Month: April 2026

Photo of Garry Brown wearing his Team Scotland Para Bowls kit. He is standing side on and is catching a bowls ball in his hand.

Team Scotland Para Bowls Squad Named for Glasgow 2026

The full lineup of Para Bowls athletes for Team Scotland at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has been announced.

Glasgow 2026 will see Bowls and Para Bowls in a reimagined format and for the first time in Games history it will be played indoors. With four medal events in Bowls and three in Para Bowls, the revised competition formats will be fully integrated and run across all ten days of the competition.

Leading the charge for the Para Bowls team is Birmingham 2022 gold medallist Pauline Wilson. In her Team Scotland debut, Wilson took gold in the Women’s B6-8 Pairs and will be hoping to repeat her success four years on. She will be partnered by Mary Wilson.

The depth of experience and accomplishments continues with returning gold medallists from Birmingham 2022 and all heading to their third Games for the team namely Garry Brown in the Mixed Pairs (B6-B8); Robert Barr in the Mixed Pairs (B2-B3) and his Para Director Sarah Jane Ewing.

Completing the line-up are: Stuart Sloan (Men’s Pairs, B6-B8), Mary Stevenson, (Mixed Pairs, B2-B3) and Jim Aitken (Para Director, B2-B3). 

Elinor Middlemiss, Team Scotland Chef de Mission, said: “We are delighted to announce the entire team for Bowls and Para Bowls, and I’d like to congratulate all the athletes selected.

“Our Bowls and Para Bowls athletes have historically been very successful at the Games, and I am sure it will be no different with this exciting new format and in an indoor setting. This team has such a mix of youth and experience, it is wonderful to see the sport attracting new players of all ages and I am sure they will undoubtedly inspire those who come along to watch and cheer them on at the SEC Centre.”

Athletes from across all 10 sports and six Parasports featured at Glasgow 2026 will continue to be selected in the coming months as Team Scotland shapes up for an exciting home Games.

Bowls and Para Bowls take place at the Scottish Event Campus with competition running from 24 July to 2 August. Tickets to watch Team Scotland compete are available here.

Selected Team Scotland Para Bowls Athletes:
Garry Brown – Men’s Pairs (B6-B8)
Stuart Sloan – Men’s Pairs (B6-B8)
Mary Wilson – Women’s Pairs (B6-B8)
Pauline Wilson – Women’s Pairs (B6-B8)
Mary Stevenson – Mixed Pairs (B2-B3)
Robert Barr – Mixed Pairs (B2-B3)
Sarah Jane Ewing – Para Director (B2-B3)
Jim Aitken – Para Director (B2-B3)

 

Team Scotland’s Para swimming squad has also been announced, which you can check out here. 

Photo of four athletes wearing the Team Scotland swimming kit whilst holding the Scottish flag. They are standing pool side. From left to right the athletes are Sam Downie, Stephen Clegg, Faye Rogers and Astrid Carroll.

Seven Scots Selected to Swim at Glasgow 2026

Team Scotland’s momentum towards the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games continues to pick up pace with the selection of a seven-strong line up in Para Swimming.

With Glasgow 2026 set to have the largest Parasport programme in Commonwealth Games history, four men and three women will make up Team Scotland’s Para Swimming team competing at Tollcross International Swimming Centre this summer. Toni Shaw is set for a third Games appearance with Team Scotland, while Stephen Clegg, Ollie Carter and Sam Downie return after debuts at Birmingham 2022. Making a first Commonwealth Games are James Clegg, Faye Rogers and Astrid Carroll.

At Paris 2024 Stephen Clegg (Lothian) delivered the first two Paralympic gold medals of his career in the S12 100m Butterfly and 100m Backstroke – setting a new World Record in the latter. A three-time Paralympian, having made his debut at Rio 2016, he also boasts a silver and two bronzes from Tokyo 2020.

