Month: September 2024

A young boy in a kayak in an indoor swimming pool. Two young ladies are in the water supporting him as he paddles.

Great Success at Grampian and Highland Parasport Festivals  

By William Moncrieff, Communications Apprentice 


The Grampian and Highland Parasport Festivals took place over the weekend (Friday 27th and Saturday 28th, respectively), officially starting the SDS Parasport Festival 2024/2025 season.  

Aberdeen Sports Village hosted Grampian’s Parasport festival, with Lochaber Leisure Centre was the venue for Highland’s.  

Having just joined SDS in early June, it was Elizabeth Mills’ first time oragnising a festival in her area. She described the day as, “Absolutely amazing”, which left her a bit speechless.  

She said, “I wasn’t expecting it to be so moving and touching and I think a lot of parents and volunteers and coaches have felt that as well. All the kids have just been absolutely incredible at what they do.” 

The Highland Parasport festival was organised by Kathryn Talbot-Heigh, her second whilst in position as Regional Development Manager (RDM) at SDS. 

“I think the Parasport Festivals are really good for being able to provide new sports to the participants who wouldn’t have had the confidence or opportunity to try before,” said Kathryn,  

“We have a couple of children here today who are playing rugby for the first time, they are now asking to play it long term, this now means that we can try support the local rugby club to provide this in the area.” 

Across the two Parasport festivals, participants got to try boccia, swimming, kayaking, rugby, shinty, bowls, cycling, table tennis, snow sports and athletics.  

Not only do the Parasport Festivals provide participants with a fantastic introduction to sports but they can also provide an opportunity for personal growth and development. This is something that Jamie, a parent who brought their daughter, Bessie, to the Highland Parasport festival, noticed.  

“Sport is a fundamental building block for children to have both inside and outside of school. Certainly, by introducing Bessie to a range of new sports and locations to do these sports has given her a lot of new confidence.” He continued to say: “She has definitely grown a lot as a person, meeting new people with their own needs and disabilities has helped. You can see with Bessie that the festival has also helped her overcome social anxieties.”  

Elizabeth – also known as Wizzy – believes that the festivals are very important because, “they [parents, children] don’t know what’s out there. It’s really difficult to get that contact – to try and find other people to contact to get involved in that sport and if they don’t have my email where else are they going to go? So, this is a good introduction to the pathways which they can then follow.” 

Reaching remote areas across the country is a crucial part of the work as a SDS RDM.  

“Within the Highlands we won’t have the huge numbers but it is just as important that children in these rural areas have the opportunity to come and take part because they are still the same children in mainstream schools with disabilities that can’t always take part,” said Kathryn. 

“It might be that we only have 10 or so children participating, but it is really important to have something that they haven’t had to travel long distances to access,” Kathryn explained. 

Louise Gillespi, the National Development Manager at SDS, attended the event in the Highlands, and viewed it as a huge success.  

“It’s great to be here in the Western Highlands. Usually we are around the Inverness area, so it’s nice to be in a new location.” 

She continued to say, “It’s great to be here with some new sports like shinty to showcase, showing that these sports can be inclusive. It has been good to provide the participants with a range of sports, that way they can work out what works for them, hopefully they can then go and take this knowledge and find a regular sport throughout their local communities.” 

If you would like to try a new sport in your area, find out more here or contact your RDM (via the same link).   

Stay up to date with the latest news and opportunities by following SDS on FacebookX and Instagram, as well as keeping tabs on the SDS website

Scottish Disability Sport National Survey 2024

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is excited to introduce its first ever National Survey. SDS aims to address inequalities experienced by people living in Scotland with a disability or a long-term health condition when trying to be more physically active. To make sure that these actions are making a meaningful difference, SDS would like to hear from adults (16+) living with a disability or long-term condition in Scotland. For example, what makes it difficult for you to take part in sport and physical activity and what would make it easier?  Even if you do not take part in any activity, we would still like to hear from you. Please share this survey with your networks and encourage anyone eligible to complete it as it will make a difference in the future.

