Category: Latest News

Anna McBride standing holding her trophy from winning the women's singles at the Australian Open

Anna McBride Aces Three Consecutive Wins in Australia 

By William Moncrieff, Communications Coordinator  

Anna McBride continues her fantastic run of tennis, taking the title at the Australian Open (AO) 2025 Intellectual Disability Championships (24-26 January). 

It’s the third time that the Australian Open has hosted the annual Intellectual Disability (ID) Championships and Deaf Championships, providing opportunities for players from, “diverse backgrounds to compete at an international level”.  

“The Australian Open is my favorite event, the stuff we get access to and the way we are treated is really good”, said Anna.  

Furthermore, the Scot has an unbeaten singles record in Melbourne.  

“I’ve won the singles three times in a row and the doubles twice before. I came second this time.”  

“For me, winning feels incredible, because to win once is an achievement but to win three times is really cool.” 

Anna believes that one of the possible reasons for her continued success at the Australian Open is down to the standards of play. “I love playing against the best players because you want to compare yourself against the best. It’s all the top players in the world, there are no easy matches.” 

Performing against world class players is not an easy feat. Anna explained how it took her a couple of matches to get into the tournament. “The first match I was a little bit nervous. I played my way into the event and by the time I played the final I felt really good.” 

However, coming up against a familiar face in the final assured her that she had the ability to make it three in a row: “I played a French girl called Eva Blanc in the final, I played her in September, I won but it was a 3 set match, but this time I won 6-1 6-1, so I was super happy about that.” 

Despite the intensity of the event, there was still time in Melbourne to connect with friends, including teammate and Young Persons’ Sport Panel member, Aidan Moody.  

Anna said: “Me and Aidan had a great time in Australia. We are really good friends.”  

“I just love the experience we get, and to win the whole thing feels incredible.” 

Anna McBride and Aidan Moody smiling together

 

 

 

 

 

Along with spending time with friends, accomplishing three in a row in front of family will be a fond memory for Anna, who commented, “I love it. Obviously they want the best for me, they’re always happy when I do well, they are really supportive of me. Obviously we have a great time after tennis, we try not to make it all about tennis.” 

Moving forward, Anna is looking at how she can continue to progress and perform at the highest level, commenting that she would, “want to keep playing in the GB set up.”  

She is also eager to continue her winning streak in Australia: “I would love to play in the Australian Open next year if I get invited back. It’s really good fun, I just love it really.” 

If you would like to find your passion for sport, contact your Regional Development Manager. Alternatively, to take part in a range of sports and activities in one location, register for one of Scottish Disability Sport’s (SDS) Parasport Festivals

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

Photo of Charlotte Askam smiling. She is inside a sports hall.

Meet SDS’ New Events Administrator, Charlotte Askham

By William Moncrieff, Communications Coordinator 

Passionate about disability sport and providing opportunities for all, Charlotte Askham is the latest addition to the Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) cohort, joining the events team alongside Josh Thomson (Events Manager) and Kirsty Byrne (Events Administrator).  

Charlotte is a current member of the Young Persons’ Sport Panel (YPSP). Although Charlotte has only recently joined SDS, she is familiar with the events programme after playing a key role in the delivery throughout 2024. Helping out with events was an opportunity that came through being part of the YPSP, an experience Charlotte regards as being very beneficial: “I’ve definitely come a long way from where I started. I was very shy and didn’t want to put myself up for things and now I am putting myself down for anything that comes up.” 

Opportunities to get involved in SDS events and develop your skills, is something that Charlotte believes to be a key benefit of sitting on the YPSP.  

She said: “Half the stuff I have done, like going to conferences, helping with events, being that first person you see when you come to an event, that was quite scary at the start, but through working with the panel and working with other people and doing these opportunities, it has definitely helped in learning new skills.”  

“If it wasn’t for the panel I wouldn’t have done half of this,” said Charlotte.  

Charlotte also explained that there is a social benefit to the panel: “We just get on so well, even if we don’t see each other all the time, we still pick up conversations. It’s just amazing.” 

Charlotte was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome when she was in school. This diagnosis resulted in her joining the Young Start programme, which provided her with the chance to gain new skills and further her love for sport.  

