Category: Latest News

Ian Graham preparing to bowl

Age Well Through Sport: Ian Graham’s Story 

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer 


Ian Graham has been participating and competing in visually impaired bowls for 15 years. These years hold some of Ian’s most rewarding and meaningful memories. He reflected on his experiences saying, “It’s been such a journey. I have been around the world and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.” 

Alongside all the memories that Ian has made throughout his journey, being a B2 bowler (B2 classification is where the person has the ability to recognise hand movements up to a visual acuity of 2/60), he has also experienced many of the other benefits that sport and physical activity can provide. 

“When you get on to the green you are most certainly working on the physical side of things, you’re putting your all into it, you’re walking back and forth from end to end  delivering balls. At the same time you are mentally aware, you’ve got to be focused and aware of what you are doing with the tactical side of things,” he explained. 

Ian was skeptical when it was first suggested that he try bowls.  

“When Ron McArthur came to the sensory center looking for people to play bowls, I declined.” Ian said. However, his mind was swayed when he spoke to his son, who was also starting out his own journey in Parasport. 

“My youngest boy, Niall, played basketball for England All Stars. He became registered visually impaired as well and he phoned me up to tell me that he had been pre-selected for the London 2012 Paralympics in Goalball. He said, ‘what are you going to do dad’, and I said, ‘I’m going to play for Scotland son’.” 

Fifteen years later, Ian wishes he took up the opportunity to play both lawn and indoor bowls a lot earlier. “The greatest regret I’ve got, is that I wish I did it so much earlier.” 

Ian now plays for the Forth Valley Visually Impaired Bowlers club and one of the most rewarding elements of the sport that he finds is supporting others to try bowls and gain all the benefits.  

“Yes, I have had success and it has given me a lot of pleasure, but the greatest pleasure that I get is when I am with guys and girls that we’ve recruited as players and we are on the bowling green speaking. They might not be the best bowlers in the world and they’re just attending for the social aspect but they are standing and having a blether. That is the greatest achievement because we have got them out of those dark places.” 

Ian followed this up by saying: “Bowling is great for our physical health but it is also great for our mental strength and wellbeing. It’s just great seeing guys and girls come in and have a life.” 

Ian talked about how the game of bowls helped him get out of a dark place. “As a person who had pretty much given up on life, thinking it has all past them by, I can tell you there is nothing better than being able to put the Scotland shirt on and stand with your teammates and represent your country.” 

For Ian representing Scotland is one of the many highlights that he has felt throughout his bowls career. “With Scotland, when you walk on to the green there is always Scotland the brave playing, and that really gets the heart pumping.” 

Although for Ian, playing for Scotland is important, he’s always enjoyed being able to see other people having the opportunity to represent their nation. “The year before last we had two debutants playing at a Home Nations Championships. One was 27 and the other a 81-year-old gentlemen. They led the team out carrying the Saltire and you’ve never seen an 81-year-old man look so proud, his chest was pushed right out,” recalled Ian.  

Ian benefits greatly from the social elements of bowls. “The good thing about bowls is the community. It’s not the biggest sport in the world but we all meet up together and understand that we are part of the greater movement of bowls. This all adds to the stimulation, when you go to meet people.” 

Ian Graham walking on the bowling green

With Ian having an amazing journey in bowls, participating in tournaments globally, meeting new people and being rewarded with many of the psychological and physiological benefits, he would advocate that everyone gives the sport a go.  

“Don’t delay, just do it. There are plenty of avenues; find your local club, there is so much you can gain from it”, said Ian.  

If you would be interested in trying bowls and experiencing many of the benefits that Ian has shared, you can email your Regional Development manager who will be able to provide you with information about local opportunities. 

Make sure to stay up to date on all opportunities throughout Scotland, by following Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and X. 

Young boy in a wheelchair about to shoot for the hoop in wheelchair basketball

The 2025 East Parasport Festival Proves a Success

By Charlotte Askham, SDS Events Administrator 

On the 26th of March 2025, Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) held the East of Scotland Parasport Festival at Forrester High School and St Augustine High School. There was a fantastic atmosphere amongst all in attendance from participants, school staff, parents and carers and sport leads! 