We are working on producing an easy-read version for the next wave of circulation and if anyone should need any additional support in completing the survey please contact SDS on admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or on 0131 317 1130.  

(This survey is created in collaboration with researchers at Queen Margaret University Edinburgh and builds on the report produced by the Observatory for Sport in Scotland and University of West of Scotland and SDS are grateful to all who helped support this survey, including our sister organisation Activity Alliance who provided invaluable insight from their survey experience).

LINK TO SURVEY – SDS NATIONAL SURVEY 2024

QR Code Link to Survey, below: 

QR code of the SDS National Survey 2024 form

Photo of Peter McGuire with his accreditation at the Paris 2024 Paralympics

A Magical Moment for the McGuire Brothers at the Paris Paralympics 

By William Moncrieff 

Stephen McGuire made headlines at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games when he won gold in the men’s boccia individual BC4 – a historic moment for the Scot which was 20 years in the making.  

What made the winning moment extra special was that his brother, Peter, was not only in Paris watching the gold final but he was commentating live for Channel 4.  

In the final Stephen found himself up against Colombia’s Edilson Chica Chica. Stephen beat the Columbian 8-5 on the way to being crowned champion. 

“When they started asking me questions, after I knew Stephen’s outcome, I wasn’t prepared. I just fell to bits. All that work, he did it,” said Peter. 

Peter had to wait a while before he could officially congratulate his brother in person.  

“I first got to see him back here in Hamilton. The medal, he pulled it out of his sock and he presented it to me. That was a nice moment, sharing the achievement that he has been striving towards for 20 years,” he said.  

Watching and commentating on his brother’s golden performance was an obvious highlight for Peter in Paris but the experience of being a part of Channel 4’s broadcasting crew was filled with great moments. Being a former Paralympian and now an active boccia coach, Peter was able to provide solid insight into the sport.  

Commenting on his experience, he said: “The atmosphere was great. There was no pressure for me, so I really enjoyed the moment.”  

“Some of the boccia played out there was outstanding, it really showcased the sport on the world stage,” he said.  

The Paris Paralympics were the second Games that Peter had attended in an official capacity. Both Peter and Stephen were selected to represent ParalympicsGB at London 2012. Going to a Paralympics and being with his brother when he accomplished his goal, is something that Peter looks back on fondly. 

“At the time my brother’s (Stephen) only goal was to compete at a Paralympics. He’s gone one better and won gold now.” 

Competing with his brother is something Peter views as some of his biggest highlights in the sport. “We were world championship silver medallists. It was amazing to have that with him,” said Peter. 

Over the last year Scottish Disability Sport have been working alongside SQA to make physical education more accessible. This development within the education system in Scotland means that pupils with a disability can be assessed performing in both boccia and goalball. Peter views this as being a positive step forward. “It’s great that it’s happening now.”  

“If Stephen and I had that back then when we were going through high school, it might have opened up the avenue to do PE. We didn’t know what boccia was back then.”   

Furthermore, it will, “help introduce the sport to a younger audience. We will reap the benefits for boccia in years to come.” 

If you would be interested in taking up the sport of boccia you can do so by reaching out to your Regional Development Manager, or by contacting the Boccia Development Officer –  Jonathan.kennedy@scottishdisabilitysport.com 

In case you missed any of the Paris 2024 Paralympic action, you can find all the daily reviews and highlights on the SDS website, here

To keep up to date on all things disability sport across Scotland, make sure to follow SDS on FacebookX and Instagram and on the SDS website

Get Involved and Try Goalball!

HAVE YOU BEEN INSPIRED BY THE PARALYMPIC GAMES?

Northern allstars Goalball club, based at Sport Central, Northumbria University, Newcastle are welcoming new players! Goalball is a team sport designed specifically for people with a vision impairment. The Northern All Stars sessions are open to anyone regardless of their goalball experience and the club would like to promote their sessions to Scottish players owing to their proximity to the border! Upcoming sessions are as follows:

  • Saturday 12th October
  • Saturday 9th November
  • Saturday 14th December

(All sessions are 11am until 4pm).