Making his Commonwealth Games bow in 2022, Stephen secured a sensational silver in Birmingham in the S13 50m Freestyle, despite swimming up a classification.
Clegg said: “It’s such an honour to be selected for a Commonwealth Games and to have a home Games is such a rare opportunity. To have a crowd that is there for you is really special. As I’ve got older, I have learned to use the crowd in a much more effective way, and I think the atmosphere in Glasgow is going to be huge.”

Also a Paralympic gold medallist at Paris 2024, Faye Rogers (Aberdeen) won the S10 100m Butterfly and marking an incredible 12 months, that also saw her become World Champion in the same event on her major international debut. In 2025 she won a further five medals at her second World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore and will make her Team Scotland debut in Glasgow.

Rogers shared her excitement: “I’ve never competed for Team Scotland before so it’s my first Commonwealth Games and I feel very fortunate to get a home Games. I am most excited about it being in Glasgow and Scotland so that my family can come.”

There will be an incredible Commonwealth Games debut for London 2012 Paralympic medallist James Clegg (Lothian), following a triumphant return to the sport. A medallist at the World Championships in 2013, he makes his first international team in 13 years, joining brother Stephen for the first time. It’s a family affair for the Cleggs, with sister Libby a Paralympic champion and Commonwealth Games gold medallist in athletics.

Four years ago Toni Shaw (Aberdeen) took her first Commonwealth Games medal, clinching an opening night bronze in Birmingham in the S9 100m Freestyle. The Paralympic Games and World Championship medallist will be on the hunt for more silverware this summer.

Also returning to Team Scotland are Sam Downie (Lothian) and Ollie Carter (Fife). Sam – who made his international debut just months prior to Birmingham 2022 – was only 16 years old at his first Games, the youngest athlete on the team. He competed in the S9 100m Backstroke, swimming up a classification, and finishing in the top 6 in the event. Ollie took 7th place in Men’s 100m Butterfly S10 – entering poolside in a kilt, in an iconic moment at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre.

There will be a Commonwealth Games debut for Astrid Carroll, (Lothian) who burst onto the international Para swimming scene with a pair of medals at the 2025 World Championships, a silver in the SB12 100m Breaststroke and a bronze in the S12 100m Backstroke.

Elinor Middlemiss, Team Scotland Chef de Mission, said: “I’d like to offer a huge congratulations to all of the athletes who have been selected for Team Scotland at a home Games. We look forward to them representing their families, communities and country with pride in Glasgow this summer.

“There is a huge amount of experience in this Para Swimming team, in both our returning athletes and those making their Commonwealth Games debut. I look forward to watching these athletes deliver what I’m sure will be strong performances in Glasgow and wish them every success.”

Para Swimming will take place at Tollcross International Swimming Centre with competition running from 24 July to 29 July. Tickets to watch Team Scotland compete are available here.

SELECTED ATHLETES
Astrid Carroll
Ollie Carter
James Clegg
Stephen Clegg
Sam Downie
Faye Rogers
Toni Shaw

 

Alex Medley about to throw a boccia ball overarm.

National Boccia Squad Confirmed

With Returning Talent and New Additions 

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is the recognised governing body for the sport of Boccia in Scotland and is tasked with developing players capable of domestic and international success. SDS is also responsible for progressing the best Scottish talent to a UK Boccia World Class Programme where players represent Great Britain at European, World and Paralympic level.  In order to achieve this, a competitive national squad is a vital element.  

After the selection process, 8 players have been re-selected onto the squad after a successful 2025 season. They are being joined by two new players, Layla McCloskey (East Renfrewshire) and Rachael Page (Fife), who have impressed in the 2025 year with their recent results and long-term potential.  SDS is also delighted to have coaches Claire Morrison, Jenny Nethery and Peter McGuire coaching the national squad.  

