Month: September 2023

Photo collage of the winners in attendance at the AGM 2023 Awards Ceremony.

AGM Highlights the Power of Sport

Branch Conference and 15 Awards Received at Annual General Meeting

The Stirling Court Hotel welcomed a celebration of sport as it hosted Scottish Disability Sport’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Awards ceremony on Sunday 24th September 2023.  

Ahead of the AGM, the 2023 Branch Conference took place. Through three interactive workshops, the focus of the day was on supporting clubs to become more inclusive, improving the planning and organisation of regional events and data collection.   

The AGM itself then kicked off with congratulating the appointment of three new board members: John Kane, Sarah Pryde-Smith and Peter McGuire. On the theme of welcoming new faces, three members of the newly appointed Young Person’s Sport Panel shared their enthusiasm and received guidance from some of the previous Panel members, at a handover presentation. The new Young Person’s Sport Panel members were announced on Friday (22nd) and more information about the 14 members can be found here 

The Awards ceremony rounded off the day, with Faye Rodgers receiving the first award of the night in recognition of her hugely successful season (a gold and bronze medal at the World Para Swimming Championships).  

“I’m really excited. It’s been a really big year, my first year competing as a Para athlete so to get recognised for what I’ve achieved this year is just amazing. I’m just really, really grateful,” said Rodgers after picking up the Russell Hogg Bursary.  

Finlay Davidson was the second recipient of the Russel Hogg Bursary, awarded after his Para Powerlifting World Championships fourth place finish in the men’s junior <49kg category. 

In what she described as “a total surprise”, Ling Mann was the winner of the Community Champion Trophy in recognition of her commitment and support of disability sport in her local community, particularly her work within Boccia.  

“I really enjoy volunteering and doing the clubs. I get a lot out of it with the athletes. It’s so fantastic, thank you very much,” said Ling Mann.  

The Special Recognition Award was awarded to Caroline Johnston for her outstanding commitment to developing disability sport in the West of Scotland over the past decade and her involvement as a coach at Red Star Athletics.  

In a pre-recorded acceptance speech, Caroline said that she was, “quite flabbergasted” to be the recipient of such an award, commenting: “I’ve had years of great fun running up and down the country doing various things for disability sport”.  

After winning gold at this year’s World Youth Boccia Championships in BC4 pairs, Tyler McLelland won the John de Courcy Trophy for Most Promising Newcomer.  

“Never give up. There’s going to be hard times. I’ve had hard times so far in my career where it has not gone perfectly but you just fight through those hard times and then there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel”, advised Tyler to any newcomer wanting to take up a sport.  

Former international medallist, Peter McGuire, was the winner of the Russell Hogg Trophy for Development Coach of the Year. When asked what his highlight of 2023 was, he said, “Just supporting those on their journey, really and to actually see them grow.” 

The winner of the Athlete’s Athlete of the Year was Gavin Drysdale. Earlier this summer, Drysdale won Great Britain a gold medal at the Para Athletics World Championships in Paris with a new European Record (16.66 seconds).  

Drysdale’s advice to aspiring athletes was, “Just have a go. You never know where it might take you and the most important part is to have fun along the way.” 

Other award recipients were Craig Peattie (Dedication to Para-Football Award), David Laing (Glasgow Trophy for Service to Sport), Jim Hunter (Elspeth Watson Trophy), Greig Taylor (Fife Trophy for Performance Coach of the Year), Perth Eagles (Janice Eaglesham Trophy for Club of the Year), Samantha Kinghorn MBE (Finlay Calder Trophy for Athlete of the Year), Stephen Clegg (Brian Memorial Trophy for Swimmer of the year) and Neil Fachie OBE (Angus Trophy for Sportsperson of the Year).  

RNIB Shape & Share Event

RNIB Shape and Share events bring children, young people and their families together with no cost attached, for peer support, to share experiences and take part in fun activities both in person across the UK and virtually via Microsoft Teams.