If you have any further questions, please contact: goalballnorthernallstars@gmail.com

 

Poster that invites people to join Northern All Stars. The poster includes the details listed in the caption. The sessions are open to people of any goalball experience. The poster includes a QR code to email directly if you have any questions.

Photo of Faye Rogers smiling and holding her gold medal on the podium

Golden Debut: A Recap of Faye Rogers First Paralympic Games

The Para swimmer left Paris with a gold medal in her first ever Paralympic games, three years after her accident.

By Bethany Lee


21-year-old Faye Rogers can now call herself a Paralympic champion after winning gold at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games (28 August – 8 September).

The University of Aberdeen student had her crowing moment in the women’s 100m Butterfly S10. The race was incredibly tight, with Faye swimming beside ParalympicsGB teammate Callie-Ann Warrington.

The pair were neck-and-neck until Faye pushed into the lead, grabbing the gold with a time of 1:05.84, a slender 0.57 seconds ahead of her teammate.

Photo of Faye Rogers and her teammate Callie-Ann Warrington, swimming side by side in the final of the 100m butterfly S10.
Photo credit: ParalympicsGB

The thrilling conclusion to the intense race left Faye in shock. Looking back on her golden moment, she said: “You know when you see people celebrating in the pool, I didn’t. I knew I’d won, but it didn’t sink in, and then I got out of the pool and I was like woah I’ve just won, it kind of hit me late.”

When asked how it felt to win, she added: “To be honest there was a lot of relief in there, I was quite nervous going into it. I think the best feeling was being on the podium. I could see my family and I was trying really hard not to just look at my mum and cry. I honestly can’t put into words how amazing that feeling is.”

Photo of Faye leaning on the swimming lane ropes and smiling after her race
Photo credit: ParalympicsGB

As well as winning gold, Faye made it to two other Paralympic finals, finishing 5th in both the women’s 200m Individual Medley SM10 with a time of 2:33.90 and the women’s 400m Freestyle S10 with a time of 4:41.50.

She also competed in the women’s 100m Freestyle S10, finishing second in the swim-offs by just 0.06 seconds.

Looking back as the Games came to a close, Faye said: “This week has just been crazy, it’s still not sunk in yet. It’s just been the most surreal week.”

Photo of Faye Rogers smiling and holding her gold medal on the podium
Photo credit: ParalympicsGB

The University of Aberdeen student had already drawn attention after her international debut at the 2023 World Championships, taking home three medals including a gold in the 100m  Butterfly S10. She was also named Para Swimming Emerging Athlete of the Year in 2023 by British Swimming.

The star swimmer has been competing since the age of nine and took part in the Olympic trails in 2021 in London. Shortly after, she was involved in a car accident and told she’d never race competitively again.

Now, she is a world champion, a European record holder and, almost exactly three years after her accident, a Paralympic gold medallist.

Going forward, Faye hopes to compete for Scotland in the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will be on home soil (or water!). Faye was born in Durham but trains and is based in Aberdeen where she is studying biochemistry with the hopes of becoming a doctor.

In case you missed any of the Paris 2024 Paralympic action, you can find all the daily reviews and highlights on the SDS website, here.

To keep up to date on all things disability sport across Scotland, make sure to follow SDS on FacebookX and Instagram and the SDS website.

Photo of Callum and Jordon from the Young Start Programme

Young Start Programme – the Importance of Training and Developing the Future Generation. 

By William Moncrieff, SDS Communications Apprentice 


In September – to celebrate sportscotland’s theme of #SportForSkills – Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is shining a spotlight on the Young Start Programme and all of the experiences and skills being learnt and developed by young individuals with disabilities across Scotland. 

The Young Start Programme is a year long course that helps young people aged between 16 – 24 living with a vision impairment, hearing loss, physical disabilities or mild learning disabilities throughout Scotland, to develop their confidence and coaching skills. The Young Start Programme will further help individuals enrolled on the course gain a coaching qualification. 

SDS caught up with two members of the Young Start Programme, Callum and Jordon, to find out how the programme has supported them on their coaching journey.  

Callum Ballantyne is 23 years old and has a learning disability. Callum initially found out about the programme when his athletics coach mentioned it to him.  

