Month: May 2024

Photo of patients sitting on yoga mats in a garden outside, participating in yoga and mindfulness. They are sitting in a circle on the grass at Carseview Hospital.

GOGA Tayside Advocating ‘Movement in Medicine’

By William Moncrieff, Communications Apprentice


May has been themed “Moving For Mental Health” by sportscotland. This is providing the sporting community with fantastic opportunities to highlight the relationship that physical activity has with improved mental health. 

Get Out Get Active Tayside (GOGA Tayside), one of Scottish Disability Sports’s (SDS) partners, has been at the forefront of this ongoing pursuit, using physical activity as a resource to improve physiological and psychological wellbeing.  

GOGA Tayside are delivering several classes per week in mental health wards throughout their region. These consist of two sessions per week on four wards at Murray Royal Hospital and one session per week on four wards at Carseview Centre.  

Lee-Anne Herbert, GOGA Tayside instructor, often delivers these classes with the goal of providing more people with opportunities to become physically active as well as supporting the inpatients to feel confident participating in the sessions and applying the tools once discharged, which has been the case on several occasions.  

Lee-Anne explains: “Physical activity plays a crucial role in personal wellbeing as it is a simple tool to help improve overall quality of life and general wellbeing. A phrase I often share with clients is Movement in Medicine.” 

Lee-Anne’s classes started a little over two years ago at Moray Royal Hospital and due to their success, they have since expanded. This is seen as a huge achievement.  

“Activity supports the mental wellbeing of every individual & the benefits of simple movement shouldn’t be underestimated. The more that people can get moving in some capacity, the healthier our communities will be”, said Lee-Anne.  

When classes are being delivered, there is a great opportunity to provide participating patients with an opportunity to be socially interactive. 

“Social interaction is a huge part of many of the sessions. The closed ward sessions that I deliver are an easy way to encourage people out of their rooms and into a supportive environment to enable peer group interaction. It’s important to be able to give that opportunity”, commented Lee-Anne. 

The sessions delivered are yoga and mindfulness. These provide every participant with an opportunity to become more physically active, whilst giving them practical breathing routines that they can implement into their everyday life. This has resulted in some great feedback. 

“The ward activity coordinators often tell me that clients have been using the breathing techniques that I teach when they feel under stress. In a few specific cases, staff have offered feedback that the client is much more at ease in the ward and around other people since starting the sessions”, said Lee-Anne. 

She went on to say: “Every session I see a difference from how people present at the start to how they present at the end. Sometimes, it’s a simple change in how high they are holding their shoulders and sometimes there’s such a difference in their whole personality, much more relaxed and open.” 

GOGA Tayside’s work has been well received by many. Their work in the Amulree wards in Moray Royal Hospital received the Mental Health Nursing Practice & the Johnathan MacLennan Excellence Awards for ‘Innovations in Improving Physical Health and Wellbeing’ at the 2023 Scottish Mental Health Nursing Forum. 

 If you would be Interested in finding out more about Get Out Get Active (GOGA) Tayside, and how you can get involved, please visit here.  

Young boy sitting a wheelchair, smiling and holding a red boccia ball.

Shepherd Supports Scottish Disability Sport’s Boccia Development

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) receives financial support from Shepherd Chartered Surveyors to further aid boccia development throughout Scotland.

The backing from Shepherd will help fund SDS’s ongoing commitment to providing opportunities for people of all abilities, to try and participate in boccia across the country.

Ian Fergusson, Senior Partner at Shepherd, said: “We’re delighted to financially support Scottish Disability Sport’s inspirational boccia programme.

“Boccia is a hugely inclusive sport which caters for all abilities and we look forward to playing an active part in the growth of this popular sport throughout Scotland.”

Acting as the Scottish Governing Body for boccia, SDS is continually campaigning to make the sport accessible for all; providing clear pathways to engage in the sport in both urban and rural areas of Scotland.

