Month: November 2026

Two Weeks to Go Until Scottish Disability Sport Week 2026

Celebrating Inclusion, Participation and the Power of Being Active

With just two weeks to go, excitement is building for Scottish Disability Sport Week 2026 (SDSW), a nationwide celebration of disability sport, physical activity and inclusion across Scotland.

Running from Monday 23 November to Sunday 29 November, Scottish Disability Sport Week shines a spotlight on how and why people with disabilities can get active, get involved and enjoy the many benefits of sport and physical activity. The campaign also leads into the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Thursday 3 December, helping to amplify the importance of creating inclusive opportunities for everyone.

Since its launch in 2023, Scottish Disability Sport Week has grown into a powerful national campaign. More than 50 partners, local authorities and SDS branches joined the inaugural celebration, generating widespread engagement across Scotland.

The week provides an opportunity to celebrate the positive impact that physical activity and sport can have on individuals, clubs, communities and society. It also highlights the diversity and intersectionality of people involved in disability sport, reinforcing the message that sport is for everyone.

Whether you’re taking the first steps on your physical activity journey, returning to sport, volunteering within your community, or competing at a high level, Scottish Disability Sport Week aims to inspire and encourage participation in ways that work for you.

Daily Themes

Each day throughout the week will focus on a specific theme, encouraging conversation, sharing stories and showcasing opportunities across disability sport.

Monday 23 November

The Power of Participation

Exploring the physical, social and mental wellbeing benefits of being active and taking part in sport.

Tuesday 24 November

Overcoming Barriers

Highlighting the challenges people can face and sharing examples of how barriers can be reduced or removed.

Wednesday 25 November

Intersectionality

Celebrating the diverse experiences and identities of people involved in disability sport.

Thursday 26 November

Clubs and Communities

Showcasing the vital role clubs, volunteers and local communities play in creating inclusive sporting opportunities.

Friday 27 November

Accessibility

Focusing on the importance of making sport and physical activity accessible to all.

Saturday 28 November

Performance Pathway

Highlighting opportunities for progression and showcasing athletes competing at the highest levels.

Sunday 29 November

What’s Next?

Encouraging people to take the next step in their sporting journey and explore how they can continue to incorporate sport and physical activity into their lives.

 

Get Involved

Everyone can play a part in Scottish Disability Sport Week 2026. Whether you’re an athlete, volunteer, coach, club, organisation, supporter or someone looking to get active for the first time, we encourage you to join the conversation and help celebrate disability sport across Scotland.

To stay up to date throughout the week, follow Scottish Disability Sport on social media:

Let’s come together to celebrate participation, break down barriers and showcase the transformative power of disability sport across Scotland. #ScottishDisabilitySportWeek  #InspiringThroughInclusion

Click here to access this years Scottish Disability Sport Week partner toolkit.

Ellie Finlayson at the Dylanwadu Conference.

Hi my name is Ellie Finlayson, and through being part of Scottish Disability Sport’s Young Start programme, I recently had the privilege of attending Disability Sport Wales Dylanwadu Conference in Aberystwyth alongside other members of Scottish Disability Sport, including Young Persons’ Sports Panel member Anna McBride.  It was a brilliant chance to gain an insight into the work being done to level the playing field within sport and coaching for people with disabilities, and to look ahead at what still needs to change.  Here’s how the trip went…

We drove to Aberystwyth the day before the conference fuelled by a good music playlist, quiz questions, and sweets, plus a highly anticipated stop for lunch at Tebay Services!  The winding Welsh roads were less appreciated…

When we arrived, we went out for dinner with the Disability Sport Wales team. The promenade, which looked beautiful!  Dinner was lovely, and it was a perfect opportunity to get to know some of the Disability Sport Wales staff in a relaxed, informal environment.  We had some brilliant conversations about the work they do, and it was great to share what we get up to as part of Young Start and the Young Persons’ Sports Panel.  Having some familiar faces to look out for on the day of the conference definitely helped ease our nerves too.