“It first interested me by seeing that it could help me get a coaching qualification”, said Callum. 

Before Callum joined the Young Start Programme he was involved in sports, both participating and coaching in athletics and BMX.  

“It helped me on my coaching experiences through picking up different skills”, said Callum.  

“I love being a coach because I am an athlete myself and I love to give back to my sport of athletics.”  

He continued to say: “I love working with kids of all abilities and helping them achieve their dreams. I love to see all of the kids’ smiling faces when they achieve something, small or big.” 

There have been many skills and lessons that Callum has developed throughout his time on the programme. He explained: “The most important thing that it has taught me is that there is a coaching opportunity out there for people with a learning disability. It helps you get the skills you need to become a coach.”  

Providing these coaching opportunities to young people with a disability is something Callum strongly believes in. 

“I think we should see more people with a learning disability work in the coaching world. I think we can bring in skills and experiences that other people can’t bring in. I think it will help the workplace become more inclusive as well,” he said. 

Callum views his experience in the Young Start Programme as being very valuable and enjoyable. 

“I would recommend the programme to other people because the programme helps you build on your skills for coaching and it helps you to get into the coaching world.”  

Callum continued to say: “It’s good because you’ve got a mentor throughout your journey on the programme.” 

 

SDS also connected with Jordon, another member of the Young Start Programme, who was keen to share his experience. 

Jordon is 17 years old and has a learning disability. Applying for the Young Start Programme was something that Jordan was incredibly interested in, with himself being a keen footballer and having done a little bit of coaching throughout school. 

“I found out about Young Start through the sports coordinator in the school,” Jordan said. 

Jordan was instantly happy that he had applied, as he really enjoyed getting out into the field and coaching. “My favorite thing about coaching is helping everyone build up skills. I find this to be rewarding. I am happy when I coach football. I just enjoy it because I get to help different people.” Jordan explained. 

Along with enjoying coaching and meeting participants, Jordan has used the programme to develop skills. 

“I think I have built on my communication and stopping conflict.” He added, “The course helped me grow in confidence. I definitely feel more confident now, compared to before the course. The course has helped me gain coaching qualifications.” 

When looking at what he has managed to achieve and learn from the course, Jordan highly recommends the Programme. “If anyone was thinking of joining the Programme I would tell them just to do it. It will build your confidence along with other skills and you will get a qualification.” 

If you are interested in the Young Start Programme or would like to find out more, please contact your SDS Regional Development Manager.  

Boccia in August: A Month Filled with Competitive Spirit

Two medalists between Graeme Doig on the left of the photo and head referee Sam. All four are smiling to the camera.The PKDS champs were competed over two weekends in August due to the venue needing to be changed. The event was held at the UHI Perth at the Academy of Sport and Wellbeing on the Saturday 10th and Sunday the 18th of August. Due to the new venues numbers had to be capped to ensure the competition ran smoothly for all the competitors. In the end 74 players competed in three categories. Across both weekends there were close matches from the beginning to the very end.

Graeme Doig the PKDS branch co-ordinator had this to say “It was great to see so many people from across the country come together to play competitive against each other. I am delighted to see the numbers grow locally across all categories which shows the work we are putting in to develop boccia in Perth & Kinross is starting to generate more confident, skilful players. It’s also brilliant to welcome such high calibre officials to support our event, again with a large cohort from our local sessions”

Boccia was also a featured in the Muscular Dystrophy UK event in Grangemouth on the 24th of August. Where participants got to engage in boccia and get coached and a Q&A with Scott McGowan who is one of the Scotland boccia coaches.

A young person with a disability jumping on a trampoline.

Young Start Programme Opens to New Prospective Coaches!

Thanks to the ongoing support of the National Lottery Community Fund, we are delighted to welcome applications for the 2024 – 25 Young Start programme.

