Category: A News

27/11/2025

Boccia at the Heart of the Community

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer.

Over the last two years, West Dumbartonshire Boccia Club has been providing individuals with opportunities to participate in boccia – and it’s had a huge, positive impact on the community.

A key volunteer at the club, Kirsty Maceira, explained one step they take to create a healthy atmosphere is encouraging everyone to take part “By getting everyone involved it gives them something to do, they get real enjoyment out of it.” Kirsty said.

This is a view that Hugh, a 70-year-old volunteer at the club, shared: “I enjoy interacting with the members and listening to the stories they have to tell.”

Karen, a 25-year-old participant at the club, also commented on how she enjoys everyone being together: “We all have good fun encouraging each other and I enjoy meeting new friends through our club.”

The club is held weekly on a Tuesday afternoon at Dalmuir Barclay Church Hall and regularly sees around 18 participants attending. However, Kirsty and the rest of the team at the club are determined to get more people playing boccia.

“We are now getting to a stage of getting out to other community groups and delivering taster sessions to show them what boccia is,” Kirsty said.

She continued to say, “Right now we are doing work within sheltered housing. People aren’t able to get out and about to come to us and to go to other community groups. So now we are tapping into going to them to give them an opportunity to play.”

Having this opportunity to go out into the community has been a real highlight of delivering boccia for Kirsty.

“They absolutely loved it. The laughs that they had, the enjoyment, the fact that they could just sit down and play and just have a blast was amazing,” she said.

On November 16th 2025, West Dumbartonshire Boccia Club held their first ever Boccia Bash. This event was hosted to raise awareness and showcasing its inclusivity and all the benefits that it can provide. The event provided attendees with boccia taster sessions and other community groups were invited to take part in a competition.

One element of the sport that Kirsty has really found herself appreciating is the inclusivity. She said: “It doesn’t matter their age or their abilities, everybody is welcome, and everyone can play.”

The impact of the club has been noticed by John, a 77-year-old participant. He said: “I can see small improvements with my mobility in the upper body movements.”

John isn’t the only one noticing the physical benefits. Alan (37-year-old participant) said: “I am certainly feeling the benefit of using my arms more regularly.”

Along with many of the physical benefits that boccia can provide, the club is keen to make sure that it also impacts participants psychologically. To help with this, Kirsty explained that they have created opportunities throughout their sessions to get everyone socialising.

“We offer free tea and coffee and a biscuit every week. So, we start by playing our games, then we go into the next hall and we all have a drink and a biscuit and that is when we get to socialise,” Kirsty explained.

Throughout her time with the club, Kirsty has grasped how important the social impact can be. “I think sometimes that is the most fun part for some, because they get to socialise and you see those friendships developing,” Kirsty said.

This sentiment was echoed by Alan, who said: “I am happy to meet with everyone and have a chat and a coffee at the break.”

Alongside impacting participants psychologically, many of the volunteers have found the club to be hugely impactful. “I feel very content whilst supporting the club. It has allowed me to stay active and continue building on my mental health, as I am part of a welcoming club”, said Margaret, a 73-year-old volunteer coach.

Kirsty believes that the great community surrounding West Dumbartonshire Boccia Club is a factor in volunteers regularly providing support. Kirsty commented on this community aspect: “There is such a good atmosphere in the club, that is why they come along to volunteer because they see how good it is and how good it is for the participants.”

Volunteer Suzanne (73 years-old) commented on this. She said, “The thing I enjoy the most is the social aspect of it, where everybody comes together and has a great time with lots of laughs.

“Our moto is, ‘

come for the sport, stay for the smiles’, which is exactly what this club does.”

If you would be interested in finding out more about West Dumbartonshire Boccia Club, you can do so by emailing: wdboccia@outlook.com

Alternatively reach out to your Regional Development Manager to find out how you can get involved in boccia as a player, coach, volunteer or official.

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

27/11/2025

NHS Try Sport Sessions: Creating Opportunities throughout Tayside

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer.

Starting in 2019, Perth and Kinross Disability Sport, Scottish Disability Sport (SDS), NHS Tayside and local clubs have been working in partnership to deliver NHS ‘Try Sport Sessions’ to individuals with physical disabilities that are not taking part in sport/physical activity or participants seeking new sporting opportunities.

Any of the participants that are attending, have been invited through NHS Physio Therapist referrals. This allows the organisers to tailor the sessions to participants’ needs.

Flynn (participant) has found the sessions to be incredibly impactful. His mum, Jenna, commented:

“It has been incredible to watch Flynn go through his journey with sport.