Please see the squad selection below – 

 

 

Players 
 
Name  Classification  Local Authority  SDS Branch 
Alex Medley  BC1  Perth and Kinross  Perth and Kinross Disability Sport 
Kayleigh Brown  BC2  South Ayrshire  Ayrshire Sportsability 
Layla McCloskey  BC2  East Renfrewshire  Disability Sport Glasgow 
Rachael Page  BC2  Fife  Disability Sport Fife 
Patrick Wilson  BC3  City of Edinburgh  Lothian Disability Sport 
Fiona Muirhead  BC4  South Lanarkshire  South Lanarkshire Disability Sport 
Paul McIntyre  BC4  Stirling  Forth Valley Disability Sport 
Scott McIntyre  BC4  Stirling  Forth Valley Disability Sport 
Stephen McGuire (MBE)  BC4  South Lanarkshire  South Lanarkshire Disability Sport 
Tyler McLelland  BC4  Fife  Disability Sport Fife 
Meredith Greenwood  Ramp Operator (Patrick Wilson)  City of London   
 
 

Coaches 
 
Name  Local Authority 
Claire Morrison  Fife 
Jenny Nethery   Renfrewshire 
Peter McGuire  South Lanarkshire 

 

 

If you would like to find it any more information, please contact SDS’s Performance Development Lead and Boccia Development Officer, Jonathan Kennedy on email: Jonathan.Kennedy@scottishdisabilitysport, or call: 0131 317 1130

 

Latest News can be found here: Latest News Latest News. 

 

Jim Anderson celebrates on the podium at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games. He has a wearing Laurel wreath on his head, his gold medal around his neck and his arms are out to the side in triumph. He is holding a bouquet in his right hand. He is sitting in his wheelchair and a woman claps in the background.

The Power of Sport: Jim Anderson’s Story

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer 

Since taking up sport in the 1970’s, Jim Anderson OBE has made himself a household name throughout the Scottish sporting landscape. Jim’s incredible career saw him compete in swimming at a staggering six Paralympic Games, where he had great success, earning him the affectionate nickname of ‘Jim the Swim’. 

Jim’s swimming career spanned two decades, where he competed against some of the best in the business, filling up an impressive trophy cabinet in the process. Now at the age of 63, Jim hasn’t loss his competitive edge, often taking to the boccia court to show his athletic ability. 

Initially trying sport 50 years ago, it would have been impossible to forecast the lifelong impact that Jim would have on Scottish sport. However, like many athletes Jim didn’t take up sport to be in the spotlight, it was something a lot simpler. 

Growing up with cerebral palsy, sport provided an opportunity of independence and inclusion. He said: “I really enjoyed it, just because I was able to do something.” 

In his twenties, Jim set his goals and ambitions firmly on becoming a Paralympian and at the Barcelona 1992 Summer Paralympic Games, his dreams were answered. Jim wasn’t willing to stop there though, going on to compete in the next five Paralympics, to retire after the London 2012 iteration. 

Throughout his Paralympic career, Jim found himself on the podium a total of 17 times, winning six golds, nine silvers and two bronze medals which all added to his legacy as one of Great Britain’s most prolific swimmers. 

 Undeniably though, Jim’s highlight came at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, when competing in the 50m, 100m and 200m Freestyle S2 and 50m Backstroke S2. He commented: “I am most proud of my four gold medals in Athens, it was great.” 

Arial shot of Jim doing the backstroke during competition at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games.

Another element of his Paralympic career that Jim looks back on with an immense amount of pride, was managing to perform at the highest level, in  front of those closest to him: his mum and dad – John and Brenda – and brother, Stuart. “To see me on the podium was wonderful for my family,” he said. 

Although Jim no longer finds himself competing in swimming, he has made sure to still stay involved in the sport, saying, “I retired after London 2012, but I am still involved with the Scottish Disabled Swimming Team.”  

Working once a month with some of Scotland’s emerging talent, has been providing Jim with a deep sense of enjoyment as it takes him back to what it first meant to him to be included in sport. One of his favorite elements, is playing a role in developing the next generation of Scottish athletes, saying: “I like helping the new swimmers coming up, it is great.” 

Along with being a keen volunteer in swimming, Jim has been working hard to provide individuals in the east of Scotland with an opportunity to take part in boccia. Helping to found a drop-in session in Broxburn, Jim has opened the door for many individuals to try boccia in a fun, friendly, inclusive and accessible setting. A main reason for starting the club, was because of the incredibly inclusive nature of boccia. Jim wanted to provide as many people as possible with an opportunity to enjoy the sport: “Boccia is great, because anyone can play it,” he said. 