Purpose of the Programme

The Young Start programme will empower young people (aged between 16 – 24) living with vision impairment, hearing loss, physical disabilities and mild learning disabilities throughout Scotland to develop their confidence and coaching skills over a one-year period. The young people will gain coaching qualifications.
As part of the Young Start programme you will:
  • Achieve a coaching qualification
  • Meet other young people with disabilities
  • Volunteer with disability sport in your local area
  • Raise the profile of disability sport
  • Work together with a mentor who will empower you to achieve your agreed personal development plan

Current programme members commented:

“Young Start is an amazing learning opportunity. It lets you be around like-minded individuals who share your passion. It is a starting point to let you continue on further in any career”
“Young Start is like a little family; we all want the best for each other”

Find out more about the programme by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B11EN5iA17w

Who are we looking for?

  • People living in Scotland
  • Young people with a disability aged between 16 -24 (Participants must be 16 as of the 30th September 2024 to apply for the programme).
  • People who have the ambition to achieve a Level 1 coaching qualification (or equivalent) – Please note that a Level 1 qualification is the equivalent of Advanced Higher. If you would find this level really challenging, the Getting Started programme may be more suitable for you.
  • People who would like to coach/volunteer within their local communities
  • People who are able to attend meetings at least every 3 months with their mentor
  • People who will link with branches to support ongoing developments
  • People who are open and ready to participate in all learning opportunities (People who are committed to their personal development and can attend at least three additional workshops as agreed with your mentor)

We are particularly keen to hear from:

  • Women and girls
  • People who belong to ethnic minority communities
  • People who are living in low Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation area

What is the role of your mentor?

Mentors will meet with the coach they are working with on a regular basis. Mentors will provide individualised support that will contribute to the individual becoming a confident and competent coach; supporting them on their journey. Specifically, mentors will:
  • Work with the coach on an individual basis to develop their confidence and competence in their coaching role (at least 4 meetings will be held throughout the year, one of which will be within the coaches coaching environment)
  • Support the coaches to find a suitable environment in which to practice their coaching if they are not already associated with a club or programme.
  • Empower the coach to achieve their goals
  • Observe the coaches in their role and support them to self-reflect before offering feedback
  • Enable the coach to develop identified strengths and areas for improvement within their coaching practice
  • Empower the coach to complete a personal development plan
  • Provide quarterly progress reports

Other information:

  • Coaches who meet the expectations outlined will be able to access a budget of £200 towards coaching qualifications.
  • Occasionally the relationship between the coach and the mentor simply doesn’t work. This could be for a variety of reasons including geographical, philosophical or technical. If this happens, no explanations are required form either the mentor or the coach and contact should be made with Victoria so alterative arrangements can be made.
  • We are looking to develop a network of young people from across all areas in Scotland.
Dates:
  • Please complete this application before the 23rd September 2024
  • An introduction evening will be held online on the 30th September 2024 from 6 – 8pm

How to apply

  • Please complete this Young Start Application Form before the 23rd September 2024
  • An introduction evening will be held online on the 30th September 2024 from 6 – 8pm

Contact Details

Victoria Clark

Lead Mentor Email: victoria@activeadvantage.org

Tel: 07969 751 470

Alison Shaw

Education and Learning Manager Email: Alison.Shaw@scottishdisabilitysport.com

Tel: 07828 744 848

Montage of all the Scottish medallists at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

Medal Moments at the Paris 2024 Paralympics

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games have come to an end. Here are all the mighty medal-winning moments from Scotland’s Para athletes in the French capital.

By Bethany Lee


Sunday saw the grand finale of an incredible Paralympics, with Great Britain winning a total of 124 medals and finishing second behind the People’s Republic of China.

Scots made up 9.8% of the ParalympicsGB team and brought home a total of 20 medals, including 11 golds, 8 silvers, and 1 bronze.

The Scottish athletes competed in 10 different sports and gave some unforgettable performances.

So, here are all of the medals won by ParalympicsGB’s Scottish athletes at this year’s Paris 2024 Paralympics!


Key: WR – World Record; PR – Paralympic Record; PGB – Paralympic Games Best; ER (AR) – European Record (Area Record); SR – Scottish Record; PB – Personal Best.