There was a variety of different sports supported by local clubs. These clubs played a vital role in providing participants with a range of fun and inclusive activities to try throughout the day, including:  

 

  • Showdown – RNIB 
  • Boccia – Scottish Disability Sport  

A MASSIVE thank you to Edinburgh Active Schools, students from Edinburgh College, Edinburgh Napier Students, Leith Academy, Edinburgh Leisure, Maho from Lothian Disability Sport and Beth Malcolm our BSL Interpreter for making this a day to remember! 

The 2025 Parasport Festivals are partnership events, which are generously being supported by the Motability Scheme. This partnership provided an opportunity to have Karli and Amber from the Motability Scheme in attendance, to field questions and to provide information about the scheme. SDS were also delighted to have Salena Begley from Family Fund at the Festival.  

 There were lots of smiling faces at the East of Scotland Parasport Festival. With the day being thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended, one parent commented on their experience:  

“Our son loved basketball. The gym was amazing to see how the adaptations mean he’s fully included and wonderful to see the whole community together. Thank you for a brilliant day.” 

 

A young girl in a yellow kayak, paddling in a swimming pool

The day finished with a question and answer session with current athlete and SDS Board Member Laura Pilkington and Sophie Fletcher about their journey in sport. This session is a great way to offer a unique perspective which can help provide information to participants and their families about possible opportunities and pathways in sport.  

A thank you also goes to Helen Kallow, the East of Scotland Regional Development Manager. Along with the support from SDS staff members, Helen made this day memorable for all who attended. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out to SDS if you would like to find out more about getting involved. For opportunities in the East of Scotland, please email: helen.kallow@scottishdisabilitysport.com or reach out to your regional Development Manager, here.  

Make sure to follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook and Instagram, for all the latest updates.  

Mark Stevenson coaching a team of wheelchair basketball players court side, during a game

Mark Stevenson Joins SDS Team

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer 

Mark Stevenson joined the Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) team last month (March 2025), taking up the role of Regional Development Manager for Central Scotland. Mark, aged 36, is coming to the organisation with a wealth of experience, having played an integral part of West Lothian Wolves Basketball Club. It was there that he took up the role of club development officer and community coach, whilst also coaching Lothian Phoenix Wheelchair Basketball Club.  

Since taking up the new post at SDS, Mark has been enjoying the variety of the tasks that comes with the job and the opportunity to work closely with SDS member branch, Forth Valley Disability Sport.   

“I am loving the fact that this role has so many different ways that you can go with it, so many people you can work with, so many opportunities. I am genuinely looking forward to all of it”, said Mark.  

One of Mark’s favorite elements of working in sports and Para sport activities, is the life changing effect that they can often have. “When we are in inclusive sports, we’re genuinely changing lives.” This is something that Mark has discovered throughout his time with West Lothian Wolves and Lothian Pheonix. Mark has also discovered this through coaching the Great Britain U23 Men’s Wheelchair Basketball team and being the Head Coach for Scotland’s 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball team. 

Mark has often seen how sport can support athletes’ independence: “I remember one time we went to a UK School Games, back when we did 5×5 wheelchair basketball, and one of our athletes, her entire goal for that tournament was nothing to do with on court. There was a ramp covering cables (leading on to the court) and her entire goal was to get across the ramp without anyone pushing her over the ramp. Every day would come and she would roll back or fall over and someone would have to help her up, but every day she would come back. On the last day she made it over the ramp herself and there was a bigger cheer from everyone than any basket scored that week.” 

“Now she’s one of the most independent people I’ve met, seeing these things are phenomenal.” 

Through many years of coaching and delivering wheelchair basketball, Mark has developed many skills and a love for seeing players develop. 

Mark said: “I am really player-focused first and foremost. I want to see players develop and see players stretch themselves beyond what they think is possible.” 

“Nothing excites me more coaching wise than having an entire team achieving something.” 

