea of the calibre of swimmers who have competed throughout the 42 year history of this event. Although no swimmer managed to break any CRs at this event, personal best times were set in abundance. SDS hugely appreciate the efforts out in by our member branches and regions in running qualifying galas and time-trial prior to this competition alongside the many weekly sessions to ensure swimmers are well-prepared to swim to their full capabilities on the day.

SDS were grateful to the many volunteers involved in the operation of the event – we are always on the lookout for more time keepers and officials if anyone is interested?

Thanks to our sponsors Allan McDougall and to Royal Bank of Scotland for supplying so many volunteers to assist on the day.

Thanks also to Scottish Swimming for their significant support of the event. Partnership working at its best.

Attention now turns to the second part of the series – the Junior Championships for swimmers with a learning disability at Tollcross on the 20th November.

Photo: Aaron McDowell & Kathryn White – 2019 Best Male & Female Swimmers at the championships.

Fife athlete surpasses all expectations

Christine Burns from Kirkcaldy is one of the longest serving members of Disability Sport Fife. At one time she was one of the leading sprinters in Scotland and on several occasions she represented Scotland in the Four Nations International for swimmers and athletes with learning disabilities hosted by the four Home Countries. Christine represented GB at the International Games in Madrid in 1992.

For a number of years Christine opted out of physical activity but during the life of GOGA in Fife, supported by Spirit of 2012, she has most certainly opted back in again. Inspired and supported by support staff from Central Fife Community Support Services and GOGA in Fife, Christine is a regular on Wednesdays and Thursdays for multi sports and improvers swimming at the Michael Woods Sports & Leisure Centre. Christine has also signed up for the GOGA in Fife pedometer programme inspired by Paths For All and almost every day she proudly records her steps with staff support.

Over the past few weeks however Christine has taken it upon herself to travel independently from Kirkcaldy to Glenrothes on public transport to join in a mainstream Hydro spin class led by Fife Sports and Leisure Trust staff member Debbie Mills. Debbie and Christine have struck up a special relationship for a class that involves cycling and exercising in water in the training pool with the moveable floor at the Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre. She is now considering joining a Ceilidh dancing group in the same centre.

This is the first occasion in all the many years of Christine’s involvement in physical activity and sport that she has travelled on her own in pursuit of exercise. Christine continues to be a real success story of

GOGA in Fife. Well done to the staff from Health and Social Care and Fife Sports and Leisure Trust who have enabled this inclusive active recreation initiative to happen.

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

Smart new racing chair for a proud Fife junior

A very proud young wheelchair racer turned up at training Thursday at Pitreavie Athletics Centre and was pleased to pose for a photo in her new Bromakin wheelchair with DSF coach Pamela Robson.

Niamh Currie is the youngest member of the Disability Sport Fife wheelchair racing squad but she has been racing now for several years. She started out in a DSF borrowed wheelchair and then acquired her own. It was noted that she had outgrown her first chair and off she headed to the Bromakin company in Loughborough with her Dad for a new fitting.

Much to the delight of the family, Bromakin happily swapped chairs for Niamh and offered a trade in. Wheels were transferred over and in no time Niamh was up and pushing once again. Niamh and her Dad even managed a trip to the High performance Centre at Loughborough University while they were waiting for Rob at Bromakin to complete the fitting.

Great service and thank you Bromakin. Niamh looks brilliant in her new chair and also her new DSF kit that more and more Disability Sport Fife members are wearing.

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

Ayrshire Sportsability: Chairperson

Recruiting body: Ayrshire Sportsability
Closing date: 30th November 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.

    • Ability to lead the strategic direction.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

    • 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.

Interview process
Interview dates to be confirmed

Applications
Deadline for applications is 5pm, 30th November 2019

All applicants should a note of interest detailing any relevant skills and experience to admin@ayrshiresportsability.org.uk.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the role please contact:

Email: waiyin@waibeyond.com

New Sponsors for FVDS AGM and Awards

SDS Central, Forth Valley Disability Sport, and its members, partners, athletes, clubs, and volunteers would like to extend huge appreciation of thanks to NTGAP Golf Organisation and Sheridan Property Consultants for their generous funding support of £2,100. This very kind donation will allow the re-establishment of the FVDS AGM/ Awards evening, due to take place in February 2020. We are extremely delighted to announce both as official sponsors of the FVDS Awards evening.

We have been very fortunate to have previous support from Sheridan Property Consultants sponsoring our 2019 Central Swimming programme and Central Regional Disability Swimming Squad, and extremely thankful to announce its continued support into 2020.