 

Para Swimming

The Scots were giving it their all in the pool, with the Borders’ Stephen Clegg, Glasgow’s Louis Lawlor, Aberdeen’s Toni Shaw, and University of Aberdeen student Faye Rogers all competing. Stephen and Faye delivered standout performances, gaining 3 golds for ParalympicsGB.

Gold – Stephen Clegg – Men’s 100m Backstroke S12 – Time of 59.02 (WR) – Day 3

Gold – Stephen Clegg – Men’s 100m Butterfly S10 – Time of 57.49 – Day 10

Gold – Faye Rogers – Women’s 100m Butterfly S10 – Time of 1:05.84 – Day 6

 

Para Cycling

On the track and road, Strathpeffer’s Fin Graham and Aberdeen’s Neil Fachie sped to the podium whilst Forth Valley’s Jenny Holl piloted partner Sophie Unwim to four medal victories. None of the cycling Scots came home empty handed.

Gold – Jenny Holl (Pilot for Sophie Unwin) – Women’s B 3000m Individual Pursuit – Time of 3:17.643 (WR) – Day 4

Gold – Jenny Holl (Pilot for Sophie Unwim) – Women’s B Road Race – Time of 2:37:26 – Day 9

Gold – Fin Graham – Men’s C1-3 Road Race – Time of 1:43:19 – Day 10

Silver – Fin Graham – Men’s C3 3000m Individual Pursuit – Time of 3:22.540 – Day 2

Silver – Neil Fachie (With Pilot Matthew Rotherham) – Men’s B 1000m Time Trial – Time of 59.312 – Day 4

Silver – Jenny Holl (Pilot for Sophie Unwim) – Women’s B Individual Time Trial – Time of 39:39.118 – Day 7

Bronze – Jenny Holl (Pilot for Sophie Unwim) – Women’s B 1000m Time Trial – Time of 1:07.719 – Day 2

 

Para Athletics

It was a busy tournament for the Scots on the track. The Borders’ Samantha Kinghorn MBE, Fife’s Ben Sandilands, and Glasgow’s Melanie Woods all fought hard in their races. Sammi had a particularly special games, collecting a total of five medals to better her medal tally from the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Gold – Ben Sandilands – Men’s 1500m T20 – Time of 3:45.20 (WR & PR) – Day 9

Gold – Sammi Kinghorn – Women’s 100m T53 – Time of 15.64 (PR) – Day 7

Silver – Sammi Kinghorn – Women’s 800m T53 – Time of 1:42.96 – Day 4

Silver – Sammi Kinghorn – Women’s 1500m T54 – Time of 3:16.01 – Day 5

Silver – Sammi Kinghorn – Women’s 400m T53 – Time of 53.45 – Day 8

Silver – Sammi Kinghorn (with Zach Shaw, Jonnie Peacock, and Ali Smith) – 4x100m Universal Relay – Time of 46.01 (ER, AR) – Day 9

 

Boccia

Three Scottish athletes took to the court for some boccia action in Paris: Edinburgh’s Patrick Wilson, Ayrshire’s Kayleigh Haggo, and Hamilton’s Stephen McGuire. Stephen left with his first Paralympic medal – a glorious gold in the inaugural event for his category.

Gold – Stephen McGuire – Men’s Individual BC4 – Win of 8-5 – Day 5

 

Para Archery

Lothian star Nathan Macqueen represented Scotland in Para Archery, winning gold with teammate Jodie Grinham.

Gold – Nathan Macqueen – Mixed Team Compound Open – Win of 155-151 – Day 5

 

Wheelchair Tennis

The tennis court was on fire this Paralympics with some exciting action, including a wonderful doubles win from Glasgow’s Gorden Reid.

Gold – Gorden Reid (with Alfie Hewett) – Men’s Doubles – Win of 2-0 (6-2, 6-1) – Day 9

 

Para Canoe

And finally, in Para canoe, Hope Gordon was the only Scottish athlete to compete. She did us proud, bringing home a shiny silver for ParalympicsGB.

Silver – Hope Gordon – Women’s Va’a Single 200m VL3 – Time of 56.59 – Day 10

 

A very successful Paralympics overall for our Scottish athletes.