Mark Stevenson and a basketball team line up behind a board which says Junior Champions. Confetti is in the air.

For Mark it has always been important to develop a good culture within a team. He commented, “Having those underlying things that we all believe in and work towards” helps promote and, “build up a culture.” 

Mark believes that this has partly contributed to the successes that are being seen on the national stage, saying: “I think this is especially why in the last three or four years our Scotland national side has gone from strength to strength.” Ma 

Last year Mark was invited to the SDS AGM and Awards. He was shocked to find out that he was the winner of the Russel Hogg Trophy. 

“I wasn’t really expecting it, but it was amazing and really highlights the work that from a national academy point of view, we have been doing”, said Mark. 

Mark was the award winner due to his work with basketballscotland’s National Academy. This initially started for him as a player, but since he took up a coaching role with the Scotland U18 squad, he has helped young athletes progress to represent Scotland at 3×3 basketball. 

Mark Stevenson coaching basketball. He has a drawing of a basketball court on a pad on his lap

If you would like to find out about opportunities throughout Central Scotland, you can contact Mark by email: mark.stevenson@scottishdisabilitysport.com. If you live elsewhere, reach out to your Regional Development Manager to discover what opportunities are available throughout your region. 

Make sure to follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website

Two residents playing boccia. One in a wheelchair and another in a seat

The Importance of Socialisation in Sport 

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer

Boccia bringing people together, the power of sport and socialisation. 

The Orchard Care Centre, located in Tullibody – are currently exploring new and exciting sports to help benefit their residents in multiple ways. This has resulted in them delving into the sport of boccia. 

One reason that The Orchard are looking to start delivering boccia to their residents is due to the role that sport can play in bringing people together and creating a social environment. Sandra Curl, the Wellbeing Coordinator at the Orchard, explained that, “I think it is just a bit of fun to be honest.”  

“It can be played in quite a small place, it can be interactive with the staff members, we can get a bit of banter going. Some residents can just join it on a social aspect”, Sandra said.  

The Orchard is excited to provide new opportunities to enable residents to socialise in new settings and the centre is continuing to find new ways to heighten this aspect. “We have been working intergenerationally with primary schools”, continued Sandra.  

“The children have all been really good with the residents and encouraging them.”  

The work has resulted in the two groups spending more time together and using sport to create bonds. “It’s amazing to see them interact and encourage each other, the joy that children bring to the residents is phenomenal”, remarked Sandra. 

Although the children help create an interactive and social environment, Sandra believes that these sessions help to teach the children core values. “For me, the children are learning a lot about respect. They learn from the residents so much.” 

Three residents, 1 male 2 female playing boccia in a living room. They are all facing each other with boccia balls between them

A further reason that The Orchard is starting to provide boccia is due to the nature of the sport being accessible for all. Sandra explained: “We are doing quite a bit of bowls, like carpet bowls, but we are finding that the difficulty is quite hard for some of the residents, just because the bowls are too heavy.”  

“So, we were looking for some alternatives and boccia obviously can be underarm, overarm, footwork anything at all, so it ticked the boxes for everybody. Everybody is able to do it basically,” Sandra said. 

On top of using their intergenerational work to create this social environment, The Orchard is trying to encourage others to get involved and try boccia. “I am trying to get one of our sister care homes along to arrange a tournament, then getting the children in weekly also.” 

Along with the sport offering many benefits, Sandra explained the way in which it impacts her. “I have a massive amount of passion for what I do, I love to see them happy,” Sandra said. 

“Yesterday there was a big parachute out with the balls, and the nursery children were there, three- and four-year-olds, and the fun and laughter that came out of that room yesterday was just brilliant.” 

Furthermore, sport and physical activity can have physiological benefits, which Sandra commented on: “Everything has a positive effect, any stimulation whatsoever is good for the residents.”  

To find your passion for physical activity and sport throughout your region, contact your Regional Development Manager. Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) also have a range of Parasport festivals coming up, which provide school children the opportunity to engage and participate with multiple sports in one location. So, make sure to have a look at the SDS website to find out more information and stay up to date on all opportunities throughout Scotland, by following Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and X.  