Currently Scotland has 36 boccia opportunities which allows over 720 people to enjoy the game of boccia. To make this happen there are over 199 volunteers who support these opportunities. These volunteers are vital in supporting the athletes thrive and develop.

“SDS is delighted to receive funding support from Shepherd Chartered Surveyors”, said Gavin MacLeod, SDS Chief Executive.

“Financial support of this nature goes a long way to allowing us to offer more players with disabilities access to this fantastic Paralympic sport. Funding will be used to enhance access to training and competition for players across Scotland. Our thanks go to everyone at Shepherd Chartered Surveyors”.

2024 is a big year for boccia in Scotland and the support from Shepherd comes at a critical time where interest in the sport is expected to rise.

Not only is SDS currently preparing to host both the Scottish Boccia Closed Championships (15th June) and the UK Boccia Championships (15-17th November) but sandwiched in-between is the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where several Scots are hopeful of securing a spot on the team.

Team Glasgow with the Kintore Trophy

A great day had at the National Senior Learning Disability Swimming Championships

By William Moncrieff, Communications Apprentice 


On Saturday 18th May, Scottish Disability Sport hosted their Senior Learning Disability Swimming Championship at Highlife Highland’s Aquadome facilities, located in the capital of the Highlands. 

The day saw twelve teams make the trip up north, with a grand total of 121 individuals turning up to compete. 

The day started well with participants, coaches, supporters and parents feeling excited for the day of swimming. Josie, one of the coaches, explained how some of her team were feeling: “they have been so excited for weeks, just to compete in this competition.”  

“I get such a buzz from this competition. I just love seeing all the other clubs here taking part. I think it’s just wonderful that they get the chance to participate in competitive sport, I just love it.”  

This sense of real excitement was shared by Ian and Adam, two swimmers from Inverness who said they were, “so proud to be here and swimming for Team Highland.” 

Ian, who competed in freestyle, breaststroke and backstroke, went on to say: “I am desperate to get the cup back home for Team Highland. There is a real community here in the team.” 

The morning session saw Team Glasgow take the lead narrowly ahead of Team Highland, followed by Team Grampian. 

Team Glasgow kept adding to their medal tally in the afternoon, including a silver medal won by Lynne in the breaststroke. She said that she was, “feeling good and happy. I’m looking forward to cheering on my teammates.”  

This sense of enjoyment was shared by Scott’s parents who travelled over with Team Grampian. They said, “It is just great to be able to watch him succeeding in something that he enjoys doing.” 

They continued to say, “swimming is a great way for him to exercise, keeping healthy whilst not putting too much strain on [his] joints.” 

The afternoon also saw personal records being broken, with Rory from Team Highland, shaving 0,05 seconds off his PB in the backstroke – good enough for silver.  

“I am happy to win the medal for the team, it feels good”, said Rory.  

Dundee Discovery was also represented at the championships and found themselves on top of the podium on several occasions.  

Two swimmers from Dundee Discovery, Maria and Alwin, both won a gold and silver medal. When asked about their highlight of the day, they said: “taking part and being part of a team.” 

Maria went on to say, “I would like to thank my coaches, Eileen and Jen, along with all the helpers. They’ve done a great job.” 

A further Dundee Discovery swimmer that found the podium on multiple occasions, was Taylor. Reflecting on the day, he said, “I won five medals today, in 100m freestyle, 100m individual medley, 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke and 50m butterfly”, said Taylor.  

He continued to say, “I think my favorite part of the day has to be the atmosphere within the teams.” Adding, that he was looking forward to, “getting to celebrate with the team, having some fun and enjoying the bus journey back home.” 

After an eventful afternoon session, Team Glasgow held on to the lead and claimed the Kintore Trophy. Team Highland had to settle for second place with Team Grampian completing the top three spots.  

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) would like to thank everyone who came, took part and added to the amazing atmosphere. SDS would further like to thank the Motability scheme and The Highland Council’s Inverness Common Good Fund for their support throughout the day. 

