The latest post from Lewis McConnell, Coaching Futures Apprentice Boccia Coach is now available to read. Find out about what an apprentice coach does during the UK Championships here:

https://apprenticebocciacoach.wordpress.com/

Scottish Disability Sport is delighted to announce the newest member of the Regional Team. Alison Shaw took up the post of Regional Manager for Grampian on Monday. Alison brings with her a wide range of knowledge and experience in both sports development and disability sport. Here are some facts below that Alison has shared about herself.

Hometown: Marykirk, South Aberdeenshire

Education: BSc Sports Studies from the University of Aberdeen

Work Experience: 6 years in Sports Development at Aberdeen Sports Village mostly developing children’s sport, disability sport opportunities, and managing the coaching and volunteering team

Disability Sport Experience: Represented on Grampian Disability Sport committee since 2013, undertook Disability Inclusion Training, Autism Awareness Training and add-on module for disability Trampoline coaching, and often coach trampoline and multi-activity sessions for people with disabilities.

In my spare time: Usually running around after my toddler,  but try to fit in the odd visit to the cinema/comedy shows, and enjoy taking part in sport and exercise.

If you or anyone you know has a disability and would like to get involved in Grampian please contact Alison on 07828 744848 or alternatively email Alison.shaw@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) arrived in Scotland today, the 41st stop on its global tour, ahead of next year’s Commonwealth Games in Australia.

As hosts of the last Games in 2014, Glasgow was the first place to give the Baton a huge warm Scottish welcome, as it visited a range of youth and community projects with a strong focus on Games legacy.

Michael Jamieson, Olympic and Commonwealth silver medallist in swimming, had the honour of being the first Batonbearer when it arrived at the Glasgow School of Sport, accompanied by Louise Martin CBE, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation and Jon Doig OBE, Chief Executive of Commonwealth Games Scotland. They were greeted by the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon MSP; Councillor Eva Bolander, Lord Provost of Glasgow; Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor Susan Aitken and Angela Porter, Director of the Glasgow School of Sport.

Glasgow School of Sport is a hotbed of emerging young talent and has contributed numerous athletes to Team Scotland for the Commonwealth Games and Youth Games, including Jamieson and fellow Batonbearer, 16 year old sprinter, Lauren Greig.

Accepting the Baton on behalf of Scotland, Jon Doig OBE, said: “The Queen’s Baton Relay is the iconic symbol of the Commonwealth Games and we are delighted to welcome the Gold Coast 2018 Baton to Scotland today. We have had tremendous enthusiasm and support from local authorities, schools and community groups across the country, helping to organize an exciting programme of events, using the QBR to connect their communities with the Games and embrace the values of the Commonwealth movement as a whole.

“The public support Team Scotland enjoyed for Glasgow 2014 was phenomenal and I look forward to seeing that passion sparked once again, as the Baton journeys through Scotland this week.”

Welcoming the Baton’s arrival, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I am delighted to be able to welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay to Scotland during its journey around the Commonwealth ahead of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“Scotland hosted the most successful Commonwealth Games ever in Glasgow 2014 and we are looking to achieve our best away games ever in Australia next year.

“Bellahouston Academy has a proud record of producing athletes who have gone onto represent Scotland including our hugely successful Youth Commonwealth Games Team who brought back their highest haul of 21 medals from the recent Games in the Bahamas.

“We will continue to invest for the future by creating world-class facilities and providing funding for coaching and training so that, from grassroots to elite, Scotland can be proud of its sporting achievements.”

The presence of the Baton brings Gold Coast 2018 one step closer for athletes, as Team Scotland aims for its best ever medal haul at an overseas Games and Michael Jamieson said: “It is incredible to think that Glasgow 2014 was three years ago and now Scotland’s very best athletes are training hard once again, to qualify for Gold Coast in just eight months-time. Having the Queen’s Baton Relay here this week will spur them on even more and it will also help to get the public behind the team, which is really important.”

Next stop for the Baton was the former Commonwealth Games Village in Dalmarnock, which is now a thriving residential area and then over the new pedestrian cycle and footbridge into South Lanarkshire, for a loop of the Cuningar Woodland Park courtesy of the Bike Town cycling group, celebrating this important 2014 legacy project which is being driven by Clyde Gateway.