An image of Rachael Page, wearing a red Disability Sport Fife top next to Claire Morrison, the Performance Coach from Boccia UK in a game hall. Both are smiling for the photograph.

Women and Girls in Boccia: Rachael Page’s Story

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer 

Rachael Page started playing boccia around 10 years ago, through one of Scottish Disability Sport’s (SDS’s) member branches, Disability Sport – Fife. She started playing boccia as a means to meet new people, play a new sport and experience the benefits that come with getting physically active. Rachael has cerebral palsy which affects all four of her limbs and so boccia provided the ideal opportunity for achieving the above.  

It wasn’t long though until Rachael realised that she wanted to play boccia in a competitive environment: “I have wanted to play boccia competitively since I was a wee girl when I was still at high school. I absolutely love my boccia,” she said. 

Alongside playing weekly in Glenrothes, Rachael has been selected to train alongside the Tayside regional team. This has resulted in her being coached by some of the best available coaches, such as Darren and Sam Thomson.  Rachael remarked on how this has positively impacted her, “They’ve been brilliant, they really have. It’s good as it is showing me loads of things, for example how to throw the balls with different techniques.”  

Overall, Rachael feels like this training has helped her, commenting that, “Joining the Tayside regional squad has helped me a lot. 

“Playing boccia makes me feel happy. I get a lot of enjoyment out of it.” 

One of Rachael’s favorite elements of the game is the social aspect. 

“I enjoy it and it’s a good way of socialising and making friends with new people,” Rachael said. This aspect of the sport has been heightened recently when attending a SDS event. “I went to a women and girls event one month ago and I made a friend with a young lady called Marina who plays boccia in Annan,” she said. 

Rachael Page is in the centre of the photo preparing to take her shot during a Boccia match. She has her right arm raised with the blue Boccia ball in her right hand. Rachael is wearing a red Disability Sport Fife jumper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rachael went on to comment: “It was really good because we got to meet loads of different people from adults to young children. It was also nice just seeing the different ways of playing boccia, I think it is amazing.” 

The impact of role models is something that Rachael has started to notice recently. 

Rachael told SDS that: “My goals are to follow in the footsteps of Kayleigh Brown.”  

She believes that Kayleigh is a fantastic ambassador for the sport. “I think Kayleigh is a great role model because she has a great personality and is a great player.”  

Along with having her own role models, Rachael feels strongly about the importance of female role models to inspire the next generation of women and girls, commenting: “I think it’s important to have more female role models in boccia because there aren’t many females that compete in boccia and I think that it would be great to see more females play competitively in boccia as well.” 

Rachael has learnt first-hand how boccia can help people to overcome barriers. “You can never say no to anyone from boccia. It’s amazing what people can do, it really is.” 

Rachael has become extremely grateful for all of her experiences; from training weekly and regionally to taking part in events and making friends. 

“A lot of these things are things I didn’t think I would do and I am really grateful for the opportunities that I have had.” 

Rachael is smiling to the camera, she has a jack ball placed on her lap and a Boccia set next to her wheelchair on the right. Rachael is in a games hall with Scottish Disability Sport banners surrounding her. Rachael is wearing a red Disability Sport Fife jumper.

 

If you like the sound of some of the experiences that Rachael has had, and you would be interested in trying out boccia, contact your Regional Development Manager to find out what opportunitis are available in your region. 

Alternatively, you can reach out to SDS’s Boccia Development Officer on: jonathan.kennedy@scottishdisabilitysport.com to find out what opportunities there are to take part in the sport as a player, volunteer, coach or official. 

Make sure to stay up to date on all opportunities throughout Scotland, by following Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website

Fiona Muirhead, Alex Medley and Kayleigh Brown in their wheelchairs with their medals around their necks. At the bottom there is a strap of text that says DSNI Boccia Challenger 2025

Scots Bag Gold and Two Silvers at DSNI Boccia Challenger 

Three players headed over to Antrim (Northern Ireland) to represent Scotland at the DSNI Boccia Challenger event over the weekend (15-16 March).  