“I am passionate about disability sport because I was new to having a disability so that’s why I wanted to join the YPSP and the Young Start programme to kickstart my coaching journey,” Charlotte explained. 

Charlotte Askam and Paralympian, Hope Gordon

Along with helping with events, Charlotte has become a key member of SDS member branch, Forth Valley Disability Sport, by regularly volunteering. 

“One day something just clicked and I knew that I had found my people and my passion for disability sport. I am involved with a lot of ASN/Disability sport sessions and events with Forth Valley Disability Sport and Falkirk Active Schools. It gives me a buzz that I am working in an area that I absolutely love working in. The same goes for working with SDS.” 

“From day one I knew these were my people and that’s where I belonged and I can’t thank the whole team enough for everything they have done to help and support me on this journey,” said Charlotte. 

Moving forward, Charlotte is excited to join the team: “I’m definitely looking forward to working at more events and getting stuck in with the team.” 

If you also would be interested in getting involved with SDS’ events, make sure to register your initial interest to become a volunteer or camper at this year’s Summer Camp. The Summer Camp provides both participants and volunteers with some fantastic opportunities to get involved in a week of fun and adventure throughout the Scottish Highlands, the camp takes place at Badaguish, near Aviemore, from the 9th – 11th  July. To become a volunteer make sure to register your interest by the 28th  of February, and likewise to take your first step towards becoming a camper, register your interest by the 23rd of March. 

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

Poster that says, we are hiring for a disability sport regional manager. closing date is Monday 24th February 2025 at 12 noon, apply now. There is a photo of a young boy in a wheelchair playing tennis.

Regional Development Manager Vacancy

  • Scottish Disability Sport (SDS)
  • Disability Sport Regional Manager – Central Scotland & East and West Dunbartonshire
  • 37.5 hrs per week
  • 3-year fixed term contract: 2025 – 2028 (with the possibility of an extension)
  • Salary Scale: £26,000 – £28,000 subject to experience.

We are the Scottish Governing Body for disability sport, working to ensure inclusion for people with disabilities in physical activity and sport. We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our small, friendly team as Disability Sport Regional Manager. The successful candidate will lead the implementation, coordination and monitoring of a strategic approach to sport for people with physical, sensory and learning disabilities across Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, Stirling, East and West Dunbartonshire.

You will be responsible for developing new and existing sports structures to support individuals’ engagement, participation, and progress. You will partner with and support our Member Branches, local sports clubs, local authorities and leisure trusts, education, health and social care, Scottish Governing Bodies of sport, and other agencies to deliver inclusive opportunities and a coherent sports-specific pathway.

You will have proven experience in working in partnership, developing, implementing, and evaluating sports development plans and programmes, as well as knowledge of sports development pathways.

We offer a supportive and flexible working culture, continuous professional development opportunities and training, and the potential to attend national and international events.

Employee Benefits at SDS
Company Pension
Flexible working with family-friendly policies
Time-off in lieu
Professional learning & development training opportunities
One wellbeing hour per week
Two volunteering days per year
Disability friendly employer
Potential to attend national and international events

SDS is an equal-opportunity employer: we welcome applications from all members of the community and our recruitment, selection and assessment process is based entirely on values, skills and competencies required of the specific roles.

Apply online here:

Central, East and West Dunbartonshire Application Form
Job Description
Equality Monitoring Form

If you need the application form in an alternative format or more information about the position, please contact Elizabeth Lochhead, Senior Administrator, Scottish Disability Sport,0131 317 1130 or admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com. A paper form of the application form is available below:

Application Form

Closing date: Monday 24th February 2025, 12 noon
Interviews: Thursday 6th March 2025, Venue TBC

Photo of Duncan McIntyre playing boccia. He is sitting in his wheelchair, wearing his purple Perth Eagles Boccia Club kit. He is about to throw a blue boccia ball with his right hand

The Power of Boccia: Duncan McIntyre’s Story 

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer 


Sport offers everyone something different. For Duncan McIntyre, sport has provided him with so much: from competing in local matches in Tayside to playing in national from travelling around Scotland to playing in national competitions and travelling around Scotland.  