Each event offers:

  • A chance to meet other families
  • Activities, games or crafts for younger children
  • Engagement opportunities for young people
  • Support, information and discussion for families on a range of topics relating to everyday life at home, education, transitions, social life and leisure, mobility and independence
  • Opportunities to have your say, shape and get involved in local and national campaigns
  • Information about wider services from RNIB and partner organisations.

All children and young people aged 0-25, their siblings, parents and family members are welcome to attend.

Information on the 2023-24 Event Programme can be found on the RNIB website here:

https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/supporting-others/parenting-a-child-with-a-vision-impairment/family-support-and-events/

Aidan Moody

Aidan appointed onto the new SDS panel

Age
20

Hometown
Glasgow

Branch
Disability Sport Glasgow

How did you get involved in sport or what would you like to get involved with?
I started playing tennis when I was 8 years old. Our local club ran a taster session at my primary school and I loved it. I joined the club and their coaching programme and have been playing tennis ever since. When I was 15 I found out about the Learning Disability programme for tennis, I have progressed under that scheme and I am now part of the Great Britain National squad.

What motivated you to join the Young Person’s Sport panel?
Tennis has given me lots of opportunities and has made a huge difference in my life. I would like to help raise awareness and promote disability sport.

If you could change anything, what would you change to improve disability
sport?
I would like more people to be aware of disability sport, the opportunities that exist and to recognise the achievements that can be made.

What are your sporting (or other) highlights?
Last year I won the GB Singles and Doubles player of the year for LD tennis and won bronze in the National championships. This year I qualified for the ‘Play you way to Wimbledon’ tournament. It was really special to play on the grass courts and be made to feel so welcome at Wimbledon.

What are your goals and aspirations?
To win a medal for my country at an international tournament. It would be great to see Scotland as part of the Special Olympics.

What is your best achievement, sporting or otherwise?
This year I was selected for the GB team participating in the Virtus Global Games in Vichy. This was my first international experience, it was amazing to play against the top players in the world and I was delighted to finish in the top ten.

Is there a role model that inspires you and why?
Andy Murray! He is the most committed, hardworking player who never gives up

Group photo of YPSP

Scottish Disability Sport announces third Young Person’s Sports Panel

After the success of the first and second cohort of the Young Persons Sport Panel (YPSP), Scottish Disability Sport are delighted to announce the recruitment of a third Young Persons Sport Panel. The new panel is supported by the National Lottery Community Fund and will be made up of 14 young people aged 14 and 22 who come with a huge amount of enthusiasm, knowledge and experiences to help shape the future of disability sport in Scotland.

“SDS is delighted to welcome the latest intake into the Young Persons Sport Panel, which has become a vital consultation forum and development group for the Association. The new panel members come from a diverse range of backgrounds but all bring a passion for their sport and a determination to change culture around disability and inclusion. Their experience, knowledge and enthusiasm will be massive benefit to the work of SDS.” – Gavin MacLeod, SDS CEO

The new YPSP members are:

A huge thank you must go to the previous YPSP cohort 2020-2023:

  • Thomas Boers (Grampian)
  • Neil Ferguson (Lothian)
  • Hayden Keir (Dumfries and Galloway)
  • Rory McKinna (Ayrshire)
  • Abby Cook (Forth Valley)
  • Fiona Rogers (South Lanarkshire)
  • Caitlyn Ross (Forth Valley)
  • Grace Stirling (Forth Valley)
  • Craig Smith (Glasgow)
  • Matthew Wynne (East Refrewshire)
  • Laura Pilkington (Lothian)
  • Callum Sloan (Fife)
  • Maria Lyle (Lothian)
  • Murran MacKay (Angus)
  • Cadyn Thomson (Perth and Kinross)

The previous panel have been an asset to SDS being the driving force behind the Wheels to Stadium. speaking at events, promoting SDS and athletes on social media, working with branches and key partners to make sport more inclusive for all. Some of the previous panel will now transition into becoming mentors for the new group and support with the programming of the YPSP.