“Flynn recently joined Cubs and it was a bike ride one week but Flynn can’t ride a bike, so he took a frame runner. He was excited to tell everyone about it and show them what he could do.”

The sessions are held yearly at Perth UHI’s Academy of Sport and Wellbeing and provide no cost for participation, with approximately 15 participants attending.

Graeme Doig, SDS’s Regional Development Manager for Tayside, and Perth and Kinross Disability Sport’s (PKDS) branch coordinator, has been a driving force throughout the delivery of this initiative. Graeme believes that developing strong links throughout the region has been a considerable factor in the programme’s continued success.

“Partnership work with NHS Tayside, Scottish Disability Sport and PKDS is crucial, not just helpful, for creating our Try Sport sessions that are safe, inclusive, evidence-based and connected to the wider community sport pathway.

“It ensures the sessions meet participants’ real needs and have the support and reach required to succeed”, Graeme said.

This focus on partnership collaboration has resulted in local clubs attending the ‘Try Sport Sessions’ to support with delivery, providing participants with an opportunity to try a variety of activities. Furthermore, their involvement helps strengthen routes into continued involvement in sport and physical activity. These local clubs include Perth Strathtay Harriers, Perth Eagles Wheelchair Sports Club, UHI Perth Climbing Centre , Salle Ossian Fencing Club , Perth Eagles Boccia Club , and Badminton Scotland.

These links into local clubs have been hugely beneficial, with participants grasping the opportunity to get involved following the ‘Try Sport Sessions’.

“I attend the Perth Eagles Wheelchair Sports Club every week and Perth Strathtay Harriers for Frame Running. My favourite sport to participate in is Wheelchair Basketball”, Flynn said.#

Jenna followed this up by adding: “As Flynn can’t run or jump we didn’t think sport would be an option for him. We were directed towards Graeme Doig and Flynn started to attend the Eagles on a weekly basis and he immediately loved it. He quickly made friends and we found ourselves involved in a wonderful community.”

Eilidh, another participant, has been enjoying the opportunity to get involved in sport. She said, “After the Try Sport Session I have found my strength grow due to joining the Perth Eagles and Lothian Phoenix.”

Involvement in the ‘Try Sport Sessions’ and linking in with local clubs has been hugely beneficial for the participants.

“My newfound strength has helped me in day-to-day life by giving me more stamina to perform daily tasks and enjoy extra curricular activities”, Eilidh explained.

Whereas for Flynn, the social opportunity provided through sport has benefited him. He said, “There are lots of different sports to take part in and you can choose which one. I also like being part of a team.”

Seeing the long-term impact that the NHS ‘Try Sport Session’s’ have had on participants, reinforces the importance of continuing to provide inclusive opportunities. Graeme commented: “For coaches, physios and our partners, watching that growth isn’t just enjoyable—it’s a reminder of the impact inclusive sport has on wellbeing, confidence, and long-term participation.

“It reinforces why these sessions matter and motivates us all to continue improving and providing new opportunities.”

Lynne, Eilidh’s mum, agreed with this: “Without these sessions we would not be on this incredible journey, so I think they are really important to let people with disabilities find their own path.”

Along with providing participants with physical, social and psychological benefits, the programme offers a wide variety of sports which allows for participants to take that first step on the performance pathway. This has had a positive effect on Eilidh.

She said, “The biggest highlight is the introduction to many sports, and I found my passion for wheelchair basketball, which I have now represented my country at U14 level. It has also given me many new friendships and a newfound confidence.”

Eight-year-old Flynn’s aspirations are set. “Flynn says he will be a Paralympian in the future and it’s amazing to hear him have ambitions connected to sport”, Jenna commented.

If you are interested in finding out about opportunities to get involved in sport and physical activity in your region, you can 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.

25/11/2025

‘We are running on empty’ – Sport Governing Bodies send Warning on Holyrood Funding

In 2021 the Scottish Government pledged to double annual funding for sport to £100m in its Programme for Government but with less than six months of this Parliament left, that commitment remains unfulfilled.

Governing bodies of sport, including ourselves, across Scotland have been pressing the Government through our Running on Empty campaign, to meet this commitment while highlighting the impact the real terms cut we have suffered has had over the last four years.

As we approach the Scottish Budget, we have collectively written to the First Minister asking him to commit to fulfilling the pledge and support investment in sport in a more sustained way.