If you would like to find out more about future events, please click here.  

Photo of Grace smiling towards the camera. She is wearing a blue Sport Scotland t-shirt and has a bag over one shoulder, which she is holding the strap of.

YPSP Member Grace Attends International Conference

Last week, Grace Jean Lawther from the Scottish Disability Sport Young Persons Sport Panel (SDS YPSP) was invited by sportscotland to attend Enable’s three-day Europe in Action 2024 Conference, held at The University of Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation Centre in Glasgow.

With more than 400 people in attendance at the conference, Grace had the opportunity to connect with people from across Europe, with people attending from countries including Romania, Slovakia, Ireland, and Belgium among others.

Grace felt inspired by the event and found the discussions she had very hopeful and encouraging.

“As a disabled young person there is a lot of anxiety around how the future might look, and it is often the case that our journey looks different to our non-disabled peers. There were so many knowledgeable, courageous people to hear from at the conference”.

Since she joined the YPSP last year, Grace has been a very proactive member, showcasing her passion for disability sport, and has made a brilliant contribution to the panel and the wider work of SDS.

“As someone who is interested in advocacy – I am on the Scottish Disability Sport’s Young Persons Sport Panel, and I write a blog about my experience as a young, autistic woman – it was fascinating to see just how far others have taken their advocating”.

You can read the full article here.

The SDS YPSP is supported by the National Lottery Community Fund. The panel is made up of 16 young people aged 14-22 who come with a huge amount of enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience to help shape the future of disability sport in Scotland.

Photo montage of (left to right) Stephen Clegg, Toni Shaw, Louis Lawlor and Faye Rogers.

Four Scots Selected for ParalympicsGB Swimming Team for Paris 2024 Paralympics

Coinciding with 100 days to go to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, ParalympicsGB named a 26-strong Para swimming team on Monday (21st), including four Scottish athletes.

The four Scots that made the team include Stephen Clegg, Toni Shaw, Louis Lawlor and Faye Rogers.

Paris 2024 marks a third consecutive Games for Stephen, whereas it’s a second Paralympics  for both Toni and Louis. Despite being her debut Paralympics, Faye goes into Paris as current world champion following her success at Manchester 2023.

“I am so excited to be selected for my first Paralympics,” said Faye following the announcement.

“The last 3 years have been absolutely crazy so to end up here is just an amazing feeling. Bring on Paris!!”

Multiple Paralympic medallists, Stephen Clegg and Rebecca Redfern, alongside Rio 2016 gold medallist Alice Tai, rank as some of the more experienced heads lining up within a talented team.

Tokyo Paralympians Ellie Challis, Louise Fiddes, Grace Harvey, Suzanna Hext, Louis Lawlor and Toni Shaw complete the roster of athletes with prior Games experience – with Challis, Fiddes, Harvey and Shaw all having reached the podium three years ago at the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Games which yielded a phenomenal 26 medals for ParalympicsGB in the pool.

Of the 15 debutants set to write their own chapter of Paralympic history in front of packed stands in Paris, William Ellard, Poppy Maskill and Faye Rogers do so as world champions following their successes at Manchester 2023 – with Rhys Darbey, Scarlett Humphrey, Cameron Vearncombe and Brock Whiston further members of the British team that competed at the home World Championships last summer heading for their first Paralympic Games in 100 days’ time. Scarlett will be joined in Paris by her identical twin sister Eliza Humphrey where they will be racing against each other in a number of events.

Iona Winnifrith is the youngest member of the swimming cohort selected for Paris 2024, with the 13-year-old having built upon impressive performances at April’s Aquatics GB Swimming Championships at the London Aquatics Centre, by racing to two European titles later last month in Madeira.