Both Alex Medley (Perth and Kinross) and Kayleigh Brown (Ayrshire) played in the BC2 category whilst Fiona Muirhead (South Lanarkshire) competed in the BC4. 

It was a great first day (Saturday 15th) from the Scots over in Northern Ireland. Alex remained undefeated throughout his first three games, taking the win over James Clowes (3-1), fellow Scot Kayleigh (7-4) and Tomas Martin (5-3). 

Kayleigh and Fiona both took two wins and one loss to keep them right in the hunt for their respective titles ahead of their Sunday fixtures. Kayleigh got the better over Sian Jones (16-0) and Scott Cromie (8-0), whilst Fiona beat William Auld (10-1) and Lewis Crawford (3-1), losing her final game 2-3 to Jayne Milligan.  

Sunday (16th) saw the conclusion of the Disability Sport NI Boccia Challenger event at Antrim Forum Leisure Centre. The three Scottish Players came into the day with strong chances at winning medals and duly delivered. 

In the BC2 classification, Alex followed up on the previous day’s undefeated showing to take home the title by producing an 8-4 win over Scott Cromie and a 5-2 win over Sian Jones. 

Kayleigh ensured it would be a Scottish one-two on the podium with her own very fine displays in her victories over James Clowes (4-1) and Tomas Martin (12-0). A brilliant display over the weekend from both players. 

In the BC4 classification, Fiona continued her own strong performances with a very measured and composed victory over the previously undefeated Penny Froude (4-1). This result meant the top three athletes had all beaten each other and the medals would be decided on points difference. Subsequently, Fiona narrowly missed out on gold but took home a well-earned silver medal on her return to competition.  

Further congratulations must go to the strong contingent of Scottish officials that travelled over to assist in the running of the event. They all performed brilliantly over the weekend. 

 

Full Result –  

BC1 

1st – Richard Armstrong (England) 

2nd – Rachel Bailey (Wales) 

3rd – Darryl Pie (Northern Ireland) 

 

BC2 

1st – Alex Medley (Scotland/P&K) 

2nd – Kayleigh Brown (Scotland /Ayrshire) 

3rd – Thomas Martin (Wales) 

  

BC3 

1st – Rafael Young / David Ellis (England) 

2nd – Lee Madison / Chris Foster (England) 

3rd – Robyn McBride / Davy McBride (Northern Ireland) 

 

BC4 

1st – Penny Froude (England) 

2nd – Fiona Muirhead (Scotland/South Lanarkshire) 

3rd – Jayne Milligan (Northern Ireland) 

 

Photo that says Silver for Scotland at World Wheelchair Curling Championships 2025. It is white text on a light and dark purple background

World Silver Medal and Paralympic Spot Secured

Scotland sealed a silver medal on home ice at the weekend (16th March), finishing second behind Japan in the Mixed Doubles Competition at the World Wheelchair Curling Championships.  

The silver medal for Charlotte McKenna (Central) and Hugh Nibloe (Dumfries and Galloway) has also guaranteed the pair a spot in ParalympicsGB squad for the upcoming Winter Paralympics in Milano-Cortina 2026.  

Following the silver medal win, Charlotte said: “It feels great. It’s amazing to get a silver medal. A bit disappointed obviously and it hurts now to not get the gold.” 

“I think we can be proud of what we did,” concluded Charlotte.  

Qualifying for the Paralympics was, “the absolute goal,” said Hugh.  

The Championships took place at Auchenharvie Leisure Centre in Stevenston, Scotland. Charlotte and Hugh battled for gold against Japan’s Nakajima Yoj and Ogawa Aki. 

The Japanese duo took the lead following the first end (0-1) but Charlotte played a perfect take-out to put Scotland in front, 2-1, heading into the third end.  

Japan wasn’t rattled though and led the break, 5-2. Their momentum continued which forced Scotland to concede the game, with the finish score being 11-2.  