Furthermore, boccia provides Jim with opportunities to get out and compete in sport. He said: “I like that I still get to compete.” 

Jim throws a boccia ball during a game at the Scottish Championships. It is a side-on photo showing Jim in his wheelchair - which has a yellow frame -  wearing a blue fleece with a bright red bag around his shoulder that sits on his lap. He has white hair and wears glasses. 

 

Having received countless accolades and winning a total of 57 medals across the Paralympic Games, World and European Championships, Jim is a great role model in sport – showcases what is possible if you have a disability.  

Being a role model is something that Jim is extremely proud of, for it: “makes people realise that they can do it, and that nothing is a barrier,” Jim said. 

To find out all about the sport and physical activities in sport within your local area and community, reach out to your Regional Development Manager.  

To keep up to date with all things disability sport across Scotland, follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Front cover of COSLA's white paper. Text says, The Future of public leisure and sport: an investment in Scotland's wellbeing. Below this are three photos, from left to right: someone playing tennis on a grass court, a group of people jogging, a young boy swimming.

Inclusion Front and Centre in Latest COSLA White Paper

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) has recently launched ‘The Future of Public Leisure and Sport – An Investment in Wellbeing‘, the second in a series of white papers to be published in advance of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election. 

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is pleased to see that Inclusion is explicitly highlighted as one of the five key themes of the new COSLA White Paper. The paper uses the SDS Call to Action as a reference and cites the multiple and complex barriers that many people face which serves to widen activity and health inequalities. The first ask is investment in national affordability programmes which SDS champions to reduce some of the cost barriers people with a disability face when accessing sport and leisure.  

The paper highlights a pivotal moment for Scotland, arguing that improving population health, supporting inclusive economic growth and restoring sustainable public finances will require a decisive shift from crisis response to long-term prevention. 
 
COSLA is urging the incoming Scottish Government to work in partnership with Local Government to unlock the full preventative potential of leisure, sport and physical activity, and to support a healthier, more equal and more prosperous Scotland. 

You can read the COSLA White Paper here: COSLA-White-Paper-An-Investment-In-Scotlands-Wellbeing.pdf

Learn more about SDS’s Call to Action and the SDS National Survey. 

Fiona Muirhead with her award from the Boccia Challenger 2026

Scottish Athletes Shine at DSNI Boccia Challenger in Antrim 

By Jonathan Kennedy

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is delighted to celebrate the outstanding performances of three national squad athletes who competed at the DSNI Boccia Challenger in Antrim, 6th – 8th the March 2026. All three players delivered impressive results and represented Scotland with distinction throughout the event. 

In the BC4 category, Fiona Muirhead produced a standout performance characterised by consistency, composure, and determination. With the event played in a round robin format, the competition came down to the final match, where Fiona faced Penny Froude of Boccia England in a decisive showdown for the top medals. After a tense and keenly contested match, Fiona secured a 3–2 victory, claiming the gold medal and marking a fantastic start to their 2026 campaign. 

In the BC1 category, Alex Medley competed in an exceptionally close and competitive field. Despite delivering high quality play throughout the round-robin stages, Alex narrowly missed a podium position, finishing in 4th place. 

Layla McCloskey was the third member representing SDS where she competed in the BC2 category. This was Layla’s first event competition as a member of the SDS National Boccia Squad. Building on strong momentum after finishing 2025 on a high at the UK Boccia Championships, Layla continued her impressive play by reaching the 5th/6th playoff matches in a highly competitive field. 

Squad group photo, consisting of (from left to right) Peter McGuire, Layla McCloskey, coach Claire Morrison, Fiona Muirhead, SDS boccia development officer Jonathan Kennedy, Alex Medley. They are all looking to the camera and smiling. Peter, Fiona and Alex are in their wheelchairs, Layla is sitting on her frame whilst hugging Claire. Claire and Jonathan are standing up.