Olivia Newman-Baronius, Callie Ann-Warrington, Mark Tompsett and Harry Stewart equally all claimed European titles at their first senior international championships appearance in April, with Bruce Dee and Megan Neave additionally achieving podium finishes in Madeira as they now prepare to compete on the sport’s greatest stage this summer.

Double Paralympic champion, Maisie Summers-Newton said: “It’s an amazing feeling to be selected for a second Paralympic Games.

“I achieved my dream three years ago in Tokyo, and defending my titles is definitely the ambition, but without putting too much pressure on myself the focus is on enjoying my racing and delivering my own best performance – to be able to do that in front of family and friends this summer will be all the more special.”

ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission Penny Briscoe said: “I’m delighted that today, with exactly 100 days to go to this summer’s Paralympic Games, we can celebrate the first athletes to join the ParalympicsGB team for Paris 2024 – our swimming squad.

“Our 26 swimmers represent an exciting mix of youth and experience, and there’s no doubt they all have fantastic potential to make Great Britain proud in Paris this summer. I’m really excited to see the ParalympicsGB team start to take shape and look forward to welcoming athletes from all corners of the UK, across 19 sports in total, in the coming weeks and months.”

Aquatics GB Associate Performance Director Tim Jones said: “I’m delighted that ParalympicsGB are now announcing these 26 swimmers to compete in the swimming events in Paris in 100 days’ time.

“Our athlete cohort has evolved significantly since the Tokyo Games, and with 15 first-time Paralympians on the team, we know we have great potential to be very successful in Paris. Amongst our more experienced team members we’ve also seen some positive performance developments across this cycle to build on results from the past. We travel to the Games with a high-quality group of well-supported swimmers from a diverse range of training locations, which is testament to the hard work and commitment from a large number of clubs and their coaches.

“With the team now unveiled, we will forge ahead in the coming months with the comprehensive plans we have put in place for this important pre-Games preparation phase, and I have every confidence we will arrive in Paris ready to deliver our best possible performance.”

A total of around 230 athletes from 19 sports to are expected to make up the British team that will compete in Paris, with further names to be announced by ParalympicsGB in the next few weeks.

At Tokyo 2020 ParalympicsGB won medals across a record breaking 18 different sports – the highest number of any nation ever. ParalympicsGB finished second on the medal table with 124 medals overall, including 41 gold, 38 silver and 45 bronze.

ParalympicsGB Swimming squad:

Ellie Challis, Manchester Performance Centre (S3/SB2/SM3)

Stephen Clegg, University of Edinburgh (S12/SB12/SM12)

Rhys Darbey, Nofio Clwyd (S14/SB14/SM14)

Bruce Dee, Northampton SC (S6/SB6/SM6)

William Ellard, St Felix Swimming Club (S14/SB14/SM14)

Louise Fiddes, Hatfield SC (S14/SB14/SM14)

Grace Harvey, Manchester Performance Centre (S6/SB5/SM6)

Suzanna Hext, Tigersharks A.S.C. (S5/SB4/SM5)

Eliza Humphrey, Northampton SC (S11/SB11/SM11)

Scarlett Humphrey, Northampton SC (S11/SB11/SM11)

Tully Kearney, Loughborough University (S5/SB5/SM5)

Louis Lawlor, City of Glasgow ST (S14/SB14/SM14)

Poppy Maskill, Manchester Performance Centre (S14/SB14/SM14)

Olivia Newman-Baronius, Maxwell Swim Club (S14/SB14/SM14)

Megan Neave, Repton Swimming (S14/SB14/SM14)

Rebecca Redfern, Worcester SC (S13/SB13/SM13)

Faye Rogers, University of Aberdeen Performance (S10/SB10/SM10)

Toni Shaw, University of Aberdeen Performance (S9/SB9/SM9)

Harry Stewart, Plymouth Leander SC (S14/SB14/SM14)

Maisie Summers-Newton, Northampton SC (S6/SB6/SM6)

Alice Tai, Ealing SC (S8, SB8, SM8)