More information can be found on the British Curling website here.  

 

Young girl cycling on a tricycle

Tayside Parasport Festival: Showing What is Possible

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer 


Dundee and Angus College hosted the SDS Tayside Parasport Festival on Wednesday 6th March and it proved to be a huge success, once again. Participants, coaches, parents and attending partners all had an amazing day experiencing firsthand how sport has the ability to influence and change lives. 

One parent, Lynne Donaldson, who attended with her 12-year-old daughter, had her first experience at a Parasport Festival. Lynne remarked: “It has been a really good experience for both of us to meet other individuals who take part in disability sport and to have the opportunity to try a range of sports.” 

This was an opinion that Jenny Moffet, another parent, shared: “If you didn’t have Festivals like this, there just wouldn’t be a chance to meet so many people, have fun and make friends, as well as getting stuck into the physical activity and trying things that they wouldn’t have the opportunity to try.” 

Graeme Doig, the Regional Development Manager for Tayside, found the day to be very rewarding.  “We’ve all enjoyed another wonderful Parasport Festival in Tayside and it was great to see so many children with smiles on their faces all day long learning new skills, increasing confidence and making new friends,” Graeme said. 

The Parasport Festival saw 54 young children with physical disabilities, visual impairments and hearing loss arrive at Dundee and Angus College to take part in a day packed with fun and activity. With the festival being held at the college there was an opportunity for sports students to attend as assistants and helpers for the day. Lauren Simpson, the Active Campus Coordinator, said, “It’s really important to offer our college students the opportunity to work with a variety of people. 

“It enhances their experiences as coaches, it means that they have the opportunity to adapt and work with people with different abilities and make it more inclusive.”  

Along with providing opportunities to develop the students, the day is also rewarding for them. “A lot of what will come back from the students is the relationships that they have built with the young people. It’s been fun and personalised and they’ve had fun and played with them and actually that has been such a lovely by product of the day,” Lauren said. 

The Parasport Festival had multiple Sport Governing Bodies attending, which helped provide the participants with a positive first impression of the sports. Rodger Holmes, Development Manager from Paddle Scotland, was part of the delivery team on the day and said: “We have supported the festivals a lot over the years and it’s always great to see how excited the youngsters are to take part.”  

Rodger added, “It’s always great to highlight our sport, people don’t necessarily always get to try paddle sport in their daily lives, so if we can give them a bit of an opportunity that’s brilliant.”  

This opportunity to try a range of sports in one place, is something that Jenny Moffet believes to be a big bonus for participants. “His (Jeny’s son) ideas of what he would like to do and what he would like to try are changing all the time, so it’s just completely brilliant to have the opportunity to be at a Festival like this.” 

The 2025 SDS Parasport Festivals are partnership events, generously supported by the Motability Scheme. Charlotte Januszewski from the Motability Scheme’s communications team was in attendance and said: “Really enjoying being here today on behalf of the Motability Scheme, so thank you very much to Scottish Disability Sport for having us. It’s been awesome to see all the different types of sports that everyone can get involved with and have lots of fun. I think everyone has been smiling a lot.” 

Along with attending the Parasport Festival, the Motability Scheme are able to showcase their organisation and how they can help make lives more accessible through travel. “It’s spreading awareness about what the Motability Scheme can offer, so making sport more accessible in Scotland by breaking down barriers for people when they are accessing more sports and going to new locations,” Charlotte explained. 

Along with partners and governing bodies, various local authorities attended the festival. David McLeish from Angus Active Schools was there and said: “It’s amazing. It makes us think every year about what we can do to help get more children and families involved.” 

He continued to say that: “School settings can only do so much. You want the children and young people to take things out into the community, it can often be the starting point for young children and their families to come to this event. For me, that is what is so special about this and why it is so important that we all do our part to get individuals along to days like this.” 

Graeme Doig agreed with this, explaining how important the partnership element of the event is. He said, “Sport really is for everyone. Along with our partner clubs in the region, we have demonstrated that with the right support and small adaptations, anyone can give it a go and hopefully find a new passion in sport.”  

