Month: January 2020

Brits into Australian Open Finals

Brits Gordon Reid, Alfie Hewett and Jordanne Whiley will all contest Australian Open finals after another successful day at Melbourne Park on Thursday for players on the LTA’s GB Wheelchair Tennis World Class Performance Programme.

While Reid booked a place in his second Australian Open singles final, he and Hewett earned a return to the men’s doubles final and Jordanne Whiley and Yui Kamiji secured their place in their first Grand Slam doubles final since Wimbledon 2017. Andy Lapthorne also retains hopes of making it to the quad singles final heading into Friday’s last day of round-robin matches.

Reid will face world No.1 Shingo Kunieda of Japan in Saturday’s men’s singles final after the 2016 champion beat Belgian world No.4 Joachim Gerard 6-4, 7-5 in his semi-final.

World No.7 Reid, who added the Wimbledon title and Paralympic gold following his Australian Open title in 2026, said:
“I’m really happy. To get to the final here I’m really, really excited about that opportunity to play in another Grand Slam final. At points today the match wasn’t the prettiest and at points it was great. In doubles me and Alfie played fantastic, so I think there are a lot of positives to take from today.”

Extreme heat in Melbourne meant play was suspended at 2-2 in the opening set, but Reid returned to court to finish the set strongly, breaking Gerard’s serve to love.

Reid, who beat Gerard in the 2016 Australian Open final to win his maiden Grand Slam singles crown, raced through the opening games in the second set for a 5-1 lead. Gerard fought back to level the match before Reid earned three match points on the Belgian’s serve and put away a forehand winner to secure victory after an hour and 28 minutes.

Hewett’s hopes of making it an all-British singles final faded after the world No.3 returned to court after the heat delay, trailing Kunieda 5-3. Kunieda earned another break at the start of the second set, ultimately wrapping up a 6-3, 6-3 win. However, there was a victorious outcome to Hewett and Reid’s men’s doubles semi-final after they claimed the last five points of a first set tiebreak against Argentina’s Gustavo Fernandez and Kunieda and earned a commanding 5-1 lead in the deciding match tiebreak to wrap up a thrilling encounter 7-6(2), 3-6 (10-5).

After beating Fernandez and Kunieda in the semi-finals for the second time in three years, US Open champions Hewett and Reid will now play French top seeds Stephane Houdet and Nicolas Peifer for the title.

Whiley’s first Australian Open since 2016 will see her and Kamiji bid to add a third women’s doubles title at Melbourne Park after the 2014 and 2015 champions beat second seeds Sabine Ellerbrock of Germany and South Africa’s Kgothatso Montjane.

After returning to international wheelchair tennis after maternity leave only last February, Whiley marked her son Jackson’s second birthday on Thursday with a 6-1, 6-4 victory for her and Kamiji as the duo pursue a tenth Grand Slam title together.

Whiley and Kamiji will now play top seeds Diede de Groot and Aniek van Koot in Friday’s final and will hope to avenge defeat to the Dutch pairing in last year’s Wimbledon semi-finals. Whiley said: “I’m really happy to be back in my first final at a Slam only 11 months after being back (I competition) properly. Me and Yui have had some close matches with Diede and Aniek at Wimbledon and the British Open, but I feel tomorrow will be more of an even match up against them because my fitness levels are back up there.”

Lapthorne retains hopes of booking his place in the quad singles finals, despite losing his second quad singles round-robin match to Australian Dylan Alcott. Two-time US Open champion Lapthorne, who has moved to No.1 in the world rankings for the first time this week, slipped to a 7-5, 6-1 loss to defending champion Alcott. However, with his third and last round-robin match to come on Friday against Alcott’s countryman Heath Davidson, Lapthorne will be looking to win that convincingly to earn another possible meeting with Alcott in Saturday’s final.

Lapthorne remains a five-time Australian Open quad doubles champion after his bid for another title partnering American David Wagner ended against the combination of Alcott and Davidson. With Lapthorne and Wagner aiming to lift their fourth title together in Melbourne since 2014, their latest challenge faded as Alcott and Davidson prevailed 6-4, 6-3 on Margaret Court Arena.

Lapthorne said: “Singles was disappointing but I’m looking forward to coming back stronger tomorrow. The important thing is I still have a chance to get into that singles final. And in doubles, of course, it’s always disappointing to lose. But we go onto to the next one and I know where I have to improve.”