Mark Tompsett, Bolton Metro SS (S14/SB14/SM14)

Cameron Vearncombe, Manchester Performance Centre (S14/SB14/SM14)

Callie-Ann Warrington, RTW Monson SC (S10/SB10/SM10)

Brock Whiston, Barking and Dagenham/London Disability SC (S8, SB8, SM8)

Iona Winnifrith, Tonbridge SC (S7/SB7/SM7)

 

SDS logo on an opaque purple background

Scottish Disability Sport Statement: Independent Investigation

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) can today, Friday 17th May 2024, confirm an independent investigation has concluded there is no evidence to support the assertion that SDS systematically bullied an athlete or that the athlete was treated in an unfair manner.

In total, twenty-six specific allegations going as far back as 2016, were made by a complainant regarding the treatment of an athlete.  The allegations included claims of inappropriate or inconsistent behaviour or practice; a failure to maintain effective communication; exclusion from events; and a failure to support and develop talent.   The independent investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing by SDS, or any member of staff or volunteer coaches. 

Twenty-four of the allegations were not upheld.  However, the report highlighted two occasions where communication with the complainant could have been better.  Allegations relating to these matters were upheld.

The complaint, lodged on 30th October 2023, also alleged bullying by current and previous members of staff and volunteer coaches, and systematically bullying by SDS.

The independent investigation undertaken by Carmain Consulting Services, which commenced in early January 2024, found that allegations of bullying and systematic bullying were “neither plausible nor credible”.  

The report also makes twelve recommendations aimed at sharing learning and development opportunities and strengthen organisational governance arrangements.

In response to the Independent Investigation Report, SDS Chief Executive Gavin MacLeod, said, “These allegations were of a very serious nature and they have been extremely upsetting for all concerned.  It was important they were thoroughly investigated by an independent investigator.  

“We acknowledge Carmain Consulting Service’s findings of their independent investigation and welcome the clarity and reassurance the report provides.  Based on all of the evidence and documents gathered, their investigation found no evidence to support the claims made.

“Where communication could have been better, we will learn from the experiences of those directly involved along with the observations and recommendations contained within the report. 

“We recognise the two incidents where communication has fallen short of our expectation and we resolve to use the learning from the report to strengthen our processes moving forwards. Along with our Board of Directors, our priority now is to take forward the recommendations from the report and we have developed an action plan which will help us achieve this.

We were pleased to note that our staff and volunteer coaches were described in the report as, “passionate, motivated, dedicated and determined to deliver the best services and outcomes for participants and athletes with physical, sensory or learning disabilities.” 

“As individuals, an organisation and a sporting community, it is critical we uphold the highest standards and we are very proud of our values which are Inclusion, Respect, Integrity and Ambition.  Our vision remains that sport and physical activity in Scotland continues to grow, thrive and is welcoming and inclusive for all participants and athletes including those with a physical, sensory, or a learning disability, their families and others involved in disability sport.”  

Three ladies outside smiling for the photo. One lady is a wheelchair and another is using a walking frame.

Get Out Get Active and Green Health Week Aim to Make Physical Activity More Sustainable

By William Moncrieff, Communications Apprentice 


From the 11th to 18th May the Get Out Get Active (GOGA) Programme is partnering up with Dundee Green Health Week and Dundee Green Health Partners (Dundee GHP). The Green Health Week is a Nature Scot initiative, that has four partnerships across Scotland – Dundee being one – that is aspiring to showcase the benefits of green spaces across Scotland. In addition, it aims to highlight how successful partnership working can have a positive impact on individuals’ psychological and physiological health through demonstrating the use of green spaces for physical activity.  

 GOGA is a collaboration between NHS Tayside and Scottish Disability Sport with the aim of strengthening links between physical activity and health. As people with disabilities are almost twice as likely to be physically inactive (43%) than those without a disability (23%) it is essential that our communities are encouraged to move more throughout their typical week and the GOGA programme is enabling many to do just that.  