One of the most significant benefits that boccia has provide Duncan with, is the opportunity to socialise and to gain the many benefits that being part of a club can offer.  

Duncan is 63 years old and had a stroke approximately eleven years ago. In the aftermath of this, Duncan wanted to still push himself and experience the physical and psychological benefits that sport and physical activity can provide. 

This resulted in Duncan being introduced to Perth Eagles Boccia Club and a boccia group called the Sparks. Duncan explained, “I went to the Sparks and they introduced me to boccia. I am very grateful for this”.  

Through playing boccia, Duncan has seen a real increase in his opportunities to become physically active and socialise. “I play once a week with the Eagles and on a Saturday with the Sparks for team games.”  

“I like being part of a team, it is nice.” 

Duncan believes that his introduction to boccia has played an important role in his social life, commenting: “I am a lot more social through boccia”.  

One of the many attributes a club can provide is managing to create a collective group of individuals with similar interests. This is certainly something that Duncan has found, saying: “There is a great group of people.” 

Graeme Doig, the Regional Development Manager for Tayside and Branch Coordinator for Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) Member Branch, Perth and Kinross Disability Sport, expanded by saying, “Perth Eagles boccia club offers local opportunities for people with disabilities to come together to get active in the sport of boccia. We have worked hard to create a culture and sense of belonging at the club where everyone is welcome and encouraged to meet new people, learn new skills, gain confidence and most importantly, have fun.” 

Alongside meeting fellow players throughout the Tayside region, Duncan has had the opportunity to meet and compete against some of the country’s finest boccia players. “I’ve actually met Stephen McGuire, I played him at Inverclyde”, Duncan said. Meeting the now BC4 Paralympic champion has been a highlight for Duncan. 

“It’s a good experience to meet these kinds of guys.” 

A further highlight for Duncan came this year, when he became the 2024 SDS National non-BISFed Open Champion, where he came out trumps in the Senior Athletes with a physical disability competition. 

Duncan has found himself traveling over Scotland competing in boccia, saying: “I’ve been to Dumfries and I have been to Aberdeen.” Similarly to the 2024 non BISFED Scottish Open, Duncan didn’t leave empty handed. “I got a silver in Aberdeen and me and Alex (Meddley) got gold in Dumfries”, Duncan explained. 

Alongside the social aspects of boccia, Duncan has found himself gaining far more from the sport. “There are the physical benefits as well. When I had my stroke, I could only use one hand. It has made it stronger”, said Duncan. 

The continued development of Duncan is something that Graeme Doig has also noticed. “It’s been amazing to see Duncan’s progress over the years with us, he’s always had that competitive edge about his play. When he started, I could see his potential straight away and to be crowned National Boccia Champion in 2024 was an incredible achievement and fantastic recognition for all his dedication and hard work he puts into his sport.” Graeme said, before adding: “Duncan is a very popular member of Perth Eagles and with fellow competitors across the country with his friendly, caring and supportive approach.” 

To find out more about boccia opportunities throughout your area, reach out to the SDS Boccia Development Manager Jonathan Kennedy on, jonathan.kennedy@scottishdisabilitysport.com

To find out what other sporting opportunities are available throughout your area, reach out to your Regional Development Manager

To keep up to date on the latest disability sport news and opportunities across Scotland, follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and X. 

Gordon Reid having just hit the tennis ball. He is playing on clay and is wearing his ParalympicsGB kit.

Gordon Reid Wins Sixth Straight Australian Open Title in Wheelchair Doubles

The victory alongside Alfie Hewett brings Reid’s Majors tally in doubles to a record 26 titles.

By Paul Morrison


Scotland’s Gordon Reid was victorious once again in Melbourne as the tennis legend clinched a sixth consecutive Australian Open title in the wheelchair doubles event.

Gordon sealed the championship on Friday (24th) morning with long-time doubles partner Alfie Hewett, defeating the pairing of Daniel Caverzaschi and Stephane Houdet in straight sets.

The championship saw Gordon earn his 26th Grand Slam title in men’s doubles – extending his lead in the all-time records – while it also serves as the 22nd major that the British duo have won together.