Lord Smith of Kelvin, former chair of the 2014 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee and now Chair of Clyde Gateway said: “I was proud to play my part in delivering the most successful ever Commonwealth Games back in 2014, but I am just as proud of the fact that my role with Clyde Gateway is helping to ensure the promises around a lasting and sustainable legacy are being kept.

“The remarkable and eye-catching physical changes in the east end of Glasgow and Rutherglen are being matched by a tremendous economic and social regeneration that has made a real difference to the lives of local people and will continue to do so for many more years to come.”

The busy morning concluded with a visit to meet youngsters at the Badminton Scotland ‘Big Hit’ participation event at the Emirates Arena, a 2017 World Badminton Championships initiative. Carrying the Baton and there to inspire the next generation of young players was Commonwealth Games badminton bronze medallist, Susan Egelstaff.

The Baton was then taken the short distance to The Legacy Hub by People’s Development Trust representative John Macaulay for a Dalmarnock community BBQ.

After visits to Team Scotland sponsor, CGI with Batonbearer  Para-Sport athlete Meggan Dawson-Farrell, there was a meeting with Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Scotland at a Common Purpose UK students programme, where discussions took place on what this generation of the Commonwealth can do to make our cities more safe and inclusive by 2030.

The finale to the day’s proceedings was a public event in George Square, where the Depute Lord Provost of Glasgow, Baillie Philip Braat met with Glasgow 2014 Clydesiders, including Batonbearer Izzy Conway and Commonwealth Youth Games boxing gold medallist, Tyler Jolly. The Square also witnessed the first meeting of Bonnie the Seal, the new face of the Glasgow 2018 European Championships and the much loved former Glasgow 2014 mascot Clyde, who is now fully immersed in his new Team Scotland role.

Reflecting on the excitement in the city today, Councillor Eva Bolander, Lord Provost of Glasgow, said: “It only seems like yesterday that we were welcoming our own Queen’s Baton Relay to the city ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The people of Glasgow were so excited and enthusiastic, and it really was wonderful to see.

“There was a real sense of pride here in Glasgow today as the 2018 Queen’s Baton toured the city, from its welcome to the country by the next generation of elite Scottish athletes at the Glasgow School of Sport, to its visit with the young people participating in legacy events for the 2017 Badminton World Championships, and meeting with one of our fabulous Clydesiders in George Square.

“If the excitement today is any indicator, everyone in the country will be behind the Scottish athletes next April, cheering Team Scotland on as it aims for its best ever overseas medal haul!”

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is the recognised governing body for para bowls in Scotland and is tasked with selecting a national squad that is capable of delivering medals at the highest levels of international competition, including the Home Nations Championships, IBD World Championships and the Commonwealth Games.  Scotland is considered to be one of the leading nations within the sport and our intention is to build on this success.

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games para programme will include both the B2/B3 Mixed Pair and the B6/B7/B8 Open Triple events.  During a period of intense competitions, including the 8 Nations and Para Sport Test Event in Broadbeach, Australia and the Bowls Scotland National Championships, SDS along with the coaching staff, have decided to reduce the overall squad. Thus allowing a more focussed approach to those players & directors who are still in the frame for the Games next year.

Commenting on the squad reduction, SDS Performance Manager Gary Fraser said:

“We are at the stage of the process where a more focused approach needs to be taken and therefore a reduction in squad size is essential.  Following the 8 Nations and Para Sport Test Event we learned an awful lot about the players, the conditions and the style of play required to be successful at the Games next year, and although it is incredibly difficult to reduce the player pool, we are confident in those that we are taking forward.  The strength in depth we have across the programme at the present time is strong and we’d like to thanks all those players who have contributed to date.”

A further reduction will be made ahead of the Home International Pairs and Triples test event that will take place in Nottingham from the 27 – 29 of October 2017.  This will be the last selection event prior to SDS nominating players and directors to Commonwealth Games Scotland.