As our recent inaugural National Survey told us, there are many barriers to sport and physical activity for people with disabilities with clear intersection in disability and poverty. Our 4-point Call to Action details what needs to be done across the sectors to create a more inclusive sporting system and additional investment enables governing bodies of sport to create some breathing space and introduce targeted work to support under-represented groups – including those with disabilities and other intersecting identities.

Sport plays a crucial role in health prevention, community cohesion and showcasing Scotland on the global stage. With the spotlight on us thanks to Glasgow 2026 and other events in the coming years, now is not the time to hold back that committed investment.

A copy of the letter sent is detailed below:

Dear First Minister,

Subject: Funding for Sport

‘I am writing on behalf of the senior leaders of sport governing bodies big and small, all across Scotland, to express our concern that because of recent funding decisions, many are now effectively ‘running on empty’ and the important role sport plays in physical and mental health wellbeing, community programmes, greater inclusion and showcasing Scotland on the global stage is increasingly at risk.

‘In the 2021 Programme for Government, the Government pledged to double annual sports funding to £100m by 2026. We believe the argument for investment made back then, still stands now.

“We will double investment in sport and active living to £100 million a year by the end of the Parliament ensuring more people can enjoy active lives as we recover, improving physical, mental and social health. We will work with sportscotland and partners to understand how best to increase investment in physical activity and sport; while ensuring we address inequality of access.”

‘Our funding remains at the level it was in 2021 which when taking inflation into account is almost a 25% real terms reduction.

‘We understand the challenges your Government has faced. We would like to place on record our appreciation and thanks for the positive conversations we have had both with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care and the Minister for Sport over the last year.

‘They have listened closely to our arguments and discussed our proposals, but our organisations are struggling on a daily basis, and the need is urgent.

‘We have seen recently (Scotland v Denmark), the power sport has to unite, inspire and delight a nation but the heroes on that Hampden pitch, and those who reach the pinnacle in other sports, can only get there thanks to the unseen work done many years before by people in governing bodies building the platform that allows them to perform at the highest level.

‘Total payroll costs of those sporting governing bodies with the greatest reliance on public funding has grown by over £7m in the past four years. Over the same period, sportscotland has only been able to support an increased investment of £1.4m due to funding constraints.

‘The most recent Scottish Household Survey results from 2023 showed that 37% of adults and 38% children do not meet the recommended physical activity levels. This represents a worsening position from prior years.

‘The programme budgets that have been cut are often those that have been used to address issues of inequality or to develop targeted and specific initiatives for underrepresented groups.

‘The reduction in funding has impacted the ability to resource important thematic areas of sports development, including non-competitive sport and active health delivery, areas which closely align to the priority objectives of Government but all areas that are resource intensive.

‘At the other end of the scale, we have tried to maintain support for athletes representing their country, rather than passing further cost increases on but an international training camp and competition for a group of Scottish athletes is estimated to have increased in cost by circa 25 – 35% over the past five years. A significant number of athletes who compete on the world stage are now having to self-fund.

‘We recently surveyed our members and each has their own specific story to tell about how it has affected them, but it all adds up to a crisis that has left the governing bodies running on empty.

‘Scotland has the eyes of the sporting world upon us over the next three years starting with the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. This is something we are all proud of and excited about, but we worry about what comes after. We believe this is a unique opportunity for you and your Government to use these events to secure a legacy that has an impact far beyond sport itself and urge you to do so.

Yours sincerely, Doc McKelvey

Chair, SGB CEO/COO Forum and Chief Executive, Scottish Gymnastics

On behalf of Scottish Governing Body of Sport CEO/COO Forum including the CEO/COO representing;

Badminton Scotland, Basketball Scotland, Bowls Scotland, Boxing Scotland, Commonwealth Games Scotland, Cricket Scotland, Horse Scotland, Judo Scotland, Mountaineering Scotland, Netball Scotland, Paddle Scotland, Ramblers Scotland, Royal Yachting Association Scotland, Scottish Archery Association, Scottish Curling, Scottish Cycling, Scottish Disability Sport, Scottish Fencing, Scottish Football Association, Scottish Golf, Scottish Gymnastics, Scottish Handball Association, Scottish Hockey Union, Scottish Orienteering Association, Scottish Rowing, Scottish Rugby, Scottish Squash, Scottish Student Sport, Scottish Surfing Association, Scottish Swimming, Scottish Target Shooting, Scottish Volleyball, Scottish Athletics, Snowsport Scotland, Table Tennis Scotland, Tennis Scotland, The Camanachd Association, Triathlon Scotland, Waterski & Wakeboard Scotland’

21/11/2025

Scottish Disability Sport Urges MSPs to Take Immediate Action for an Inclusive Scotland at Scottish Parliament Photocall

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) met with MSPs to highlight the urgency of creating a fully inclusive Scotland at their Call to Action Photocall, hosted at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 20th November.