The Australian Open success extends the pair’s unbeaten start to the 2025 season in doubles, following last week’s Melbourne Wheelchair Open win.

Following the win, the 33-year-old Scot said that, “Never accepting and expecting to win and always trying to push ourselves” is the key to their success.

Gordon was also in action in the men’s singles tournament at the Australian Open as the 2016 champion defeated Belgium’s Joachim Gerard in the first round before falling to fourth seed Gustavo Fernandez in a tight quarter-final contest.

Coming into the doubles tournament as top seeds and five-time defending champions, Gordon and Alfie began their title defense in the quarter-final by quickly dispatching of Japanese duo Daisuke Arai and Takuya Miki 6-2, 6-0 in a one-sided contest that lasted just over an hour.

The semi-final saw the British duo face Martin de la Puente and Ruben Spaargaren from Spain and the Netherlands. While facing a tougher test against their opponents to reach the final, Gordon and Alfie battled through to win the match in straight sets, with a single break being enough to take both sets.

Fans in the UK would have to wake up in the early hours of Friday morning to watch the duo compete in the final of the year’s first Grand Slam as they played Spain’s Daniel Caverzaschi and France legend Stephane Houdet at the KIA Arena for the chance to win their sixth Australian Open championship in a row.

Caverzaschi and Houdet took an early 2-1 lead in the first set after breaking Gordon’s service game before a 30-minute burst of form saw the British pair win five straight games to take the first set 6-2.

The second set started in identical fashion when Gordon’s serve was broken again to trail 2-1 before an instant break back saw the set go back on serve at 2-2. Gordon and Alfie struggled to get in front through the second set, unable to hold a break on Caverzaschi’s serve as Gordon lost his service game once more to keep the set level at 4-4.

Leading 5-4, the British pair applied pressure in the crucial game of the set and after some unforced errors by their opponents, Gordon and Alfie sealed the title by breaking serve in a tense game to seal another trophy in their prestigious careers.

In the post-match press conference, Gordon gave his thoughts of what drives the pair to continue creating history within wheelchair tennis and winning more tournaments, saying: “I think the key thing is just never resting on where we are and never being happy with our level, our performance, and always trying to improve.

“No matter which title we’ve won or which number it is, we always go back and review it and see where we can improve and get better.”

Alfie completed an Australian Open double as he took the title in the men’s wheelchair singles final, beating world number one Tokito Oda on Saturday (25th) morning.

There was more British success as Andy Lapthorne became champion in the quad wheelchair doubles in Melbourne for an eighth time.

Gordon will look to continue the early success in 2025 when he competes in February’s ABN Amro Open in Rotterdam.

(Source for quotes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ba6eUKmmuUI&pp=ygUbZ29yZG9uIHJlaWQgYXVzdHJhbGlhbiBvcGVu)

 

 

 

Poster with white text on a dark blue background. Text says, are you a child or parent of a child with lower limb loss? We need your help to design and test a new prosthetic knee for children all around the world.

Participants Wanted to Trial Children’s Prosthetic Knee

A group of researchers at Imperial College London are seeking participants to provide feedback on a new prosthetic knee for children globally. 

They have been working hard with children and teenagers all over the world to understand what changes are wanted for a new affordable prosthetic knee. They want to make sure every child has access to a prosthetic limb no matter where they live.

They have made a new knee design with exciting new features in different sizes. Therefore, if you are a child or teenager with lower limb loss above or through the knee joint, they want to hear from you.

For more information and to express your interest in getting involved, please refer to this accessible document, here

Please note that if you are accepted as a participant, all your travel expenses, including any necessary hotel stays in London, will be covered. This would include any expenses for parents and children attending.

Further information about the researches involved in the project, is available here:

A photo of Hollie standing in front of a large sign reading ‘Paris 2024’, on the other side of them there is a large Paralympic logo.

Hollie Fullerton Joins SDS as New YPSP Administrator

Committed to influencing change across Scotland, meet the new Young Person’s Sports Panel Administrator: Hollie Fullerton.