After an official welcome in the main auditorium, retired para archer and Sport Wales board member Pippa Britton gave a talk on her journey into sport, the setbacks, and the triumphs.  Her story proves that you do not need to have been participating in sport from a very young age, nor do you need to be instantly good at it (in fact, you probably won’t be!), to get involved and thrive.  Sport is for everyone, and first and foremost, it should be fun!  It was so refreshing to hear such a candid, down-to-earth account of an athlete’s journey, especially from someone as successful as Pippa.  It may not be straightforward or simple, but the hard work is always worth it.  As a wheelchair user and para archer myself, I related to a lot of what Pippa was saying and felt very seen!

After this introduction to the day, we all split off into different workshops across the day.  These covered topics such as intersectionality, the importance of non-tokenistic representation of disability sport in media, and the barriers to sports coaching with a disability and how these could be overcome.

I left the conference with such a sense of empowerment having spent the day amongst so many people who were clearly very passionate about disability sport.  From the presentations and panels to the small passing moments of connection with other disabled attendees, there was such a positive atmosphere with a determined, hopeful view to the future of disability sport.  I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to attend this conference, and I have taken a lot from the whole experience.

In light of it being Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, I have been reflecting on the Dylanwadu Conference and the many powerful women’s voices I heard from throughout the day.  It really highlighted how far we as a society have come in championing women’s perspectives.  To all the women and girls who are reading this and feel like they might not have a place in sport, or are hesitant to say yes to an opportunity because they think someone else could do it better, my advice to you is do it anyway.  Say yes, take the chance.  Do it scared.  Do it despite not having all the answers.  Do it because you care.  Your passion means something.  You have earned your place just as well as anyone else has.  You may not be the best in your sport, you may not be the loudest in the room, but you don’t have to be.  As women, we all have something valuable to bring to the table, whether we are highly experienced with a lot to share, or are new to sport.  So don’t forget your voice.

To find out how you can get started on your pathway in sport, reach out to Scottish Disability Sport at admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or contact your local SDS Branch.

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

Help Shape the Future of Disability Sport in Scotland

Scottish Disability Sport is delighted to launch its Second National Survey, and we want to hear from you.
  • Whether you are regularly involved in physical activity or sport, take part occasionally, or face barriers that stop you from taking part, your experiences are important.
  • The survey will help us better understand what’s working well, what challenges remain, and where future improvements are needed.
Who can take part?
✅ Aged 16 or over
✅ Living in Scotland
✅ Have a disability or long-term health condition
Why take part?
Your feedback will help us:
  • Better understand the experiences of disabled people in sport and physical activity
  • Identify barriers to participation and progression
  • Inform future programmes, opportunities and support
  • Ensure lived experience shapes the future of disability sport in Scotland
Have Your Say
Complete the survey here: SDS National Survey 2026
Every response helps us build a clearer picture of disability sport in Scotland and ensures the voices of disabled people remain at the heart of future decision-making.
A photo of Gemma Lumsdaine playing Wheelchair Rugby, the photo is of her in her chair with a Great Britain flag behind her.

Gemma Lumsdaine: Breaking down barriers.

To continue the celebrations of Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) had a chat with Gemma Lumsdaine. Gemma is a key influencer in disability sport, not just being a talented athlete, but also being the Chair of SDS’s first ever National Advisory Forum.

Along with helping shape the future of disability sport in Scotland, Gemma is competing in Wheelchair Rugby, making her as fearless on the pitch as she is when in the meeting rooms, read how she feels about being an athlete, competing in a predominately male sport, and how important the National Advisory Forum is below:

 

Question – How important is it to have a Scottish National Advisory Forum?

Answer – Massively important. I’m a huge believer in the saying “nothing about us without us.” Disabled people are the experts in our own experiences, yet too often we’re left out of conversations and decisions that directly affect us. The Forum is an opportunity to change that and make sure disabled people’s voices are not only heard, but genuinely listened to and acted upon to improve the future of sport, physical activity and social for disabled people in Scotland.