SDS’s four-point Call to Action asks for organisations across Scotland to take urgent action to remove the significant barriers faced by people with a disability in accessing sport and physical activity. It follows the publication of a new national survey by SDS, which highlights the ongoing inequalities experienced by people with a disability and the impact this has on their quality of life.

First Minister, John Swinney said: “It’s absolutely vital that we encourage more to participate in sport and there are so many ways in which we can make that possible. We’ve had a visit from some great individuals who are taking forward that work within our communities and I would encourage more to do so.”

The national survey conducted in partnership with Queen Margaret University Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research (CHEARR) revealed that 40% of people with a disability in Scotland are worried about losing their benefits if they are seen to be more physically active.

Paris 2024 Paralympic gold medallist, Stephen McGuire (boccia), Great Britain’s wheelchair rugby athlete, Gemma Lumsdaine and multi-Para athlete, Samantha Gough, attended the photocall to advocate for inclusion through their perspective of lived experiences.

Gemma, who is also Sported’s EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) Lead, commented on the day: “I think it’s really important that MSPs hear first-hand from people with lived experience around their experiences of topics within the Call to Action.

“This brings the need to life and also supports individuals to understand how they can make impactful change at Government level.”

With nearly one in five respondents doing no physical activity each week, yet 73% expressing a desire to do more, the results from the survey highlight concerns around the benefits system, rising living costs, public transport and more.

Maree Todd MSP (Minister for Drug & Alcohol Policy and Sport) pledged her support: “I’m supporting the Scottish Disability Sport Call to Action because I’m someone who really believes in the power of sport to change people’s lives and I want absolutely everyone in Scotland to be able to experience that.”

Jeremy Balfour, MSP for Lothian, has been a valuable supporter of the Call to Action. He said: “Sport is for everybody and we should get rid of all barriers to allow everybody to participate, to watch, to enjoy sport and I hope the campaign is completely successful.”

SDS is indebted to Jeremy Balfour MSP for his support in arranging the Photocall.

SDS CEO, Gavin Macleod said: “It’s vital that we continue to remind those in Government who can implement change why an inclusive Scotland benefits all.

“Sport and physical activity is something most people take for granted yet a quarter of the population face several barriers to accessing it.

“This four-point Call to Action lays out how organisations around Scotland can adapt their policies and strategies to lead on inclusive practice within the UK.”

The four-point Call to Action outlines the necessary steps to creating a more inclusive and active Scotland that benefits all –

Plan to Include –

Reduce inequalities for people with disabilities through inclusive strategy, policy, development and proportionate funding,

Invest in systemic change to remove barriers to accessible travel, affordable and accessible facilities and inclusive spaces.

Deliver an inclusive whole system approach –

Every person with a disability has the right to take part in quality inclusive physical activity, physical education and sport.

A health and social care system that prescribes appropriate physical activity opportunities at every stage of the individual’s pathway.

A benefits and social care system that equips individuals to be active

Provide safeguards to reassure people with disabilities that being active will not negatively impact any government financial assistance.

Those in receipt of Self-Directed Support in Scotland should be able and encouraged to use their budget to engage in physical activity and sport.

Champion intersectionality through a person-centred approach

Collaborate with partners across sectors to champion intersectionality within policy, strategy and development.

Ensure the needs of people with disabilities with intersecting identities are considered and met by codesign with those with lived experience.

Get involved and advocate for inclusion in Scotland by joining the conversation throughout Scottish Disability Sport Week (SDSW), next week (Monday 24th to Sunday 30th November).

SDSW is a Nationwide celebration of getting active and involved in disability sport in Scotland. The campaign aims to highlight and promote the opportunities and the impact physical activity can have on individuals, communities, clubs and society.

The week-long campaign aims to encourage people with disabilities to improve their wellbeing by being more physically active, in a way that suits them and it concludes just a few days ahead of the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with a Disability on the Wednesday 3rd December.

More information can be found on the SDS website, including how you can participate in the conversation, and via the Briefing Paper.

10/11/2025

People with Disabilities Need a Sporting Chance

By Maria Lyle

Glasgow 2026’s legacy must be a more physically active disabled community across Scotland

In less than a year from now, Glasgow will be abuzz once again with the colour, clatter and carnival atmosphere of the Commonwealth Games.