By William Moncrieff, Communications Coordinator  


Hollie Fullerton joins the Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) team, taking up the role as the new Young Person’s Sports Pannel (YPSP) Administrator. This is an exciting opportunity for Hollie – who is a current member of the YPSP – who is committed to influencing disability sport across Scotland. They said: “It’s been something I’ve always been passionate about but it’s only been really recently that I’ve been like, this is what I am here to do, this is what I want to do.”  

Hollie starts their new role with lots of knowledge of what it is like to be a panel member, which gives them a real appreciation of the strengths and benefits of the panel. “I feel like I have gained so much from being around the panel, hearing everybody’s stories and their experiences in sport they have great knowledge and experience, it’s such a great place to be.”  

Furthermore, they said: “My main goal for the panel is to really keep everyone engaged and to make sure that everyone is getting the most out of it, making sure that it is really led by them and directed by them.” 

Something else that Hollie is keen to keep the panel engaged with is Euan’s Guide. Euan’s Guide is an organisation which helps promote accessible facilities, through individuals leaving reviews once they have visited and used them. This is something that Hollie and the rest of the YPSP are incredibly keen to promote with the hope that more knowledge and awareness of inclusive and accessible sport and leisure facilities will result in more individuals being able to become physically active.  

“I think it is the kind of thing that we could all be doing. It’s nice to have done the process myself so I can say that it’s not difficult.” 

Hollie continued to say, “I think there are so many things that would make things more accessible for everybody and so many little changes that would make everybody feel more included.” 

Euan’s Guide can help individuals know about the accessibility of various areas and aspects of a facility. “It’s really good for people who have physical adaptations and are needing to know if there are certain requirements.” 

Hollie joins SDS with lots of experience of working in disability sport, through several volunteering and coaching events.  

“Before I knew I had autism, I was involved with disability sports as a coach, at a grass roots level called All Stars.” For Hollie, this formed the basis of their learning and coaching philosophy. 

“It totally shaped me. It was my first coaching job”, Hollie said. The organisational values and purposes of Beeslack All Stars Disabled Sports Club helped Hollie understand what is important about sports and how it can be such a social network for members. “The main thing with All Stars that made it so infectious was that it had whole families involved. Parents and siblings would get to come along as well. It just had a really nice feel to it. Everybody was welcome, it was all hands-on deck.”   

As well as their role with the YPSP, Hollie works for LEAP Sports Scotland as a Training and Development Officer. This has resulted with Hollie joining SDS with a wealth of knowledge, including delivering LGBTQIA+ active inclusion training/information sessions. These sessions provide best practice guidance for including LGBTQIA+ people in sport, as well as helpful terminology to understand and explain the barriers to sport many LGBTQIA+ people can experience. 

This is something that Hollie feels passionate about and something they feel like they can add with their own personal experience. “Being non-binary, I found it quite hard to find my place in sport which is so often unnecessarily gender-segregated and so it feels really important to me to be able, and trusted by LEAP, to educate others on trans-inclusive sport in particular. Since I have had personal experience of making some big inclusivity changes in student sport already, I think that set me up well to speak about how easy it can sometimes be to make an environment not just accepting but properly welcoming”, said Hollie.  

This role with LEAP Sport is something that Hollie feels can positively impact their role with the SDS YPSP. 

If you would be interested in finding out more about Euan’s Guide and how to leave a review, you can do so by visiting their website

If you are looking for an adventure this summer, registration is now open for SDS’s annual Summer Camp: participant form and volunteer form.  

To keep up-to-date on all of SDS’s ongoing work. Make sure to follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram andX.

 

SDS logo on an opaque purple background

Kirsty Byrne Appointed Fife Regional Development Manager

Using sport as a vehicle to empower change, meet the new Regional Development Manager for Fife, Kirsty Byrne.  

By William Moncrieff, Communications Coordinator  


Taking up the role of Scottish Disability Sport’s (SDS) Regional Development Manager for the region of Fife, Kirsty is looking forward to getting started throughout the region and hopes to, “use sport as an avenue to empower young people and adults to believe they can achieve anything that they want to, despite any barriers.” 

Helping empower athletes of all abilities is something that Kirsty is incredibly keen to continue working towards in her new position. “It’s the reason I do my job, to give the athletes and participants the ability and opportunity to achieve anything they want to.”  