CG2018 Extended Squad

Open Triple B6/B7/B8
Player	Classification	Town	Local Authority
Billy Allan	B6	Cowdenbeath	Fife
Mike Nicoll	B6	Jedburgh	Scottish Borders
Garry Brown	B7	Kirkmuirhill	South Lanarkshire
John Hughes	B7	Stewarton	East Ayrshire
Martin Hunter	B7	Burntisland	Fife
Barbara McMillan	B7	Cowdenbeath	Fife
Michael Simpson	B7	Auchtermuchty	Fife
John Wardrope	B7	Ayr	South Ayrshire
Mixed Pair B2/B3
Player	Classification	Town	Local Authority
Robert Barr	B3	Glasgow	Glasgow
Billy Edgar	B2	Saltcoats	North Ayrshire
Irene Edgar	B2	Saltcoats	North Ayrshire
Maria Spencer	B3	Dunfermline	Fife

 

Directors
Name	Town	Local Authority
Sarah Jane Ewing	Dunfermline	Fife
Ron McArthur	Falkirk	Falkirk
Christine Morrow	Dalmuir	Clydebank
Doreen Strachan	Glasgow	Glasgow
David Thomas	Ardrossan	North Ayrshire
Grace Whitton	Bothwell	North Lanarkshire
Coaches
Name	Town	Local Authority
Bob Dick (Head Coach)	Cupar	Fife
Chris McGready	Falkirk	Forth Valley
Eric McMillan	Cowdenbeath	Fife
Nigel Walker	Dalgety Bay	Fife
Bob Christie	Brechin	Angus
Wendy Purdie	Livingston	West Lothian

 

Edinburgh based Ruairi Logan can be very pleased with his British Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships in Nottingham at the beginning of August.  The 15 year old retained his British Open boys singles title with a comfortable 4-0, 4-0 win against Northern Ireland’s Ross Gourley in the final and then added the mixed doubles crown alongside fellow Scot Ellie Robertson, recording another comprehensive 4-0, 4-0 victory.

 

It was a busy few days for the Broughton High School pupil as he also competed in the main draw for the first time, claiming a victory on his debut.  The former Lothian Disability Sport (LDS) Young Person of the Year, a recent recipient of the Jim Anderson OBE Bursary at the LDS 2017 Awards, recorded a first round victory against Pakistan’s Asif Abassi, winning the tie 6-3, 6-3.  This triumph then provided the young Scot with an opportunity to take on a fellow GB player Alfie Hewett – a player ranked number 4 in the tournament.  The experience shone through as current French Open and Wimbledon doubles Champion Hewett recorded a 6-0, 6-0 victory over the young Scot, as it became evident the pace, power and intensity required to succeed at the very top of the game.  However the young Englishman reserved praise for Logan, stating “Ruairi played some really good points and has a bright future ahead of him.”  Praise indeed from Hewett who would eventually lose in the final 6-4, 6-3 against Argentina’s number one seed Gustavo Fernandez. It is imperative to Ruari’s continual development that he is able to secure more match-time against this elite group of players and this experience will no doubt leave him wanting another crack at this level.

 

The week also saw Logan team up with French partner Guillaume Legendre in the main draw of the male doubles.  The duo received a bye and progressed immediately into the Quarter Finals where they were convincingly beaten by Joachim Gerard (Belgium) and Stefan Olsson (Sweden) 6-0, 6-0 who were then beaten by eventual winners Stephane Houdet and Nicolas Peifer of France.

 

The logo for the 2018 BISFed World Boccia Championships was revealed on Sunday 13^th August at the medal ceremony for the 2017 United Kingdom Boccia Championships.

The UK Championships were held at Exhibition Centre Liverpool, the same venue that will be used for the World Champs the following year. Paralympic champion David Smith MBE retained his BC1 title while World Champion Stephen McGuire repeated his BC4 triumph of 2016. In the BC2 competition Tim Hayes claimed the title in his first appearance at a UK Champs. In the most dramatic final, Scott McCowan beat his brother Jamie after a tie-break to take the BC3 crown.

The World Championships will take place between the 12^th and 18^th of August 2018. Liverpool will play host to 192 athletes at the most prestigious boccia competition outside the Paralympic Games. Assistant Mayor of Liverpool Councillor Wendy Simon told the athletes at the medal ceremony how thrilled Liverpool was to be the home of the World Championships and that all participants would receive a very warm welcome to a sports mad city.