 

The DSNI Boccia Challenger offered invaluable experience for all three Scottish athletes as they continue their progression within the national programme. Performances of this calibre help build important momentum as they embark on their 2026 season. A big thank you to Disability Sport NI for hosting the event.  

SDS is the national governing body for Boccia in Scotland and is dedicated to the growth and success of the sport at all levels. 

If you are interested to learn more about boccia and your local opportunities, please contact Jonathan Kennedy, the Boccia Development Officer, via email on Jonathan.Kennedy@Scottishdisabilitysport.com; or call on 07830158253.  

Podium photo of silver medallist Joe Driffield and his ramp assistant, at the 2026 National Schools Boccia Championships. They are both wearing their silver medals around their neck.

Medal Moments from the 2026 National Schools Boccia Championships 

On Thursday 26th March, 48 pupils from schools across the country attended the Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) National Schools Boccia Championships, which was supported by Shepherd Chartered Surveyors.  

The annual event attracted young people between P5 and S6 with a learning disability or physical disability, all vying for a spot on the podium, with participants travelling as far as Shetland.  

SDS’s Boccia Development Officer, Jonathan Kennedy remarked on the day: “It is fantastic to see so many participants coming to compete to be Schools Championships. With 48 participants here, it has made for a very busy and competitive event. There are players from all round Scotland, including Shetland, Borders, Ayrshire and Highlands which means players can meet others from all around the country and put their skills to the test against other regional champions.” 

The morning session was filled with pool games which decided who would advance to the knock-out games and medal matches after the lunch break. The morning session provided a lot of action, with just two ends deciding the winner of each game.  

Intensity rose in the afternoon session, with finals decided for the three medal categories: learning disability, physical disability and players with an assistive device (ramp).  

Kennedy Masamuna (Glasgow) faced off with Bilal Shakoor (Perth and Kinross) in the gold medal game for players with a learning disability. The pair were equally matched after the two ends and so a tiebreaker was needed to decide the medals, with Kennedy taking the win to top the podium.  

A tiebreaker also decided the results of the bronze medal game, with Julian Smolinski (Highland) taking the win over Glasgow’s Lucja Kostrzewska.  

Three young boys stand together at the podium with medals around their neck. Pop up Scottish Disability Sport banners are in the background.

In the physical disability category, Perth and Kinross’ Emma McManamon just missed out on gold, losing 2-1 to James O’Brien (South Lanarkshire), with Cole Harvey securing the bronze for Highland, with a 3-0 win over Hannah Crookes (Highland).  

A young girl (left) and two young boys are together at the podium with medals around their neck. Pop up Scottish Disability Sport banners are in the background. The girl and the boy in the middle are sitting in wheelchairs.

 

Gold belonged to Zac Cameron (Forth Valley) in the assistive device (ramps) category, after sealing a 2-0 win over Joe Driffield (Ayrshire). Ibrahim Ismail (Glasgow) and Hareth Al Jaffa (Glasgow) faced off in the bronze medal game. It was a convincing win for Ibrahim, who booked bronze with a lead of 4-0.  

Three young boys in wheelchairs are together at the podium with medals around their neck. The boy on the left and right, are accompanied by an adult man each, who were their ramp assistants. They also have medals around their necks. Pop up Scottish Disability Sport banners are in the background.

 

 

Jonathan Kennedy said: “The National Schools event is in its fourth year of being run and is set up to introduce young people to a national competition whilst also allowing for a learning opportunity. A lot of players in this hall today may play a little in school and had a regional qualifier before coming here. Whereas a few participants are regulars and already compete across Scotland in the regional events. So, having an event like this where newer players can come and develop their skills whilst also meeting others who are already competing, is a great opportunity to develop new players to the regional events across Scotland to start developing our players of the future.” 

 

The SDS National Schools Boccia Championships is one of many SDS boccia events supported by Shepherd Chartered Surveyors. Their support plays a significant role in supporting the development of boccia across Scotland.   