 

Question – How proud are you to be the Chair of the Forum?

Answer – Honestly, I’m ridiculously proud! It’s a real privilege to be trusted with a role where I can help amplify the voices of disabled people across Scotland. As a disabled woman in a leadership position, representation means a lot to me, and I hope it shows others that they belong in these spaces too.

 

Question – What are some of the challenges of being a female athlete in a predominantly male sport (Wheelchair Rugby)?

Answer – It can feel like a bit of a boys’ club at times. One of the biggest challenges is challenging assumptions about what women,  especially disabled women are capable of in such a physical sport. There’s also a lack of female representation, and you can’t be what you can’t see.

 

Question – What is your favourite thing about sport?

Answer – For me, sport is about so much more than winning. It’s about community, confidence, friendships and discovering what you’re capable of. I also love the competitive side there’s nothing quite like the adrenaline and excitement of a Wheelchair Rugby match!

 

Question – Who was your first sporting role model?

Answer – Tanni Grey-Thompson. She achieved so much in sport and has done so much to champion disability inclusion. She’s been a huge inspiration to

 

Question – What is your biggest achievement in sport?

Answer – Being selected for the first-ever Women’s Wheelchair Rugby World Championship is definitely one of my proudest sporting achievements. To be part of such a historic moment for the sport is incredibly special. Not only is it a huge personal achievement, but it also feels like an important step forward for women in Wheelchair Rugby, and I’m proud to play a small part in that journey.

 

Question – Why is a week-long campaign like Scottish Women in Sport Week important?

Answer – Because women in sport deserve to be celebrated, visible and valued. It’s a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the amazing women and girls making an impact in sport, while also recognising that there’s still work to do. It’s particularly important that disabled women and other underrepresented groups are part of that conversation, so that everyone feels seen and included.

 

Question – In 2026 the first Women’s Wheelchair Rugby Championship will be held. How significant is this?

Answer – It’s a massive moment for the sport. Women have always been part of Wheelchair Rugby, but this gives us a dedicated stage to showcase the talent that’s there and earn ranking points.I hope it inspires more women and girls to get involved and shows them that there’s a place for them in the sport.

To find out how you can get started on your pathway in sport, reach out to Scottish Disability Sport at admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or contact your local SDS Branch.

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

The picture shows Millie Boo, a young person with cerebral palsy and bilateral hearing loss, sits atop her tall, brown horse on a dirt path.

Millie Boo: A Journey in Para Dressage

My riding and volunteering story
Hi, I am Millie Boo Smith. I am 20 years old and have cerebral palsy and bilateral hearing loss. I started horse riding as a form of therapy, and I am a Para Grade 2 Dressage Rider. I have my own horse George who is a retired ex racehorse, and I love riding, hacking, grooming and caring for him. I am also in my 2nd year at the University of Highlands and Islands studying a Business Equine Management degree which is interesting and very busy too.
I started volunteering for my local Riding for The Disabled Group for my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award and then carried this on as I love it as I want to give back to the community like I was supported when I was younger. I currently have over 370 Saltire Volunteering hours and was named Horse Scotland and Active Stirling Young Volunteer of the year as well as being awarded an Inspire Award by Forth Valley Disability Sport. My journey has been participant to volunteer to coach in training whilst being on the RDA pathway. I help people from a local care home interacting with horses and help others have fun and enjoyment in their lessons.
My advice to anyone especially young women and girls is to try ANY form of sport regardless of your disability. If you would rather, you can volunteer which is so rewarding. You get to meet lovely people; you can make a difference in people’s lives and makes you feel like you are doing something worthwhile. It is about what makes you happy and never let anything hold you back. RDA motto is “It’s What You Can Do That Counts” and ‘#SheCanSheWIll
A group of young disabled people are pictured inside a speed boat.