Tickets will go on sale later in the year and the local organising committee aim to stage a competition that will showcase a sport of intriguing tactics, incredible skill and nail biting tension to a new audience. The event is supported by UK Sport, Liverpool City Council and ACC Liverpool Group.

The logo was inspired by the rich cultural history of Liverpool and combines details of Boccia court markings into a striking montage.

 

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) sent a team of eight players to the Exhibition Centre in Liverpool or the UK Boccia Championships from the 11 – 13 August 2017.  The same venue will be used for the BISFed World Championships in 2018.  The UK Championships are always a significant date on the calendar for our high performance players.   Sadly, one of our players, Innes Martin, had to withdraw for family reasons on the eve of the competition.

Scotland has a history of delivering medals at this event in recent years and with four player’s part of the UK Boccia high performance pathway there was room for optimism.   The 2017 event was no different, with Scots winning five medals across the across the BC3 and BC4 classification groups.

In the BC1 section, world number one David Smith retained his British title defeating Wales’ Ricky Stevenson in the final.  Scotland’s representative in this class was SDS Academy Athlete, Reegan Stevenson, but lost out 8-2 to Jabe Peake (ENG) in the bronze medal match.

In the BC2 section it was England’s Tim Hayes who claimed the Gold medal, defeating teammate Reshad Saraj in the final.  Veteran, Zoe Robinson won 10-1 to claim the bronze medal against Morgan Butterfield (WAL).  Scotland’s representative in the class was Calum Glasgow from Forth Valley.  Glasgow failed to qualify from the pool but did manage to beat Scott Cromie (NIR) on a tie break.  As a developing player this experience will stand him in good stead.

Scotland’s strength is unquestionably in the BC3 classification and with Rio 2016 Paralympians Scott McCowan, Jamie McCowan and Patrick Wilson fighting it out for the British title – it is anyone’s guess!  Furthermore, there is considerable depth in the BC3 class across the UK which always makes for an exciting competition.  The tie of the group stages was between the McCowan brothers, with Scott losing out 3-4 to his younger sibling.  As it turned out, all three Scots made it to the Semi-Final.  Jamie McCowan beat Jess Hunter (ENG) 5-0, whilst brother, Scott, came up against teammate Patrick Wilson, and triumphed 9-1.  Patrick defeated Jess Hunter 5-0 in the bronze playoff match but the final was an all family affair.  Scott avenged the earlier group defeat to the hands of his younger brother, showing all his experience to win under pressure.  The match finished 2-2 and went to tiebreak.  A Scotland 1-2-3 in the BC3 classification indicates the strength we have in this country.

In the BC4 section we had three representatives, with the youngest being Ross Munro, who has made tremendous progress in this class.  The West of Scotland youngster recovered well from a 0-13 defeat to England’s Louis Saunders in his first game to narrowly lose out 2-4 to Paralympian Evie Edwards and 3-4 to the experienced Harry Thomson (ENG).  Although the young Scott failed to qualify from the group his performances were extremely encouraging against tough opposition.  The famous Boccia Brothers were at it again in the BC4 section, as both reached the semi-final.  They had actually faced one another in the group stages, with reigning World Champion, Stephen, coming out on top.  In the first semi, Peter came up against England’s emerging talent, Louis Saunders.  The match finished in a 4-1 defeat in a very close contest.  Stephen squared up against England’s Harry Thompson and emerged victorious after a close 5-2 contest.  Peter eventually won the bronze following a tie-break with Harry Thompson.  A result that was particularly pleasing for all involved in Scottish Boccia – it was great to see Peter amongst the medals again at the event.  Stephen came up against the Louis Saunders and broke him down to win 10-3 on the day and claim another BC4 British title.

 

 

The final medal results for the 2017 UK Championships were as follows:

BC1 Class
Gold: David Smith (Eng)
Silver: Ricky Stevenson (Eng)
Bronze: Jabe Peake (Eng)

BC2 Class
Gold: Tim Hayes (Eng)
Silver: Reshad Saraj (Eng)
Bronze: Zoe Robinson (Eng)

BC3 Class
Scottish medal sweep!
Gold: Scott McCowan
Silver: Jamie McCowan
Bronze: Patrick Wilson

BC4 Class
Gold: Stephen McGuire (Sco)
Silver: Louis Saunders (Eng)
Bronze: Peter McGuire (Sco)

 

SDS would like to congratulate all the players, coaches and support staff on an extremely successful UK Championship and our thanks go to all at UK Boccia and Boccia England for hosting and organising this event.