“To play a part in helping provide individuals with opportunities to become physically active is just so special.” 

Kirsty takes up the Regional Development Manager position after formerly being in post as Branch Coordinator for Disability Sport Fife and will be continuing her role as SDS’s events Coordinator, alongside her new position.  

Throughout her previous roles as Branch Coordinator and Events Coordinator, Kirsty has had the opportunity to witness athletes come through the branch and events pathway which has provided her with a unique insight into the development and continued development of athletes. Last summer at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Disability Sport Fife celebrated the golden success of their athlete, Ben Sandilands. “We have worked with Ben and his family a lot. To see him win a gold medal and set a new world record is something I will always remember.”  

“It was a special moment for everyone in Fife and at Disability Sport Fife.”  

Photo of Kirsty Byrne, holding a folder, smiling to the group in front of her. Chairs stacked behind.Kirsty became involved in disability sport towards the end of her time in high school, where there was an opportunity for senior pupils to volunteer in the attached ASN school. Throughout this time, Kirsty had opportunities to help in physical education classes. It was here that she saw firsthand the benefits of sport.  

“I could see straight away the important role sport has on young people and the difference it can make. Just seeing the smiles on their faces when they achieve something they didn’t think was possible, for me that is everything”, explained Kirsty. 

In 2024 as the Fife Branch Coordinator, Kirsty played a key role in the delivery of Fife’s very first Parasport Festival. For Kirsty this was an amazing day, further showcasing the benefits of physical activity. She said: “That was definitely one of my highlights from 2024, having so many participants in the room at one time, experiencing and engaging in sports for the first time, highlighting what is on offer around Fife.”  

Furthermore, it showcased the importance of partnership working within the region. “Following on from that [Parasport festival], we had engagement (with clubs and organisations) throughout, participants are now involved in swimming sessions and tennis sessions for example. It just showcases what you can do when everyone comes together and celebrates sport”, Kirsty said.  

This use of partnership working is something that Kirsty is keen to continue working on in her new role. “Having that conversation and sharing knowledge of what is available, just being able to support each other, because ultimately at the end of the day, at the center of everything, is the participants”, said Kirsty. 

If you would like to know more about the opportunities available in Fife, please contact Kirsty on: kirsty.byrne@scottishdisabilitysport.com.  

If you are based elsewhere and keen to learn more about your local opportunities, please contact your Regional Development Manager 

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

Team photo of the award winners at the Cerebral Palsy Football Squad Awards Event in december 2024. The winners are all standing in a line next to each other, holding their awards

Scottish Cerebral Palsy Football Squad Awards

Recognition, celebration, and forward planning were all key themes at the inaugural Cerebral Palsy Football Squad Awards Event at the Xcite Linlithgow venue on Saturday 14th December. 49 people attended to witness the first awards presented to senior and development squad players as well as volunteers and fundraisers. Squad sponsor, Coca-Cola, was recognised and thanked for their invaluable support and sponsorship throughout the season and what a season that was!

After becoming IFCPF World Champions, the Scottish Squad is now placed within the top 16 in the world. Head coach, Billy McAdam, congratulated and thanked all players, coaches, parents, support staff and sponsors for all their support during 2024.

The Development Squad and Senior Squad Players were given commmemorative medals before the main awards were presented. Award winners are listed below:

Supporter of the Year                              Andy Millership

Fundraiser of the Year                             Caroline and Arthur Moore

Outstanding Service Award                  Coach, David Wilson

Best Newcomer                                        Will Graham

Young Player of the Year                         Logan Smith

Goal of the Season                                   Mathew Wynne

Players Player of the Year                      Martin Hickman

Player of the Year                                      Jamie Mitchell

 

The following players were also recognised for the number of international appearances made:

25 International Appearances

Chris Moore

Kerr McKenzie

Lewis McIntyre

50 International Appearances

Blair Glynn

Jamie Mitchell

Martin Hickman

100 International Appearances

Jonathan Paterson

Mark Robertson

 

Poster of the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026 logo and dates: 23rd July to the 2nd August

Glasgow 2026 Announces Senior Team for Commonwealth Games

The Glasgow 2026 Organising Company has today announced the executive team who will lead the organisation to deliver the 23rd Commonwealth Games in the summer of 2026.