For more information on Sheridan Property Consultants please visit www.sheridanproperty.co.uk

To find out more about disability sport in Central Scotland please contact: Cheryl Lappin (SDS RDM) at cheryl.lappin@scottishdisabilitysport.com / Phone: 07577 830360.

 

Inclusive Skating Champs & Opportunities

Inclusive Skating are currently implementing our development plan and there are several exciting activities currently taking place.

The Scottish Inclusive Skating International Championships 2020 are being held at Coatbridge on 17th April 2020, and more information can be found here: https://inclusiveskating.org/events

A quiet session is available every week at Braehead Arena with an online booking system (link below), held every Wednesday from 5pm to 6.30pm. This session is suitable for those who would like to skate but need a quiet session and a bit more help. Inclusive Skating volunteers are available but more are always welcome. The online price is £7.50 per skater and carer saving £1.00.
https://www.braehead-arena.co.uk/shop/public-skating/inclusive-skating

The Inclusive Skating Safety Accredited Advisor on line course is available free for members of Inclusive Skating as part of our volunteer development program.
https://inclusiveskating.org/memberships

We are particularly interested in expanding the number of volunteers taking the safety course because we hope to make inclusive skating activities available throughout Scotland. Our courses are online and activities in the future will include ice skating and in line skating that does not require an ice pad.

An Inclusive Skating Team will be travelling to Finland shortly to take part in the Santa Claus competition from Saturday 23 to 24th November.

Last, but by no means least, a team of four skaters, including Scots Jennifer Gibson and Jonathan Higgins (pictured), are competing in the Special Olympics Invitational Games in Sweden from 28th January to 5th February 2020.

Finalists for More Categories Announced Ahead of UK Coaching Awards

A wave of 20 more finalists from five categories have been announced for next month’s prestigious UK Coaching Awards at The Tower Hotel London on 5 December 2019.

It follows the reveal of four category finalists on the 22 October and now means that two-thirds of the award categories have been made public, with finalists announced for Children and Young People’s Coach of the Year, Community Coach of the Year, High Performance Coach of the Year, Young Coach of the Year and Coaching for an Active Life Award.

With over three million people coaching regularly in the UK, the Awards will celebrate the outstanding work a diverse array of coaches do in their community every day, enriching the lives of those around them and contributing to healthy and happy lifestyles.

The finalists so far are:

Children and Young People’s Coach of the Year – supported by sportscotland

  • Elliot Donald (football)
  • Jonathan Reid (bmx)
  • Mhairi Guthrie (basketball)
  • Sasha Moore (athletics)

Community Coach of the Year – supported by Spond

  • Andrew Beech (multi-sport)
  • Anne Glass (cycling)
  • Joanne McElkerney (netball)
  • Siân Ponting (netball)

High Performance Coach of the Year – supported by UK Sport

  • Melanie Marshall (swimming)
  • Nelson Lindsay (swimming)
  • Shelia Swan (wheelchair curling)
  • Zak Jones (hockey)

Young Coach of the Year – supported by Sport Wales

  • Emma McCay (multi-sport)
  • James Galt (football/futsal)
  • Jonathon Dawes (tennis)
  • Kieran McMaster (boxing)

Coaching for an Active Life Award

  • Care About Walking (walking)
  • Disability Sports Coach (multi-sport)
  • Red Belt Challenge (judo)
  • The Bulldogs (boxing)

Changing Lives Award – supported by Sport England

  • Ben Lampert (football)
  • Cathy Fox (cycling)
  • Joe Lockley (boxing)

Talent Development Coach of the Year – supported by UK PCA

  • Danielle Brayson (swimming)
  • Matthew Handley (martial arts)
  • Michael Maguire (boxing)

Coach Developer of the Year

  • Nick Ruddock (gymnastics)
  • Rhodri Lloyd (multi-sport)
  • Sue Ringrose (horseracing)

Transforming Coaching Award

  • Archery GB Coach Development Team
  • Great Britain Hockey Coach Development Offer
  • Scottish Disability Sport

Mark Gannon, CEO of UK Coaching, said:

“The standard of nominations we received this year has been phenomenal and truly demonstrates the diverse coaching talent we have in the UK.

“These awards are a chance for us to celebrate the work our coaches do every day of the week, and the role they play in making people around them healthier and happier.

“We believe Great Coaching has a positive impact on society and builds connections in the community. The power of coaching goes further than sport itself – it enriches life skills and gives people confidence to be the best they can be.

“Congratulations to all those who were nominated, and of course our finalists. The UK Coaching Awards is always a special occasion and we cannot wait to shine a light on the exceptional work of our coaches.”