Wheelchair curling is offering a talent identification and talent transfer opportunity for potential Paralympians.  If you are currently performing in a sport, have the mindset, commitment and ambition to be the best you can with the ultimate aim of being a Paralympian, then we would like to support you to get there. Scottish wheelchair curlers have enjoyed many international successes (Paralympic Silver & Bronze, 6 x medallists at World Championships) and you could be a part of future successes.  Save the date in your diary and give us a call or drop us an email to register your interest in attending.

Date:                     Saturday 9^th September, 2017

Venue:                 The National Performance Curling Centre, Stirling Sports Village, Stirling FK7 7JU

Time:                     12.00 noon – 4.00 pm

Age:                       16 years  – 40 years

Royal Caledonian Curling Club, sportscotland Institute of Sport, British Curling, Scottish Disability Sport and sportscotland are working together to provide this unique opportunity to new curlers and current performers in disability sport who meet the eligibility criteria for the sport.

If you, or any one you know has substantial demonstrable impairments in leg/gait function and would like to know if you are eligible to compete as a wheelchair curler please call either of the numbers below to have an informal chat and register your interest. The application form can be downloaded here.

Scottish Disability Sport
T: 0131 317 1130
E: admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com

sportscotland Institute of Sport
Sheila Swan
T: 07917 183 414
E: sheila.swan@sisport.com

Pictured: Aileen Neilson and Tom Killin, Paralypians

Nominations are invited from those connected with SDS for awards that will be presented at the AGM on 17^th September 2017.

Please note that all nominations must be supported/seconded by an individual or organisation in membership of SDS.  It is important that there is a clear indication why the individual is being nominated.

A list of former award winners can be seen here: www.scottishdisabilitysport.com/sds-award-winners

All nominations should be returned in confidence, before Monday 21^st August 2017, to:

Gavin Macleod, CEO, Scottish Disability Sport, Caledonia House, South Gyle, Edinburgh EH12 9DQ

Alternatively the nominations can be completed online here.

The award categories are:

• SDS Glasgow Trophy for “Service to Sport” : This award recognises individuals who have played an active role in the development of SDS in any capacity whatsoever. Length of service as an SDS volunteer is an aspect that has been taken into consideration in determining appropriate recipients in the past.
• SDS Fife Trophy for (Coach of the Year): This award recognises coaches who have played a significant role in supporting SDS members to achieve their full potential.
• Russell Hogg Trophy (Development Coach of the Year): This award recognises emerging coaches who have committed to supporting Scottish athletes and players with a disability.
• Findlay Calder Trophy (Athlete of the Year): Awarded to the athlete who has contributed most to disability athletics in the past year.
• Brian Dolan Memorial Trophy (Swimmer of the Year): This award is specifically for the swimmer who has contributed most to disability swimming in the past year.
• Angus Trophy: Awarded to the Sportsperson of the Year (excluding athletics and swimming).
• Elspeth Watson Trophy: Awarded to an individual outwith SDS who has contributed significantly to disability sport.
• Special Awards: This section was introduced at the AGM of 2002 to recognise individuals who have made a significant contribution in raising the profile of disability sport in Scotland.
• Silver Salver: Donated by Capability Scotland, this award is specifically for a talented newcomer.
• Gordon Brown Trophy – Athletes’ Athlete Trophy

The Team Scotland Awards take place on Thursday 21 September 2017 and they are looking for your vote on who should be crowned Para-Sport Athlete of the Year!

Team Scotland have suggested four inspirational athletes – Samantha Kinghorn, Gordon Reid MBE, Alison Patrick and Karen Darke MBE, however you can also suggest another athlete to vote for.

In order to vote for your favourite Para-Sport Athlete follow the link below and like or share the picture of the athlete or choose ‘other’ and comment with the name of your choice. From your votes a shortlist of 3 athletes will be shortlisted for a chance of winning the awards. Voting closes on Monday 14 August so get voting!!

 

https://www.teamscotland.scot/2017/last-chance-vote-team-scotland-awards-winners/