For news and updates from the Australian Open wheelchair tennis draws and the fortunes of the Brits follow on Twitter @the_LTA and @WChairTennisGB and on the LTA website at www.lta.org.uk.

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.

Scottish Disability Badminton National Championships

The first event of the SDS National Calendar of Events was held last Saturday at the Dalkeith Schools Campus where the Scottish Disability Badminton National Championships was played. Congratulations to all the participants and in particular the medallists in the singles and doubles events. The event has evolved over the last few years and is now under the auspices of Badminton Scotland in partnership with Scottish Disability Sport and Lothian Disability Badminton Club. The event is superbly supported by expert volunteers from within and outside of these organisations and provides the players a competitive step in the pathway with many going on to compete at the Four-Nation events.

You can find the full results at this link

Thanks to Gordon Elliott for the brilliant photos. More of which can be found here:

 

Brits Earn Early Victories at Australian Open

Brits Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid booked their places in the men’s wheelchair singles semi-finals on Wednesday at the Australian Open as Andy Lapthorne also earned his first match win as world No.1 in quad singles.

Meanwhile, on a largely good day for players on the LTA’s GB Wheelchair Tennis World Class Performance Programme, with three wins from four matches, Jordanne Whiley put up a fine effort in defeat against women’s world No.2 Yui Kamiji.

Reid ended the Australian Open title defence of Argentina’s world No.2 Gustavo Fernandez 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-2 to set up a semi-final against Belgium’s world No.4 Joachim Gerard, the same player Reid beat in the 2016 Australian Open final as the Brit won his first career Grand Slam singles title.

With Hewett and Reid in opposite semi-finals, there is the potential for an all-Brit men’s singles final later this week. After his quarter-final victory, Reid said: “I’m very pleased with the performance and result today. I served and returned well for the majority of the match and managed to impose my style, which is important against Gustavo. I’m looking forward to another opportunity tomorrow against Gerard.”

World No.3 Hewett sealed his first ever singles win at the Australian Open as the two-time US Open champion beat world No.5 Stephane Houdet of France 6-3, 6-4. Playing in the first wheelchair match of this year’s Australian Open to be staged on a show court, Hewett earned breaks at either end of the first set and took the last two games of the match on  Margaret Court Arena to secure a semi-final on Thursday against world No. 1 Shingo Kunieda of Japan.

Hewett, who came into the Australian Open having already reached back-to-back singles finals this
season, said: “I’m very happy with that outcome. I thought I came out serving strong and returned well the whole match. I enjoyed being out on a show court, with such prestige to its name. It’s great to see wheelchair tennis getting the recognition and to be competing on those sorts of arenas. I loved every second being out there and I’m excited to head into tomorrow’s match against Shingo.”

Three-time Wimbledon and US Open champions Hewett and Reid also begin their men’s doubles title bid on Thursday when they face Fernandez and Kunieda. Lapthorne’s first match as world No.1 in the quad singles rankings saw the 29-year-old US Open champion beat world No.3 David Wagner 6-3, 7-6(6) in the first of his three round-robin matches at Melbourne Park.

Lapthorne succeeded Australian Dylan Alcott as world No.1 on Monday and will now play Alcott in his second round-robin match at Melbourne Park on Thursday. Lapthorne and Wagner also team up on Thursday as they take on the Australian duo of Alcott and Heath Davidson for the quad doubles title, with the Anglo-American partnership going in search of a fourth Australian Open title together. The final is the last contest scheduled on Margaret Court Arena.

Whiley produced her best performance against world No.2 Kamiji since launching her comeback to international wheelchair tennis last February after maternity leave. The British No.1 and world No.5 battled back from 5-3 down in the second set to force a tiebreak and saved four match points, including two at 6-3 down in the tiebreak, before Kamiji sealed a 6-2, 7-6(5) win.

Whiley, who partners Kamiji in the women’s doubles semi-finals on Thursday as the duo begin their quest for a tenth Grand Slam title together, said: “I played some really good tennis today, but that’s the frustrating part. I had so many missed opportunities.”

For news and updates from the Australian Open wheelchair tennis draws and the fortunes of the Brits follow on Twitter @the_LTA and @WChairTennisGB and on the LTA website at www.lta.org.uk.

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.

Lucy Walkup continues to climb the coaching ladder

I learned this evening that Disability Sport Fife peer mentor volunteer and DSF coach Lucy Walkup has officially passed UKCC Level 2 swim coaching qualification. Lucy coaches at Carnegie Swimming Club and her journey in swimming teaching and coaching has been inspirational. Following a hugely successful career in high performance swimming with British Deaf Sport, Lucy has committed totally to swim teaching and coaching while studying at university.