Ian Fergusson, Senior Partner at Shepherd Chartered Surveyor, said: “Events like the SDS National Schools Boccia Championships are vital in giving young people the chance to compete, connect and show what they can achieve in an inclusive and supportive environment.” 

Shepherd Chartered Surveyor will also be supporting the second instalment of the Family Boccia Day in Moray (May), following the great success of the inagural event held earlier this year (Central).  

Full results from the National Schools Boccia Championships are available here: National School results 2026.xlsx  and the full photo gallery is available below. 

If you would like to find out about opportunities to take part in boccia, please contact SDS’s boccia Development Officer by email (jonathan.kennedy@scottishdisabilitysport.com) or phone (0131 317 1130).  

 

Mike Thomas hand cycling on the road. The sea and a lighthouse is in the background.

The Power of Resilience and Sport: Mike Thomas’s Story 

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer 

 

35 years ago, Mike Thomas’s world was turned upside down when he was left with life-changing injuries following a skiing accident in Maribel, France.  Mike was airlifted to hospital and what followed has been a journey of resilience, strength and hard work. 

Mike had an active lifestyle growing up, often taking to the outdoors in search of his next adventure in sports such as cave diving or skiing. After his accident though, he found it hard to find the right sport for him. This was until he tried hand cycling.  

He said: “I am paralysed from the waist down. It took a while to get out and about. I went back diving again and it wasn’t quite the same diving in a dry suit when you can’t control your legs. I discovered hand cycling about 25 years ago and it is just the best thing since sliced bread.” 

Viewing it as one of the most accessible sports for individuals with a spinal injury, Mike feels like he is constantly benefiting from the inclusive sport.  

“It gets you out and about, it’s great exercise, it gets you places you can’t go normally,” Mike commented. 

His adventurous spirit soon found him embarking on a cycling challenge from Edinburgh to St Andrews but he hasn’t stopped there. Now aged 66 years old, Mike continues to sign up to the annual Ride to the Sun challenge – a 100-mile cycle route from Carlisle to Crammond. A feat that often takes him nine hours to complete.  

Since taking up hand cycling, Mike has hand cycled 110,000 kilometers and he feels that the many physiological benefits have impacted him in his day-to-day life. 

He remarked, “One of the most important things you can do with a spinal injury, is keep your weight under control. It makes things like transferring so much easier.”  

Furthermore, he said: “It’s good for your health, your mental health, your wellbeing, it’s good socially. It’s a win-win.” 

Having witnessed firsthand the many benefits sports and physical activity have, Mike has also become a volunteer. He hopes to show other individuals what inclusive sport can provide. 

“I remember back to when I started – life changes when you have a spinal injury, it’s not as good as it was before and some doors shut and others open. You can still get out there and have a really decent life and I would say that hand cycling is a part of that,” Mike said. 

Through his volunteering with Spinal Injuries Scotland, Thistle Outdoors and the Adaptive Riders Collective, Mike has been working hard to show people what is possible. 

“If you have a spinal cord injury you need your wheelchair for mobility, your standing frame for your health and your hand cycle for your freedom,” he said. 

Now sitting on the Board of Trustees with the Adaptive Riders Collective, Mike is extremely proud of the work that is being done by the charity. The charity provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to try cycling in a friendly, inclusive and accessible environment. Mike reflected o this, saying: “When he [Neil Russel, Founder of Adaptive Riders Collective] asked me to be a Trustee of the charity, I absolutely jumped at the chance, because what he is doing is absolutely fantastic.”  

The sense of pride that Mike feels about the work that is being done is heightened whenever he has an opportunity to join the charity on a ride.  

He said: “The mental health aspect to hand cycling is immense. They talk about green spaces, what we do with ARC, we are out around the Trossachs, and the views are amazing.  You are getting to places you wouldn’t get to normally and it’s just really uplifting.”  

 

If you would be interested in finding out more about the Adaptive Riders Collective, and how you can get involved, you can contact them via their website. 

Alternatively, visit the Scottish Disability Sport website to find out about sporting opportunities within your region.  