It is just over a decade since the city won plaudits for its hosting of the 2014 edition, with the Games’ federation’s chief executive Mike Hooper declaring them “the standout Games in the history of the movement”.

A slimmed down programme this time around shouldn’t diminish what promises to be another outstanding spectacle of sport, volunteering, and community spirit.

As a proud Scot and a Para athlete, it gives me particular pleasure that Glasgow 2026 will boast the largest Para sports programme of any Commonwealth Games to date.

It builds on the positive legacy of Birmingham 2022, which saw more Para sports fully integrated into the Games programme than ever before. Nearly 400 Para athletes from 31 nations participated in 43 Para sports events across eight sports.

So far, so positive. But without wishing to detract from these clear signs of progress, the truth is that people with disabilities still face significant impediments to sporting participation.

A new national survey conducted by Scottish Disability Sport and Queen Margaret University Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research sheds light on the complex barriers faced by people with a disability when it comes to engaging in sport and physical activity.

This is something of a specialist subject for me – given my own experiences and those of my teammates, friends and colleagues – but even I was shocked at some of the findings, one-in-five respondents admitted to doing no physical activity at all.

Three-in-four disabled people (73 per cent) expressed a desire to do more but more than two-in-five are worried that their benefits will be removed if they are seen to be more active. Given some of the attitudes and opinions aired during the ongoing public discourse on welfare reforms, those fears are entirely understandable but a source of deep frustration.

The research also found that over 70 per cent of people with disabilities believe that public transport is not an acceptable option for them, therefore alternatives like the Motability Scheme are lifesavers for those with disabilities to be involved in sport and physical activity.

Sport has had such a positive impact on my life, physically, mentally, socially and emotionally. Training and competing at an elite level is a privilege but it’s no easy ride and I’ve learned as much from the lows as I have from the highs. I wouldn’t change my experience for the world, but I have no doubt sport would have played an important role in my life even if I had never been particularly competitive.

As such, I find it upsetting that so many people like me are being deprived – or are depriving themselves, for fear of losing essential benefits – of opportunities to experience the benefits of physical activity and sporting participation.

These findings highlight urgent priorities Scottish society must address, including cost-of-living factors, the benefits system, social security barriers, public transport, urban and rural challenges and intersectionality. Policymakers must commit to safeguarding benefits for those who are physically active, rather than penalising them.

We need to amplify the voices of disabled people to promote evidence-based decision-making across sport, health, education and social policy. And that’s why Scottish Disability Sport recently published a four point Call to Action for organisations across Scotland.

The power of sport works wonders for individuals, communities, cities, countries and continents. I can’t wait to see the impact of the most Para-friendly Commonwealth Games ever, but unless its legacy is a more physically active disabled community across Scotland, it can’t truly be considered a standout success.

Maria Lyle sprinting on an athletics track. She is wearing Great Britain kit.

Maria Lyle is a Paralympic (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020), World, Commonwealth and European medallist in the 100m and 200m T35 events. She is a disability and mental health advocate, currently working as an Active Schools Coordinator in East Lothian

More information about Scottish Disability Sport’s four-point Call to Action, can be found here.

View the key findings of the National Survey here.

09/10/2025

Women and Girls in Sport: Shona Black’s Story.

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer.

Shona Black puts great value on being physically active, socially active, engaged in the outdoors and surrounded by nature. These things have remained important to her throughout her journey of sight loss and accessible, thanks to her determination and love for tandem cycling.

Shona (aged 61), who is registered severely sight impaired, has been attending tandem and cycle clubs across the East of Scotland for many years. She said, “I got my own tandem and that really opened so many doors for me.

“I get a buzz from cycling, I really enjoy it. I just love being in the outdoors and in nature.”

Although Shona gets a real sense of excitement from taking part, recently she has been focusing on providing inclusive and accessible opportunities for individuals with disabilities across the East of Scotland. This has resulted in Shona starting two inclusive tandem clubs, called In-Tandem East Lothian and VIE Velo.

One reason for Shona starting her clubs, was to help provide others with the same benefits that she has been provided with. “It’s great being with people. You can be out for a cycle, listening to the bird songs and chatting to the people around you,” Shona said.

Shona first became a member of Talking Tandems, a tandem club based in Fife. However, after trying to create an opportunity that could be based out of Edinburgh, Shona co-founded VIE Velo. VIE Velo is a cycle group that is based in the heart of the city, which go on cycles the first and third weekend of the month.