Fin Graham cycles across the finish line to win the men's road race. He punches his fist in the air

Double Gold Glory for the Scots on Day 10 in Paris 

On the penultimate day of the Games, the Scottish athletes bagged another three medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.  

By Lauren Cameron


On Saturday (7th), Fin Graham and Stephen Clegg found the top of the podium whilst Hope Gordon secured a silver to help bring Scotland’s medal tally to 20.  

Scottish rider, Fin Graham, secured his first Paralympic gold of the Games on Saturday morning’s men’s C1-3 Road Race in Paris. 

The 24-year-old outsprinted home favourites Thomas Peyroton-Dartet and Alexandre Leaute (FRA), with an impressive time of 1:43:19.  

The Highland athlete described the win: “It is the pinnacle of our sport… Paralympic gold, nothing compares to it. That’s what we work towards every four years, to be able to come away with that is amazing.” 

Despite securing gold, Fin admits the race was not without its challenges. 

“The French made it hard because it was two against one the whole race.” He added: “I didn’t really know what their plan was because they were talking in French the whole race.” 

Describing the race, he added: “Alex [Leaute] led up the final climb and I thought that was his attempt to lead Thomas [Peyroton-Dartet] out. In the last couple of races I’ve managed to beat him in a sprint so I felt fairly confident.” 

Fin’s confidence paid off, earning him his first Paralympic gold ahead of the Peyroton-Léauté duo. He adds the gold to his one silver that won on the track (men’s C3 3000m Individual Pursuit).  
 

In the swimming finals, Stephen Clegg won his second Para swimming gold of Paris 2024 in the men’s100m Butterfly S12. 

Stephen, 28, the world record holder in the event, crossed the finish line with a time of 57:49. 

The win is Stephen’s second gold after a triumphant performance in the 100 Backstroke S12 earlier in the Games, cementing his status as a double Paralympic champion in Paris. 

According to the Lothian athlete, Saturday’s  win is just the beginning: “I’m always striving for more and better. Every result I have, I am evaluating how it’s gone as a performance rather than just the result”. 

Reflecting on his journey to the Paralympics, he adds: “This is a reward for the roll of the dice I took 10 years ago. A lot of people thought I was crazy when I came back and take a shot at being a Paralympic champion.” 

Stephen dedicates his win to his family and friends: “None of this happens without them. I owe them everything.” 

Faye Rogers was also in action in the pool, finishing fourth in the 200m Individual Medley SM10 final. Despite not reaching the podium in her final event in Paris, she did take the title on day six – winning gold in the women’s 100m butterfly S10 on her Paralympic Games debut.  

In 2021, Rogers was involved in a car accident and three years on, she is a Paralympic champion. 

On her time in Paris, she said: “It’s been the best experience of my life, amazing from start to finish. But I’m glad to be done.” 

“The biggest learning I’m taking away from this experience is how emotionally draining it is in the best way. That 100 fly gold medal was crazy and a high but then there are also some lows. I don’t think I appreciated that going in.” 

ParalympicsGB’s success on Saturday continued with Hope Gordon, who took silver in the women’s Canoe Va’a single 200m VL3. 

Hope, from Golspie, shared her thoughts from Saturday’s race:  “I didn’t have the perfect race but there is no one I would rather stand next to on the podium than Charlotte [Henshaw].”  

She added: “I train with Dave everyday and he is like a brother to me. This is his fifth Games and for him to finally get that medal, it was so special to watch.”  

“We were happy with whichever way round it went and we just wanted to get as many medals on the medal table for ParalympicsGB”, said Hope.  

Robyn Love and Jodie Waite were in action on the basketball court for the final time, as ParalympicsGB’s women’s wheelchair basketball team took on Germany in the 5-6 Playoff Game. The team finished with a strong win, 48-39, to end their Paralympic campaign in Paris with a fifth place finish.  

The Paris 2024 Paralympics runs from the 28th August – 8th September. You can follow all the action and find out how the 21 Scottish Para athletes get on by following Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website. You can catch all the action on Channel 4. More information here.