Ellie: From Spectator to Sports Leader

Hi my name is Ellie W , I am 19 and my sport is rugby. I am part of the young start program. I started watching the men’s six nations every year with my dad as he used to play rugby when he was younger. I thought I’d love to play rugby one day and didn’t start playing until I was 17. My friend started playing for our local women’s team and suggested that I join and we both went along for our first training session. We could train but only started doing contact at 18.
When I went into high school my mum had suggested a sports programme that was run by SSF [Scottish Sports Futures] called Twilight. It was multisport. It helped me fall in love with sport before I got involved with playing rugby. A couple of months later there was a young leaders programme that was also run by SSF to help me coach young people in sport. My coach, Maciek, from SSF encouraged me to join my clan rugby team as a participant and then help out as a coach. I have been to events and schools to talk about the clan and encourage people to come along and try it.
Maciek told me about the Young Start programme and I had to submit it that day and it sounded like such a good opportunity for me and I signed up and was very excited as I was getting to meet new people , learn new skills , develop my skills and get my level 1 rugby coaching. I had online courses the first one was communications and the second one was human connections and then we had the young start/panel residential September weekend with wheels to water , getting to try other sports , we got to know each other through ice breaker challenges , we went trampolining , had food and hung out. We did the disability , advocacy and sport course in the morning and then in the afternoon we did boccia which was very fun. I have also got to do my first aid course through young start and passed
A photo of Katie Golder smiling to the camera

Katie Golder joins Scottish Disability Sport.

Katie Golder has joined Scottish Disability Sport (SDS), as Engagement Officer, where she will be arriving with a wealth of knowledge, personal experience, and desire to make sport and physical activity more inclusive.

Having participated in and worked in sport for most of her life, Katie understands the importance of being physically active. Her own experiences, combined with having seen family members face barriers to inclusion, have shaped the commitment Katie has to ensuring more individuals gain the benefits of physical activity,

Explaining what attracted her to the position with SDS, Katie said: “I have a couple of family members who have  disabilities, and I know how hard it’s been for them getting into sport.”

“I think sport and physical activity are some of the best things in the world, I’ve grown up around sport, and been actively involved in sport. So, being able to bring sport to people who maybe don’t think they can do it, or have faced barriers, and if we are able to do something about it for them, then that would be great.”

“Even for myself, knowing how much sport had an impact on me growing up, and how it’s shaped me, it’s nice to see the distances people are willing to go to make sport and physical activity accessible to everyone.”

Katie grew up taking part in a wide range of sports, before finding her calling as a competitive swimmer. She went on to compete at a regional and national level, developing a deeper understanding of the psychological and physiological benefits of physical activity, further strengthening her passion for sport.

Another reason why Katie is excited to have joined the SDS team, is the opportunity to continuing advocating for women and girls in sport, a cause that Katie feels strongly about. She said: “It just fills me with so much pride to be a Scottish woman, who is part of the sporting industry, who is able to push other women and girls into sport.”

An area that Katie has seen develop throughout her time participating in and working within sport, has been the continued growth and visibility of female role models in sport. She believes this progress is particularly important when looking to inspire the next generation of Scottish female athletes.

Following a summer in which Hope Gordon, Toni Shaw, Faye Rodgers, Mary Stevenson, Astrid Carroll, Melanie Woods, Joanna Robertson, Mary Wilson, and Pauline Wilson competed at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games for Team Scotland, Katie reflected on the importance of celebrating females in sport, commenting: “I think it is just amazing that we have all of these strong women now. People are now able to see that women are doing the most incredible things.”

“In the past, if you weren’t watching the World Championships, European Championships, the Commonwealth Games, Olympics and Paralympics, you wouldn’t have always heard of some of the individuals. However, now it is all becoming that bit more visible.”

“If you see and hear about these people that are like you, it really does open up that door, and makes you realise what you are able to achieve.”

To find out how you can get started on your pathway in sport, reach out to Scottish Disability Sport at admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or contact your local SDS Branch.