Following the creation of VIE Velo, Shona wanted to provide more opportunities in the East Lothian region and to reduce travel requirements for those living outside of the city. Consequently, she founded the In-Tandem East Lothian club, which ride on the second and fourth weekend of the month.

Through her experiences over the last few years of attending and founding clubs, Shona has really started to notice the psychological benefits that her clubs can provide. She said, “The social part of it is so important, especially as people can feel socially isolated. Often I think that the social part is just as important as the physical activity.”

Shona has also found inclusive ways to create a social community within In-Tandem East Lothian.

“We try and provide a shorter ride and a longer ride, and we always try and start together. One group can stop and have a coffee and the group doing a longer route can continue on to somewhere else before stopping for their coffee,” Shona explained.

Shona’s next project is supporting more women to feel comfortable being volunteer pilots at her clubs (The pilot goes at the front of the tandem and is in charge of steering.)

Shona commented, “I have found that a lot of female pilots can be quite nervous thinking that they often can’t do it.”

As a result, Shona and her friend have created an action plan to try and showcase how being a pilot is achievable for anyone. “We are really targeting getting more female pilots involved in the club. Along with my friend who is a pilot and the chair of the club, we are going to go along to some of the Breeze Rides, just to show some females that they definitely can do it.”

Shona is keen that this proves to be successful in helping create more opportunities and growing confidence with potential female pilots, resulting in more individuals being physically active.

“I believe in sport for all, to be outdoors exercising with other people can do so much for your mental health,” she said.

Furthermore, the physical benefits are substantial. Shona said: “There was one gentlemen who came along to In-Tandem and at the beginning he could only do the shorter route. Now he has moved up to the longer ride. He has really enjoyed getting his fitness up and getting more confident being out and about.”

In-Tandem East Lothian pride themselves on being a tandem club that cater for individuals with varying abilities and disabilities. To help with this, the club have recently received funding from Mussleburgh Area Partnership, which has supported the club purchase an E-Tandem, which will further help the club continue to deliver a person-centered approach.

If you would be interested in finding out more about In-Tandem East Lothian and VIE Velo, plus potential opportunities to become either a participant or volunteer at the club, you can email: intandemel@gmail.com

Alternatively, you can reach out to your Regional Development Manager to discover what opportunities are available throughout your region.

To keep up-to-date on all of the ongoing work. Make sure to follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

07/10/2025

Women and Girls in Sport: Boccia’s Belle Beau Brown.

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer

Belle Beau Brown’s journey in boccia may have been a short one to date but it has been one full of enjoyment, socialisation and growth.

Belle Beau (aged 13) first tried boccia at Scottish Disability Sport’s Women and Girls in Boccia event on February 8^th, 2025. 23 women and girls travelled from all over Scotland to Perth (Perth UHI) to take part in the day.

The event provided women and girls with a fantastic introduction to the sport of boccia. Furthermore, it provided the participants with an opportunity to connect and develop relationships with new people whilst being physically active. The social aspect of the sport has been an element that Belle Beau has enjoyed from the start, saying: “I like boccia because I get to meet new people.”

Jamie, Belle’s father, expanded on this: “Belle left the day feeling really happy, it was really good that they all had an opportunity to meet girls in their own age group. Sometimes you can go to an event or competition, and not really meet anyone your own age.”

The Brown family have enjoyed being part of the boccia family and the community spirit it provides.

“You get to meet other people at these groups that are going through similar situations to you, not just with boccia, but at home. It’s good because as parents, we don’t know everything and someone may have gone through something similar. We just converted our bathroom in our house and somebody was doing the same, and we were able to chat about what hoists were good,” Jamie explained.

Since the Women and Girls event, Belle Beau has continued to develop her boccia skills by participating at the ‘Come Play Boccia’ session delivered by Grampian Disability Sport, at Mearns Sports Centre,every Tuesday evening.

Although the Women and Girls event provided Belle Beau and many others with a great opportunity to socialise and meet new people, Belle Beau has had other opportunities through sport to connect with others.

“I met Rebecca at the (Grampian) Parasport Festival and I told her all about boccia,” she said. Together, the girls attend the Tuesday night boccia sessions.

In addition to the weekly sessions, Belle Beau was invited to train with the Tayside Boccia Squad every month, to support her development within the sport.

The sport has proven contagious, with the Brown family regularly picking up a set of balls for a game.

“We were playing in the house yesterday. We have an open plan kitchen and living room, so we like to roll up the carpet and get the boccia balls out,” Jamie said. Although Belle Beau claims to not be competitive, she was quick to add: “I usually beat my brothers.”