For this year’s Awards, UK Coaching reviewed and redesigned its nominations process to ensure all coaches, from grassroots to the global stage, had the greatest chance of being recognised. This included:

  • consulting with key partners to redevelop award categories and criteria to recognise the wide-ranging work that coaches do at all levels and in all communities
  • providing extra online guidance to support people when writing their nominations
  • engaging with more organisations than ever before to promote the value of nominating coaches for the Awards.

This proactive work led to a record number of nominations being submitted after the process was opened in July. These then went through a rigorous, independent and impartial judging process.

Still to be announced are the winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award, The Coaching Chain and finalists for the Great Coaching Moment of the Year prize, which will be selected by the Sports Journalists’ Association and put to a public vote – details will be announced very soon.

The UK Coaching Awards recognise and celebrate the work of people and organisations who are making a significant impact on Great Coaching. They shine a light on the role coaches play in transforming lives and inspiring an active nation.

The ceremony takes place on Thursday 5 December 2019 at The Tower Hotel London. Secure your place at a truly inspirational evening of great conversation and humbling stories that are guaranteed to touch the soul, visit: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/book/event?embed&eid=8328

Miller heads off to Dubai and World Championships

Best wishes to Owen Miller from Dunfermline and Fife AC who will face the greatest challenge in his illustrious career to date as a T20 athlete with an intellectual impairment, when he arrives in Dubai for the World Para AthleticsWorld Championships from 7th – 15th November.

The former Woodmill HS pupil is coached by Steve Doig at Fife AC and has flourished since the two came together two years ago. Owen is now second on the all time British T20 1500m list with a personal best of 3:56.32. This has opened up this opportunity to compete at the very highest level of world Para athletics and earn him his very first full Great Britain vest.

Owen has had a very successful career as an international athlete competing in INAS European and World Championships but being part of a WPA event has so far eluded him. He is a proud custodian of INAS medals of different colours won indoors and out over 800m and 1500m but he has never given up hope of one day wearing a full GB vest.

Inclusion on the British Athletics Paralympic Futures Academy Programme for the 2018/2019 season came at exactly the right time for athlete and coach and they have taken full advantage. Owen was disappointed when he missed out on selection for the Paralympic Games in London in 2012 but he has never given up hope of one day achieving his dream. Similarly Fife Athletic Club, Scottish Athletics and Disability Sport Fife have always believed in Owen and thank you British Athletics for providing Owen with the opportunity to realise his dream.

Owen has a very supportive family and club colleagues who have been assisting with pacing in the lead up to departure date of November 2nd. Mum and Gran have been there for Owen at all times along with his brothers and sister. Fife Sports and Leisure Trust supports Owen along with all other high performance Fife Para athletes and Fife AC is nationally recognised for its commitment to inclusive practice and coaching over many years. Previously great Fife AC athletes like Caroline Baird MBE, Colin Keay and more recently Derek Rae have worn the GB vest with pride and no shortage of success at Paralympic and World level.

Owen is scheduled to run on Thursday 14th November around 20 00 Dubai time. DSF will make every effort to keep Owen’s followers and supporters informed about how he is coping with this chance of a lifetime opportunity to compete against the best T20 athletes in the world.

Owen has been a massive influence on the Disability Sport Fife cross country and middle distance programme and he has always been a superb role model for emerging young athletes. Owen has dominated Scottish T20 middle distance running for a decade and Dubai will be an opportunity for him to bring his learning of the past two years and before to the international stage of Para athletics. All of us in Fife and beyond congratulate Owen on his selection and wish him well.

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

Fife all rounder is Grand Slam Champion

Congratulations to Fife’s leading all round ambulant physically disabled sportsman Connor Brown from Dunfermline, following another Para kata Grand Prix success at Ravenscraig on Saturday.

The former Woodmill HS pupil rounded off his most successful year to date with a 4th Para kata gold medal and the 2019 individual trophy as overall Grand Prix Grand Slam Champion. A most fitting end of season outcome for a very dedicated young sportsman whose commitment to daily strength and conditioning is exemplary.

Connor is coached by Paul Giannandrea at the very inclusive JKS Scotland club in Dunfermline. Paul and his team promote karate for players of all levels of ability including those with additional support needs. Connor has been a club member for many years and has been inspired by club members and coaches to commit fully to the training regime expected of high performance karate players.

Dedication and commitment have paid off across a wide range of sports including track and field and cross country as well as Para kata. Connor (T37 and F37) is also a member of Fife AC where he is coached by Steve Doig.

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