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

A photo of Sam Gough by herself sitting in a two person rowing boat

Sam Gough: Overcoming barriers, and the importance of education

Sam Gough MBE’s journey in sport has been one that showcases the power of determination, resilience, and an unwillingness to take no for an answer.

At just three-years-old, Sam was a budding young athlete, taking part in Mini Kicker football events, adding dancing, swimming, cross country running, and other sports to her ever-growing schedule over the following years. For all, it looked like Sam was destined for a life of sport and physical activity.

Sam was ready and willing to jump head-first into any opportunity provided, and had the full backing of her sports enthused family. At that stage, no one would have predicted that Sam would have been excluded from her physical education classes within a few years; when a lack of accessible equipment, and education of teachers around disabilities and vision impairments, saw Sam denied the opportunity of taking part in physical education.

Others may have found this hard – just like Sam did – not all would have had the resilience to bounce back, going on to have an incredibly impressive career in sport. Even more impressively, not all would have had the willingness to extend an olive branch, eloquently going down the disability advocacy route, and educating people on accessible practices.

The 23-year-old said: “The teachers saw my vision impairment as a hazard, to not only myself but to other pupils.”

“I thought that for a long time I was the problem, I felt like I was the reason that I couldn’t compete in sport.”

“I wouldn’t wish my experience during that period on anybody else, but what it has done, it’s lit a fire within me to create positive change.”

The feeling of being excluded was extremely hard for Sam, especially after just having selected physical education as one of her chosen subjects that she would study in third year.

However, Sam didn’t let this deter her from taking part in sport and physical activity, looking for out of school options, joining swim clubs in Midlothian, and attending Scottish Disability Sport’s (SDS’s) National Championships and Parasport Festivals.

At one of SDS’s Parasport Festivals, Sam’s perception around how she could be included in sport changed, when a badminton session was modified to make it more accessible, saying: “They changed the white shuttlecock to a yellow balloon, which meant I could join in. That just shows how simple it is to adapt sport for someone who has a disability.”

“Having that done for me made me feel really empowered, to know that sport can be adapted and can be accessible.”

Towards the end of education in high school, Sam made the decision to transfer to the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh.

Ultimately, this was a formative moment in Sam’s life, learning about herself as an individual with a vision impairment, and developing a new attitude to sport and physical activity. She commented: “In reality the Royal Blind School is where I learnt to advocate for myself, learn about my vision impairment, what it meant to be a young person with a vision impairment, and how it can empower you in every way possible.”

“There was an opportunity to attend a Para rowing session, and at the time I was doing a lot of other sports, and my physical education teacher didn’t let there be any barriers, he just said ‘Sam what’s one more sport, just give it a go’.”

So far in 2026, Sam has had an incredible year performing, reaching the podium several times in Para Rowing and Blind Football. Winning Quad bronze in the Spring Regatta, gold at the Henley Women’s Regatta, and winning two gold medals whilst representing Scotland at the Home International Nations Regatta, amongst a suite of other Para rowing medals. Also captaining the Lioness’s Blind Football team to silver in the World Championships and bronze at the European Championships “It’s been an incredible season, it’s probably been my biggest season to date, and I am just delighted that I could perform at that level, and show what is possible with hard work and determination.”

In June this year, Sam was awarded a MBE in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List for services to sport and the visually impaired community. Recognition which was well deserved after years of Sam’s advocacy for individuals with vision impairments and disabilities, not only as an ambassador, but also through SDS’s Education and Learning courses and National Advisory Forum, where Sam attends as an active athlete, providing great insight and lived experience.

Sam said: “My passion has come from being excluded from sport, and now I am able to advocate for others, it’s one of the biggest turning points in my life.”

“I’ve gone into this big advocator role, and I really enjoy it, I love advocating on behalf of individuals with disabilities, and for sport to be inclusive.”

“Education is one of the most important things when looking to make sport more inclusive, if not the biggest thing.”

“It’s not always even about sport being inclusive, it’s about disability awareness, and how that can transfer into day-to-day life, if people have knowledge of disabilities, it takes away different barriers, it’s really important.”