The uptake of boccia has had a positive impact on Belle Beau physically, with her dad saying: “When she first started she couldn’t always throw the ball that far and now six months later, she can nearly throw the length of the court. It has definitely helped make her stronger.”

The biggest takeaway from playing boccia though, is not physical. “Boccia makes me feel happy,” said Belle Beau. You cannot put a price on that.

If you would be interested in finding out more about boccia opportunities, you can do so by reaching out to your Regional Development Manager. This manager will be able to provide you with information on local opportunities to get involved as a volunteer, coach, official or player.

Alternatively, you can contact SDS’s Boccia Development Officer, Jonathan Kennedy, by email: jonathan.kennedy@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

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

23/09/2025

The Boccia Coaching Futures Leading By Example

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer.

Over the past four years, Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) and sportscotland have been embarking on an exciting opportunity for boccia players with high performance experience to join the SDS Performance coaching team on a volunteer coaching apprenticeship.

This opportunity has been made possible through sportscotland’s Coaching Futures programme, which aims to increase the pool of home-grown world class coaches, whilst retaining sports-specific knowledge within Scottish sport.

The Boccia coaching Futures Programme had a cohort of three former players; Peter McGuire and brothers, Scott and Jamie McCowan. All of which have competed nationally and internationally, representing Great Britain and Paralympics GB.

The programme has provided the group with many great opportunities to learn and develop. All of the coaches from the programme have had different highlights. Peter explained that: “A great highlight has been working with the likes of Kayleigh (Kayleigh Brown) and Alex (Alex Medley), where we are helping them to progress to that top level.”

Whereas Scott has enjoyed working closely with Lesley McKenna, part of sportscotland’s Coach Development team. Scott said: “The biggest highlight for me has to be working with Lesley our coach mentor and just having her to bounce ideas off of.”

Jamie added, “I would second that, working with Lesley has been a highlight. I think it is one thing to have good experience and to develop that on the job but to have that outside voice to give you feedback or to ask the right questions in order to get the right answers out of yourself has been very important.”

All of the coaches were interested in joining the programme for different reasons. “I was coaching for a few years before the programme started. What really drew me to the programme was the opportunity to set up a high-performance ecosystem in Scotland for boccia athletes, which is being delivered by current and former boccia athletes”, Peter explained.

Although Scott and Jamie were still part of Boccia UK’s World Class Programme and were both performing at a high level when they joined the programme, the pair decided to retire from performing towards the end of 2022 in order to focus on developing their coaching. “I just want to pass on knowledge and help create more Paralympians and successful athletes from Scotland”, said Jamie.

Throughout their time on the programme, they’ve all learnt a great lot. “I said at the beginning that I wanted to gain confidence. I would say that throughout the programme I can fully trust myself as a coach”, said Scott.

The endless search for perfection is a curious thing and has been a particular element that Peter has enjoyed delving into. This has been highlighted through the opportunities the coaches have had to meet, connect and network with other high-performance coaches from other sports throughout Scotland. “It can be humbling, going to speak to experts from different fields. The thing that this has highlighted is that they are experts in their fields but they don’t know everything. They are always looking to evolve and learn”, the Hamilton born coach explained.

Whereas one of Jamie’s most valuable lessons has been learning to have confidence in what is important to him and understanding to trust his coaching philosophy.

“It can take you a while to find but everyone has their own unique style of coaching. Ultimately, we all have a set style or a set philosophy, obviously that develops and that changes but fundamentally you must have confidence in what you bring and what is important to you”, Jamie said.

Scott explained how having experienced the trials and tribulations of being a high performance athlete has helped him support up-and-coming players. “I think whether you have been a competitor or a coach who hasn’t competed doesn’t make you a great coach, I think it can certainly help in the sense that you can really relate with what they (the athletes) are going through”, he said.

Lesley McKenna has had the opportunity to work closely with all of the coaches on the programm. She commented, “I am super proud of all of the coaches. They have all come such a long way.”

Lesley continued to say: “I am really starting to see how they are bringing themselves into their coaching practices, and how in doing that they are able to work collaboratively together to develop plans, to organise, to come up with new ideas and deliver coaching within the Scottish programme and then being able to take that to the Boccia UK programme.”

With the programme set to come to a close soon, the current cohort is looking at what their next steps in the sport may be.

Scott said, “My aspirations now that the programme is coming to an end are the same as they were at the beginning. I want to coach boccia and work with people that enjoy the sport. I want to develop and progress and ultimately, I want to work with players that want to compete.”