GOGA’s partnership with Dundee GHP can help promote their work and provide more individuals across Tayside with opportunities to participate in outdoor physical activity. Lynsey Gerrie, GOGA Tayside administrator, explains why it is important to alter trends around physical activity. 

“There is a significant evidence base for the benefits of being outdoors on our health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally.” 

With both the GOGA programme and Dundee GHP being supported by NHS Tayside, there is an opportunity to influence trends around outdoor activity. 

“Not only is it important for the NHS to get people outdoors and active but sustainability is also key. Therefore, we support these aims by offering activities on NHS sites and in the community,” said Lynsey. 

The GOGA programme is familiar with delivering outdoor activities, often using non-traditional spaces which proves to be an appealing aspect for many.  

Lynsey said: “Feedback from deliverers and participants have been very positive. As we deliver in non-traditional fitness settings, we are always trying to be more resourceful when it comes to where our classes take place to break down certain barriers in attending, for example, developing confidence.” 

“Delivering [activities] outdoors provides an excellent opportunity for us to do this. This helps people attend who wouldn’t necessarily access other opportunities.” 

Providing physical activities within these areas also promotes fun and social opportunities. This has been a key focus of GOGA: “Above all else, our classes are designed to be fun. The opportunity to be active is almost supplementary to the enjoyment aspect. If people are enjoying themselves, they are more likely to sustain these physical activity levels which helps us to change misconceptions of physical activity not being for everyone.” 

She continued to say: “Lastly, the fact that people are moving more than they possibly would have, is great for their physical health.” 

 When looking at GOGA’s involvement in Dundee’s Green Health Week and their partnership with Dundee GHP, there is an amazing chance to provide the Tayside area with more opportunities to become physically active. 

GOGA Tayside is an entirely participant-centred model. Lynsey explains the goal is, “To allow us to break down even more barriers of participation. We want to offer sessions in whatever way is comfortable to the participant, rather than expecting them to adjust.” 

“Therefore, we have classes in community settings across Tayside, indoors and outdoors, online and within NHS settings, allowing us to cover more bases to help more people feel comfortable to attend. Trying to find them the right activity in the right place that suits them.” 

 You can find out more about GOGA and their opportunities, here. To learn more and participate in Green Health Week, visit here.

Montage photo of Stephen McGuire and Kayleigh Haggo with their medals and Patrick Wilson playing boccia from a selection of different competitions from first quarter of 2024.

Successful Start to Boccia Season with Scots Collecting Medals on International Stage

By Emma Logan, Communications Manager 


The year kicked off with welcoming Northern Ireland to a training camp in February, held at the renowned Inverclyde Sports Centre in Largs. The camp provided the perfect opportunity for players to refine their skills, boost creativity and focus amidst a competitive but friendly environment. 

Just one month later, some Scots headed over to Belfast to compete in the Disability Sport NI International Challenger. Alex Medley, from Perth Eagles Boccia Club, competed in his first individual international event – finishing fourth in the BC2 category. It was a great opportunity for Alex to test his skills and tactics against top seed players. 

Things got serious in April as boccia players from around the world gathered first in Zagreb, then Montreal for some world class competitions.  

The Zagreb World Boccia Challenger proved to be a very successful season opener for the Boccia UK squad, which took home eight medals – four of which were won by Scots, Stephen McGuire and Kayleigh Haggo.   

Stephen topped the podium twice, taking the individual BC4 title ahead of the BC4 pairs alongside England’s Sophie Newnham. Meanwhile, Kayleigh made personal history by claiming the bronze medal in the individual BC2 event – her first individual international medal. She followed this up with another bronze in the Team event.  

The medal momentum continued in Montreal for Stephen. He found himself in yet another final but this time had to settle for silver as Yuk Wing Leung (HKG) defeated him, 5-2.  