To find out how you can get started on your pathway in sport, reach out to Scottish Disability Sport at admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or contact your local SDS Branch.

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

A photo of Rosanna Wood. She is wearing a JudoScotland Top and is smiling at the camera

Championing inclusion: Rosanna Wood joins Scottish Disability Sport.

Rosanna Wood joins the Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) team, taking up the position of Communications Manager, where she will be hoping to impact change.

Coming to the team with an abundance of knowledge, that has been built up through several years of working within the sporting sector in Scotland with organisations such as JudoScotland, Rosanna is looking forward to the challenge that awaits, she said: “Working in Scottish sport over the past decade, I have seen first-hand the incredible impact sport can have, not just on individuals, but on wider society.
Scottish Disability Sport plays such an important role in championing inclusion, influencing policy and creating opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sport. Joining the team felt like an incredible opportunity to contribute to that work, help drive positive change and shine a light on the people and stories that demonstrate the true impact of disability sport across Scotland.”

Rosanna joined the SDS team, on Monday 2nd November, the start of Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, exactly three weeks before Scottish Disability Sport Week (23rd – 29th November) is being held. With both campaigns showcasing the power of inclusive sports, Rosanna is joining at an exciting time.

Looking ahead to what is achievable over the coming months, Rosanna commented: “I’m really excited to help tell the stories of disability sport in Scotland and raise its profile, celebrating the people, opportunities and achievements that make it so special.
Through my work with JudoScotland, I’ve already had a glimpse of the incredible work taking place across governing bodies, clubs and communities to break down barriers and create opportunities for people to participate in sport. I’m looking forward to meeting even more of the passionate individuals making this happen, hearing their stories and helping amplify their voices.
Ultimately, I’m excited to play a part in showcasing the impact of disability sport and helping more people see that sport really is for everyone.”

With Scottish Disability Sport Week providing opportunities to showcase every aspect of disability sport. From the Power of Participation, and Overcoming Barriers, to highlighting the importance of Intersectionality, recognising the many inclusive Clubs and Communities, the growing Accessibility, and emerging Performance Pathways, each of the week long campaign’s themes offer an opportunity to celebrate inclusive sporting practices. This is something that Rosanna feels is important, saying: “Sport is about so much more than medals. It means different things to different people, whether that’s friendship, fitness, competition or something else. Whatever the motivation, sport should be a place where everyone feels welcome, included and that they belong.
But for that to happen, people need to see what’s possible. By raising the profile of disability sport and sharing the stories of individuals across Scotland, from community clubs to the Paralympic stage, we can challenge perceptions, inspire others to get involved and show that sport really is for everyone. Representation matters, and the more visible disability sport becomes, the more we can help create a sporting landscape where everyone feels they have a place.”

A further opportunity to identify barriers to participation, opportunities for growth, and good practices, within disability sport, is SDS’s National Survey. The second edition of the National Survey was launched on October 28th 2026, where by listening to people with disabilities, learning from their experiences in sport, and gaining an understanding of issues faced by individuals when attempting to become physically active, SDS can promote and shape a sporting landscape where everyone feels like they have opportunities to be physically active.

As well as being passionate about increasing awareness around Para Sport, Rosanna is also extremely passionate about every aspect of inclusive sports, including women and girls, she said: “As with all forms of representation, you have to see it to be it. Having women working throughout the sporting sector, across all roles and at every level, helps challenge perceptions, create opportunities and show the next generation what’s possible.
It’s equally important that women’s voices and lived experiences are heard and valued. By listening to those experiences, we can shape more inclusive policies, practices and interventions that better reflect the needs of everyone involved in sport.
My own experiences of sport as a teenager shaped my understanding of how easily girls can lose confidence when they don’t feel they belong. Today, that drives my mission to help create a sporting landscape where everyone feels welcome, supported and able to thrive.”

To find out how you can get started on your pathway in sport, reach out to Scottish Disability Sport at admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or contact your local SDS Branch.

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