Although the programme is coming to an end, all involved throughout its implementation are keen that it sets a precedent for future coach development opportunities in Scotland. “I am keen that this is one of the first examples of a long-term programme with a group of coaches with a coach developer in Scotland, we are really leading by example”, said Lesley.

“Boccia hasn’t had a history of athletes becoming coaches, for whatever reason we haven’t had many examples of that over the years. For me it’s quite important. If we can be the start of a movement where we are showing players within the sport that there is a route into the sport, if that happens, I would be proud of that”, said Jamie.

If you would be interested in finding out more about boccia opportunities in your local area, you can do so by reaching out to your Regional Development Manager or alternatively, SDS’s Boccia Development Officer, Jonathan Kennedy, at: jonathan.kennedy@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

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

20/09/2025

Scottish Disability Sport Calls for Urgent Action to Remove Barriers to Sport and Physical Activity

Today, Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is launching a four-point Call to Action that is calling on organisations across Scotland to take urgent action to remove the significant barriers faced by people with a disability in accessing sport and physical activity.

The four-point Call to Action follows the publication of a new national survey by SDS, which highlights the ongoing inequalities experienced by people with a disability and the impact this has on their quality of life.

The national survey revealed that 40% of people with a disability in Scotland are worried about losing their benefits if they are seen to be more physically active. With nearly 1 in 5 respondents doing no physical activity each week, yet 73% expressing a desire to do more, the results from the survey highlight concerns around the benefits system, rising living costs, public transport and more.

SDS is urging government, local authorities, health boards, education providers, leisure trusts and third-sector organisations to recognise the rights of people with a disability, as set out in Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and to collaborate on systemic change.

Key actions called for include:

Plan to include

Reduce inequalities for people with disabilities through inclusive strategy, policy, development and proportionate funding.

Invest in systemic change to remove barriers to accessible travel, affordable and accessible facilities and inclusive spaces.

Deliver an inclusive whole system approach

Every person with a disability has the right to take part in quality inclusive physical activity, physical education and sport.

A health and social care system that prescribes appropriate physical activity opportunities at every stage of the individual’s pathway.

A benefits and social care system that equips individuals to be active

Provide safeguards to reassure people with disabilities that being active will not negatively impact any government financial assistance.

Those in receipt of Self-Directed Support in Scotland should be able and encouraged to use their budget to engage in physical activity and sport.

Champion intersectionality through a person-centred approach

Collaborate with partners across sectors to champion intersectionality within policy, strategy and development.

Ensure the needs of people with disabilities with intersecting identities are considered and met by co-design with those with lived experience.

95% of survey respondents believe physical activity helps their mental health and wellbeing yet over 90% do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity, with less than half of survey respondents receiving encouragement from a health or social care professional to be more active.

Gavin Macleod, CEO of Scottish Disability Sport, said, “This Call to Action is a really important piece of work for Scottish Disability Sport, as it is based on the evidence gathered from our first ever National Survey which we delivered in partnership with Queen Margaret University. The evidence clearly shows that there are four urgent priorities that must be addressed to create a more inclusive and active society for people with disabilities. These four Calls to Action will influence our work and the work of our many partners in Scotland and beyond.”

SDS calls on a systemic change to create a more inclusive and active Scotland.

You can view the full Call to Actions in full detail, via this PDF here.

05/09/2025

Nominations Open for Glasgow’s Sport Awards 2025

Scottish Disability Sport is delighted to partner in the 2025 Glasgow’s Sport Awards.

The awards bring together athletes, coaches, volunteers, schools and community organisations to celebrate sport, physical activity and wellbeing in Glasgow.

Nominations are now open across 10 categories so let us know who gets your vote.

Who Gets Your Vote?

To nominate a person, organisation or project that has made a real difference to sport, physical activity and wellbeing in Glasgow visit here: https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/sport/glasgows-sport-awards-2025/

The website contains full descriptors and criteria for the awards with the link to our online nomination form. If you have any questions then get in touch with: gsa@glasgowlife.org.uk

Glasgow’s Sport Awards Categories
Glasgow Business Contribution Award
Glasgow Coach of the Year Award
Glasgow Community Impact Award
Glasgow Disabled Athlete of the Year Award
Glasgow Health and Wellbeing Award
Glasgow Lifetime Achievement Award
Glasgow Sportsperson of the Year Award
Uniting Glasgow Award
Glasgow Unsung Hero Award
Glasgow Young Sportsperson of the Year Award

Nominations close at midnight on Tuesday 30th September 2025.