Phil Batty has been appointed Chief Executive Officer to deliver the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games alongside a senior team with a wealth of expertise and experience
of delivering major sporting events in Scotland. Jade Gallagher has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer; Faye Shaw, joins as Chief Financial and Corporate Services Officer; Louisa Mahon joins as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer; and Martin Fitchie joins as Chief Information Officer.

Glasgow 2026 will take place from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 2 August 2026 and feature a 10-sport programme concentrated across four venues within an eight-mile corridor of the
city. The Games are being delivered by the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company in partnership with the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Scotland.

Batty joins Glasgow 2026 with a strong and impressive track record in major event delivery having previously been Director of Ceremonies, Culture & Queen’s Baton Relay for the
Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. In his role as CEO of SKYMAGIC, a world-leading drone light show business, Batty has worked internationally to deliver a programme of
global shows and events. He brings significant experience of realising the social impact from events, having held senior positions for the UK City of Culture programme and as
Board member of Spirit of 2012, the London Olympic and Paralympic Legacy Funder.

Batty is looking forward to leading Glasgow 2026, “I am absolutely thrilled to be appointed as Chief Executive of the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company, for what is set to be a unique
and truly special Games. Glasgow and Scotland have such a strong reputation in delivering world-class major events and I am confident we will be a brilliant host for the 23rd
Commonwealth Games.

“Delivering the Games is a team effort, which will bring over £100m of inward investment into the city, and I am looking forward to working with such a hugely talented workforce,
experienced network of suppliers, partners, and local communities to bring the vision for Glasgow 2026 to life.

“Delivering at pace and without public funding, means that we, as an Organising Company, and our partners, need to think differently and innovatively. Glasgow 2026 will be fuelled by
the legacy of 2014 – venues, talent and expertise – and of course the world-renowned Glasgow welcome. As we prepare for next year, we are determined to create an accessible
and inclusive Games for both local communities and international visitors alike.”

Jade Gallagher joins Glasgow 2026 as Chief Operating Officer, having formerly been Championships Director of the hugely successful World Athletics Indoor Championships
held in Glasgow last year, and having held senior event operations roles at Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council, including working on the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships,
COP26, the 2018 European Championships and Festival 2014 as part of the previous Commonwealth Games in the city.

Louisa Mahon joins the Organising Company as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer from Renfrewshire Council, where she was Head of Marketing, Communications and
Events. Louisa was a member of the Council’s Corporate Management Team and directed cultural regeneration in Renfrewshire, including leading the campaign for Paisley’s Bid for
UK’s City of Culture in 2021.

Faye Shaw, who was Managing Director of Serco Business Services and CFO of VIVO Defence Services, has significant commercial, operational and financial expertise and will oversee
the corporate services of Glasgow 2026.

Martin Fitchie brings a wealth of Games expertise to Glasgow 2026, having worked as the Head of Results Technology Services for Glasgow 2014 and subsequently across a wide
range of multi-sport events and championships in Scotland. Martin has been a key part of the working group that developed the Glasgow 2026 concept, and has a deep knowledge of all the excellent work undertaken to date to prepare venues in the city for major events and for 2026, ensuring continuity of planning and enabling the Organising Company to continue to move quickly and build on the strong foundations and business collectively set in motion.

George Black CBE, Chair of the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company, said; ‘We welcome Phil, Jade, Louisa, Faye and Martin, to their new roles on the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company
executive team. This is a hugely talented and experienced major events team, and I am looking forward to working closely with them bring the vision for Glasgow 2026 to life.

“We have brought together a passionate and skilled team with a real mix of experience to ensure that we will deliver the best possible Games for the people of Glasgow, Scotland
and the Commonwealth.”

Katie Sadleir NZOM, Chief Executive of Commonwealth Games Federation said; “We are delighted that the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company has secured such an experienced
senior leadership team to help deliver the Games, and we look forward to working closely with Phil and his colleagues. Having the leadership team in place is an important milestone
as we continue our journey with confidence towards Glasgow 2026.’