DSF Trustees were pleased when Lucy accepted our offer to become a DSF coach at the successful Monday evening and Thursday morning multi sports sessions at the Michael Woods Sports & Leisure Centre. Initially, thanks to support from Spirit of 2012 through GOGA, and then with support from Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, this was made possible. Lucy is working alongside DSF coaches Pamela Robson, Gayle Sloan and Alex Bird. Working initially as a peer mentor volunteer prepared Lucy for her coaching DSF posts. She has made great progress over the past few months working with learners with additional support needs. Lucy has also benefited from the Scottish Disability Sport Young Start programme and is currently studying to be a physical education teacher. Despite all that is going on in her very busy life, Lucy has decided to sign up with Carnegie Masters and return to completition swimming. A remarkable young woman whose commitment to DSF over many, years has been significant. Congratulations again Lucy on your most recent swim qualification.

Richard Brickley OBE MBE Chairman Disability Sport Fifer (SCIO) board of Trustees

Borders Disability Sport Celebrating Success Awards

Borders Disability Sport launches their inaugural ‘Celebrating Success Awards Evening’, an event that will recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions made by our local athletes, coaches and volunteers throughout all disciplines of disability sport within the Scottish Borders.

There will be six awards presented and they are:

  • Lifetime Service to Disability Sport
  • Sportsperson of the Year
  • Junior Sportsperson of the Year
  • Volunteer of the Year
  • Inspirational Achievement of the Year
  • Outstanding Sporting Achievement Award.

This prestigious event will be held at Mansfield House Hotel, Hawick on Friday 22nd May 2020 commencing at 7.30pm.

Ruth Hounam, Chairperson, Borders Disability Sport: “Our inaugural event will showcase what can be achieved through active partnerships. Acknowledging the many clubs, coaches and volunteers who enable disability participation, while sharing and recognising athletes’ successes and stories.

“It’s a wonderful way to shine a spotlight on disability sport in the Scottish Borders and recognise and celebrate those who contribute to bringing inclusive sport opportunities to the region.

“There is still time to sponsor some of our categories, so I would encourage any businesses or individuals looking to support the development of disability sport across the region and help us positively change lives within sport.

“It would be fantastic to have you in attendance to celebrate such a special evening.”

Tickets are priced at £15 per Adult and £10 for children 16yrs and under – ticket price includes buffet catering.

Tickets are available from Alan Oliver at aoliver@liveborders.org.uk or on 01750 700 110.

Any contributions made from the evening will be reinvested into Borders Disability Sport for future initiatives.

Nominations are now open; to nominate an individual please email Alan Oliver with their name, a short description on their achievements and why you believe they should win the award.

Borders Disability Sport Awards

East of Scotland Para Sport Festival 2020

The annual Para Sport Festival is on the horizon for 2020, welcoming young people from across the East of Scotland with a physical, visual or hearing impairment and providing them with an opportunity to try a range of Para Sports, delivered by some of the best clubs and coaches across the country.  This year’s festival is scheduled for Friday 27th March 2020 at Forrester / St Augustine’s High School, Edinburgh.

The event, previously named the Paralympic Experience Event, is entering its ninth year since inception prior to the London Paralympic Games in 2012.  This year’s event is especially exciting as we look forward to the Paralympic Games in Tokyo between 25th August and 6th September, showcasing the considerable talents of thousands of para athletes from over 100 countries.

It is a fantastic opportunity for primary and secondary aged young people to experience some of the sports that are successfully showcased at the Paralympic Games.  The activities selected reflect the strong club structure in the region and will aim to ignite the transition from the event to more regular sporting activity with one or more of the session’s being delivered.  Several Scottish Governing Bodies of Sport (SGB’s) have also expressed a desire in supporting the event over the years and this further emphasises the amount of collaborative work involved.

The festival is a partnership event between Scottish Disability Sport, Edinburgh Active Schools, Lothian Disability Sport, Borders Disability Sport, Edinburgh Leisure and the Active Schools Network who work together, along with local club coaches, to offer sessions in athletics (including race running) swimming, boccia, football, orienteering, wheelchair basketball, judo, goalball and more to the children and young people from East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian, the Scottish Borders and West Lothian. This year’s event will also be supported by the Celtic FC Foundation.