Previous panel member Grace Stirling shared her thoughts: “I’ve loved being part of the SDS YPSP! It’s been a great opportunity to meet other young people with a disability who also have similar passions and interests – many of them have become great friends! I really enjoyed being given a platform where I could share my experiences within sport and be able to make a difference to disability sport in Scotland. The panel has given me so much knowledge, skills and experiences which have set me up well to take on so many different opportunities in the future. My time on the panel has opened so many doors for me!”

For more information on the SDS Young Person’s Sports Panel please contact Craig Smith at: craig.smith@scottishdisabilitysport.com

Seb Kesson

Seb announced onto the  new YPSPAge
20

Hometown
Greenock

Branch
Disability Sport Glasgow

How did you get involved in sport or what would you like to get involved with?
Was involved with football from a young age and have tried a variety of sports

 

What motivated you to join the Young Person’s Sport panel?
To get involved with more sports

If you could change anything, what would you change to improve disability sport?Make sports more accessible for young people with disabilities

What are your sporting (or other) highlights?
Was captain of football team played rugby with school team

What are your goals and aspirations?
To keep fit and active and find a sport I really enjoy

What is your best achievement, sporting or otherwise?
Being captain of football team

Ryan Flynn

Ryan announced on the new YPSPAge
17

Hometown
Grangemouth

Branch
Forth Valley Disability Sport

How did you get involved in sport or what would you like to get involved with?
I compete in a variety of sports such as: Bowls, Boccia, Swimming & Athletics.

What motivated you to join the Young Person’s Sport panel?
I was motivated because I want branches around the country to become more exposed to the organisation.

If you could change anything, what would you change to improve disability sport?
Organise participants into their rightful categories.

What are your sporting (or other) highlights?
My main sports are: Bowls Boccia, Swimming & Athletics.

What are your goals and aspirations?
My goals are to attend the Olympic Games someday in the foreseeable future, record a song & become a world chef overtime.

What is your best achievement, sporting or otherwise?
When I was 12 years old I attended the 40th anniversary Olympic Games in Stirling and participated in Bowls to achieve a gold medal.

Is there a role model that inspires you and why?
I have gained Bowls and Boccia qualifications throughout this year and my active schools coordinator hired me to volunteer at Grangemouth Sport Complex every Monday afternoon.

Ruby McDonald

Ruby announced onto the new YPSP
Age
16

Hometown
Glenrothes

Branch
Disability Sport Fife

How did you get involved in sport or what would you like to get involved with?
I got involved to get fit and active and enjoy most sports – always willing to try something new

What motivated you to join the Young Person’s Sport panel?
I want to help get other people involved in sports no matter their ability. I would like
to be a voice for those with hidden and learning disabilities.

If you could change anything, what would you change to improve disability sport?
Unlimited access to sport and coaching and support to be your best.

What are your sporting (or other) highlights?
Winning 5 medals at this years Learning Disability Summer Games. Being selected to do a Career Ready Programme. Being asked to be a player /coach for my local para football team. Winning the Fife Voluntary Action, “Active” volunteer of the year this year which was a mainstream category.

What are your goals and aspirations?
To represent my country or team GB. For Scotland to become part of the Special Olympics

What is your best achievement, sporting or otherwise?
See highlights

Is there a role model that inspires you and why?
Duncan Scott – he gives me inspiration to always try
my best

Rae

Rae announced on the new YPSPAge
16
Branch
Forth Valley Disability Sport
What motivated you to join the Young Person’s Sport panel?
The opportunity to create positive change in disability sport.
If you could change anything, what would you change to improve disability sport?
To shine a light on it, make more people aware this amazing community exists!
What is your best achievement, sporting or otherwise?
Finding out what I’m capable of!