About SDS

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is the Scottish governing and co-coordinating body of all sports for people of all ages and abilities with a physical, sensory or learning disability. Our strategic plan, Inspiring Through Inclusion 2021-2029, directs the work of the Association. Our major partners are sportscotland, Scotland’s Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities plus voluntary organisations concerned with disability.

SDS has 14 branches covering most of Scotland, reaching from Shetland in the north to the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway in the south. The team of dedicated staff is enormously proud of the quality and quantity of volunteers and athlete members who play a major part in the running of the Association.

SDS is constantly attempting to widen the range of available sports options for individuals of all levels of ability with a disability in Scotland. SDS has the responsibility of creating appropriate sport specific pathways for individual sports people. Playground to Podium is the goal of many talented Scottish disabled sportsmen and women and SDS is there to offer support and advice when required.

HISTORY

Scottish Disability Sport was formed in 1962 to encourage the development of sport and physical recreation for disabled people throughout Scotland.

During the early years we were a branch of the British Sports Association for the Disabled (BSAD) before becoming independent and a truly Scottish organisation.

Mary Urquhart took over as Chairman in 1975, Bob Mitchell was elected Vice Chairman and Richard Brickley assistant to the Hon Secretary Iain Baillie. This formidable team, with background experience in Local Government and the Civil Service, transformed the organisation and encouraged the election of several new Executive Committee members. Even stronger links were forged with the Scottish Sports Council and shortly afterwards the Council appointed its first officer with a specific responsibility for sport for disabled people. The Association grew in strength as several Branches were established in areas where sport for disabled people had become a priority within Local Authority service provision.

Development Plans shaped the work of SSAD during the 70’s and 80’s and Changing with The Times 1 and 2 identified the priorities of the newly established Scottish Disability Sport [SDS] up until 2005. The current Strategic Plan Inspiring through Inclusion 2021-2029 outlines how SDS will lead the development of sport in Scotland for people of all ages and abilities with a physical, sensory or learning disability.

SDS is a pan disability organisation with charitable status and is recognised by sportscotland as the lead agency in disability sport in Scotland. SDS is a member organisation of the British Paralympic Association and works closely with Scottish Local Authorities and Scottish Governing Bodies of Sport.

SDS became a company limited by guarantee in 2003 and has been fortunate to attract on to the Board committed volunteers who have an interest in sport and/or disability. At one time SDS was led entirely by volunteers but in order to change with the times and ensure it is fit for purpose SDS has taken on a highly proficient staff team to work in conjunction with its committed volunteers for the benefit of its many athlete members.

SCOTTISH DISABILITY SPORT – THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS

A comprehensive history of the Association has been written by Richard Brickley OBE MBE, calling on his extensive experience and knowledge of disability sport both in Scotland and internationally to research and compile an interesting and enlightening publication. SDS is indebted to Richard for the huge amount of time and effort that has gone into compiling this history and we thank him most sincerely for his massive contribution.

Scottish Disability Sport – The First Fifty Years

VISION

Scottish Disability Sport Strategic Plan

SDS is the Scottish governing and co-coordinating body of all sports for children, athletes and players of all ages and abilities with a physical, sensory or learning disability.

Our Vision:

Sport and physical activity in Scotland are welcoming and inclusive for participants with disabilities.

Our Mission:

Through strong leadership and effective partnerships, we will engage and sustain participants, support athlete progression and influence change.

Our Values:

  • Inclusion – addressing the needs and aspirations of all individuals
  • Respect – considering different opinions and rights of all individuals: participant centred
  • Integrity – underpinning all actions by what is morally right and honest
  • Ambition – finding innovative and creative solutions