Video footage has been captured from previous festivals highlighting the aims and potential impact of the event featuring testimonies from young people, parents, club coaches and professional officers.  We hope this footage will prove a useful tool in providing an accurate insight to the event – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdkfhV4KwNc

If you are interested in attending the event, please find an online entry form by following the link here.  Alternatively, you can download a paper copy of the entry form by clicking here: East Para Sport Festival 2020 Entry Form

If you have any questions surrounding this information then please contact SDS East Regional Manager Neal Herbert on 0770 939 3514 or neal.herbert@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

 

Headwell BC – a very special indoor bowling club

Last week I was delighted to report that a number of Disability Sport Fife sessions have increased their attendances considerably at the start of the new term.

Numbers are up considerably in run, jump and throws, badminton and adult swimming improvers. We are looking at capping numbers in some sessions, increasing water space in others and taking on new coaches/volunteers in another. The legacy of GOGA in Fife supported bySpirit of 2012 is clearly there for all to see.

One of the key targets of GOGA in Fife was to establish a network of inclusive sports clubs across Fife that are open, welcoming and inclusive in ethos and practice. The Enigma Gymnastics Club was one of the first to come on board and the progress made by club volunteers has been significant.

In 2017 a GOGA in Fife partnership was established with Headwell Indoor Bowling Club in Dunfermline. Up to 24 players and club members now play weekly. Three rinks of 8 or four rinks of 6 are the norm. The remaining rinks are occupied by club members not involved in disability bowls. The club is able to provide 3-4 coaches for every session. So successful is the project that the club has decided to cap numbers at 24. A remarkable achievement by a very committed group of club volunteers.

Congratulations to the very inclusive Headwell BC and many thanks to Alyn and Chris in particular who have led the programme from the start with considerable support from Headwell Club member colleagues.

Richard Brickley OBE MBE Chairman Disability Sport Fife (SCIO) Board of Charity Trustees

Forth Valley Disability Sport Treasurer Position

Recruiting body: Forth Valley Disability Sport

Closing date: Friday 6 March 2020

Forth Valley Disability Sport (FVDS) 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 and local authority areas in Forth Valley. FVDS 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. FVDS have achieved SDS Minimum Operating Requirements (MOR) which ensures all governance is up to date and appropriate. The committee of FVDS now wishes to appoint new committee members to join the branch.

Role Title – Treasurer (voluntary)
Organisation – Forth Valley Disability Sport (FVDS)
Responsible to – Forth Valley Disability Sport committee
Location – Forth Valley

An exciting opportunity has risen for a passionate and enthusiastic individual who is interested in helping achieve the vision and aims of FVDS by specifically supporting the organisation as committee treasurer

The Treasurer will support the FVDS Co-ordinator to help shape the financial future of FVDS by ensuring accurate records are kept of the charity’s finances. The post holder should be well organised and confident in handling financial information and producing reports to the FVDS committee. In return, FVDS offers the opportunity to meet new people, gain new skills, volunteer within a sports context, learn about the inspiring world of disability sport.

Contract – This is a voluntary position, but all reasonable expenses will be paid. Committee members will be expected to attend branch meetings (held 6 times per year), plus finance sub group meetings as and when required, 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 – 2 years

SKILLS REQUIRED AND MAIN DUTIES:

  • Well organised and able to keep accurate records
  • Confident in handling finances and keeping records
  • Experience in budget handling
  • Enthusiastic and motivated
  • Prepared to make a regular time commitment
  • Prepared to make decisions when necessary

MAIN DUTIES:

  1. Support Branch Coordinator to maintain efficient and effective bookkeeping records of all financial transitions

Interviews
Date to be confirmed after the closing date

Applications

All applicants should send a curriculum Vitae and cover letter to graham.harvey@fvds.org.uk by the closing date of Friday 6th  March 2020 detailing why you are interested in the role and any relevant skills and experience. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Graham Harvey on the above email address.

Try Wheelchair Curling

Come along and check out our Wheelchair Curling Try Session where we will be joined by world silver wheelchair, Bronze Paralympic medalist Aileen Neilson. The session will take place at Dewars Centre, Perth on Sunday 19th January 2019 from 10:00 – 11:00.

If you are interested or would like some more information please contact AnnMareeDavidson@liveactive.co.uk or call 01738 454700 to book your space.

The session lasts 1 hour and cost £5.10.

For more information see the Live Active website here: https://www.liveactive.co.uk/Events/try-wheelchair-curling