Patrick Wilson was also in action and found himself in the BC3 quarterfinals after a 7-6 victory over Howon Jeong (HKG) in the pool stages. Australia’s Daniel Michel ended his campaign in the competition.  

Medal momentum continued at the World Boccia Challenger in Lahti, Finland as Kayleigh, Patrick and Tyler McLelland all claimed a medal. Kayleigh took victory in the BC2 event, to win her first ever gold in an international individual medal, with Tyler finishing third in the BC4s. The bronze medal marks his first international individual (senior) medal. Patrick found success in the BC3 event, winning gold to wrap up Boccia UK’s individual medal haul. Stay up-to-date on the action via SDS’s X account. 

The players have got a jam-packed itinerary over the upcoming months in the lead-up to the Paralympics. Scottish representation should also be present in Sao Paulo at the end of May for a World Cup, ahead of the Poznan Challenger and Póvoa de Varzim World Cup in July.  

Good luck to all the athletes.

Photo of Paralympian Maria Lyle, Gavin MacLeod, Laura Pilkington, Gavin Thomson, (from Motability Operations) and YPSP member Dana. All sitting in wheelchairs with either a goalball or tennis racquet.

New Partnership Boosts Mobility in Sports for Disabled Scots

Edinburgh, 2 May 2024 –  Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) and the Motability Scheme have teamed up to make sport more accessible and fun for everyone in Scotland, especially for people with disabilities.   

The partnership will help showcase the range of disability sports available across the country, providing opportunities for disabled people to access them alongside their family members. It will also raise awareness and increase understanding among the hundreds of eligible Scots who are not yet using the Motability Scheme and benefitting from the independent mobility it provides. 

The Motability Scheme, delivered by Motability Operations, helps more than 72,000 disabled people across Scotland to access independent mobility through leasing a car, scooter or powered wheelchair. It includes a worry-free package of insurance, servicing and breakdown cover. 

Gavin Thomson, managing director Scotland at Motability Operations said: “The Motability Scheme breaks down barriers to mobility across Scottish society and we are thrilled to be working with Scottish Disability Sport to support, encourage and improve participation in sport. 

“Sport has a unique capacity to bring groups together in an inclusive way and SDS’s values of inclusion, respect, integrity, and ambition align perfectly with ours. We are both purpose-led organisations that exist to improve the everyday lives of disabled people.” 

SDS, the governing and coordinating body for disability sport in Scotland, aims to deliver inclusion through sport, supporting individuals with disabilities to participate, perform and achieve at all levels.  

As part of the agreement, the Motability Scheme will become title sponsor of SDS’s 2024 national events calendar, which engages more than 2,500 disabled participants across Scotland. Offering disability-specific national championships and competition across seven sports including athletics, swimming, football, basketball, archery, bowls, and the Paralympic sport of boccia. 

The Motability Scheme will also become the title sponsor of SDS’s flagship education and training programmes, facilitating their work with primary and secondary teachers in eight local authorities, with a specific provision for educators on vision impairment, and a series of workshops for the SDS branch network, covering every region in Scotland.  

Gavin MacLeod, CEO of Scottish Disability Sport said: “This partnership with the Motability Scheme represents an exciting opportunity to further our mission of promoting inclusion through sport. Together, we will work towards removing barriers that prevent disabled Scots from participating in sports and ensure that sporting opportunities are accessible to all.” 

SDS and their 14 member branches, work closely with 32 local authorities and 37 sport governing bodies across Scotland. They govern and coordinate sports for people of all ages and abilities with physical, sensory, and learning disabilities. 

Photo of Laura Pilkington about to hit a tennis ball.
Competitive swimmer and SDS Board Member, Laura Pilkington, enjoying playing wheelchair tennis at Motability Operation’s Edinburgh Spring Roadshow

 

Three-representatives-from-both-Motability-Operations-and-Scottish-Disability-Sport-standing-infront-of-branded-posters-smiling-for-photo-scaled