If you would like to explore what sporting opportunities there are throughout your region, contact your Regional Development Manager. If you have enjoyed reading about the Parasport Festivals, make sure to have a look at the SDS website, with registration still being open for several Parasport Festivals. 

Make sure to stay up to date on all opportunities throughout Scotland, by following Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website.

Nicky MacNiel on her knees measuring the distance between two boccia balls

The Social Impact of Boccia: Nicky MacNeil’s Story

By William Moncrieff, Communication Coordinator


Nicky MacNeil has been a regular referee in the boccia circuit, especially after completing her level three qualification. One of her favourite aspects of the sport is the friendships that she has built along the way. 

“Everybody is there to create a good atmosphere. They say it’s like a family, but it really is like a family”, said Nicky.  

Having been involved in the boccia community for a number of years, Nicky (aged 56) summed up how she feels about the social aspect: “They say friends are the family we make for ourselves and I always enjoy spending time with my boccia family.” 

The term ‘boccia community’ can be mentioned a lot and Nicky believes it to be so unique because, “everybody is there because they want to be, they are so supportive.”  

Nicky first got in to boccia when her son Ross, went to a ‘have a go’ boccia day. After an introduction to the sport, Ross caught the boccia bug and he began playing regularly.  

As Ross is a BC3 player, Nicky’s husband/Ross’s father, is his ramp operator. This was when Nicky first noticed the social impact of the sport. “I just really enjoyed it, I got to meet people that were there, we all got chatting,” Nicky said. 

She then decided to take the first step towards becoming an official. “My husband decided to go and do his level one referee course to learn a little bit more and I thought I might come and do that with him.”  

Since completing her level one, Nicky hasn’t looked back. “Things have just gone from there; I have now refereed the UK Championships and [referred] in Northern Ireland.” 

Nicky MacNiel referring a boccia match. She is holding up a paddle, showing the blue side.

Through these opportunities, Nicky has: “met so many lovely people. I’ve met a lot of people, people who are now friends.” 

A great enjoyment for Nicky is seeing athletes and participants develop. “It’s [a great joy] watching them progress. You watch players when they first start and you are trying to explain rules to them as they are playing, then they are in competitions and you see the progression in them,” Nicky said. 

Nicky has also found new opportunities to work alongside other officials. “Now that I am a level three referee, I like helping newer referees. This then helps build my skills and knowledge because I am helping them progress,” remarked Nicky. 

Nicky believes that there won’t ever be a dull day as a referee, partly due to the variety referees find from week to week. “You could be doing a wee local competition where you’re refereeing for the learning disability guys, then the next week you could be at the UK Championships where you are refereeing a Paralympic gold medallist. The diversity of who you are refereeing is amazing,” she said. 

A further time that Nicky has found the social benefits of boccia, was when she was doing the boccia training and qualifications. “I went through my level three with people like Ling [Mann] and Sam [Thompson] and that is really nice, you have the support and the people around to bounce stuff off of,” she commented. 

Along with making life-long friends with refereeing colleagues, Nicky has managed to build new bonds and relationships with different members of the community. “Athletes now run up to you when you walk into the hall to tell you something that has happened since the last time that they saw you.”  

“The parents of the athletes will now walk up and have a chat, it’s just so nice,” 

Despite her busy schedule, Nicky also finds time to work with and help develop athletes. “I also now support one of the UK players, Fiona Muirhead, who plays for Boccia UK.”  

This work has found Nicky travelling overseas: “I have gone out to the European Championships to support her through the competition. I have also been to Canada with her. This has all come through meeting her through boccia. It’s great for me. You’re there in a different scenario as you’re there with the players and it’s all about getting the players prepped.” 

Nicky continued to say, “For me though, I’m there at an international competition watching international referees, so I get to watch the people that I aspire to be like.”  

Nicky MacNiel scoring a boccia game

If you would be interested in finding out more about how to get involved in boccia, 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.  

Make sure to stay up to date on all opportunities throughout Scotland, by following Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website