To keep up to date with all things disability sport across Scotland, follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.  

Two families playing boccia together. There are two young girls in wheelchairs using boccia ramps and two mums and one dad.

Boccia Brings Families Together During Bespoke Family Day

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) hosted its first ever Family in Boccia Day which proved to be a resounding success, on Saturday 21st February supported by Shepherd Chartered Surveyors.  

SDS’s Boccia Development Manager, Jonathan Kennedy, organised the event which aimed to create an opportunity for families to come together, try and play boccia in a non-competitive environment.  

Jonathan said, “It is great to see so many young people and their family attend this event. The Family Boccia Days are all about introducing new young people and their family to boccia and enjoying themselves. Letting them experience the sport and signpost them to their local club or session if they want to play more.” 

He continued to say: “Today, some of the deliverers are local coaches who have already linked in with the participants and their family about attending their local boccia session which is what this day is all about.” 

The Family in Boccia Day allowed for families in central Scotland who had a child under 18 years-old with a physical disability as their main disability, to learn about boccia, practice skills and play some fun games with other families.  

For many children with a disability that attend a mainstream school in Scotland, their access to physical education (P.E) is limited. This has so far been the experience for 6-year-old Amber, according to her mum Leanne, who attended the Family in Boccia Day. 

“We find it really hard to find activities for her to do that are suitable for her”, said Leanne, who further commented: “In school she gets taken out when her class are doing P.E, when they’re doing gymnastics or other stuff that she’s unable to do, so this upsets her a lot. So having sports that she is able to do is just great.”  

The event also provided Amber to socialise with other children with a disability: “Because she is in mainstream (school) it’s really good for her to be around other kids who are in a wheelchair, just like herself. It’s perfect, it’s ideal.” 

Amber was an enthusiastic participant throughout the day, with Leanne remarking that: “I think this will be really good for her confidence, to do a sport that she’s also really good at.” 

Boccia is a fantastic sport in bringing people together. It is the most inclusive sport that there is and this accessibility aspect did not go unnoticed.  

Thomas, father of Ethan, said: “I thought it (Family in Boccia Day) was brilliant because of the accessibility aspect and the ramps because Ethan doesn’t have a lot of mobility, so it’s good for kids of all disabilities. People with mobility issues are able to play so it’s great.” 

Ethan thoroughly enjoyed the day, commenting: “It was really fun and the social interaction was fun, we had a laugh. It was all good.” 

Furthermore, the day proved to provide a welcoming environment for all. Participant Michael was quite anxious ahead of the day but his mum, Mary, said the relaxed setting prevented Michael from feeling overwhelmed and supported him to take part.  

Mary said, “When he first walked in he (Michael) liked the atmosphere in the hall – the fact that he could wander about and he wasn’t ‘stuck’ somewhere before it started. Also, the games, they’re just so accessible. Sometimes when he plays things he can’t pick it up quickly and he finds that quite difficult and disheartening. Whereas today, he was able to do it and was scoring points.” 

The social aspect of the sport plays a huge part within the boccia community and contributes greatly to player satisfaction and emotional health and wellbeing. Thomas commented on this, saying: Thomas: “The social aspect is really, really good because every kid is having fun and the time just flies by.” 

The opportunity for families to connect was appreciated throughout the day.  

Amber’s mum said, “It’s good for them (Amber and her sister) to play this sport together because her sister goes to dance and gymnastics and so again, Amber gets upset that she can’t do that and so this is nice that they can do this together.”  

Ross, a young boy with cerebral palsy, was joined on the day by his mum and brother. His mum, Fiona, said: “He’s really enjoyed it. It’s something that the boys can do together and that’s great. There isn’t really a lot of things that they can do together and we three always come as a family.” 

Next month (May) is set to host the second Family in Boccia Day in Moray, targeting families based in the north of Scotland. If you would like to register for this event, you can do so via the link below. 

For more information about how to get involved in boccia in your local community, please contact: Jonathan.Kennedy@scottishdisabilitysport.com or call on: 0131 317 1130.