Following a formal communication sent to the First Minister on the morning of 30th July 2020 from 32 individual Scottish Governing Bodies of Sport (SGB), the SGB CEO Forum welcomes the recognition by the First Minister of the requirement to move forward the re-opening of sports facilities.

As a sector, we are disappointed that the indicative timescale for a return to sport is not sooner.  We have submitted evidence in mitigation of any risk to public health and ask for clarification as to what more compelling information is required to ensure our sports can return to activity and competition within the indicative dates given.

However, we will work with the Scottish Government and sportscotland to understand the level of evidence we need to provide so all requirements for indoor sport to safely return in late August can be met. As ever, we will react positively to any encouragement from Scottish Government to review the dates.

We are especially concerned for those SGBs which only have the small 2020 summer window to restart their sport and competitions.  Without access to facilities – both indoor and outdoor, wet and dry – our member Clubs cannot function and cannot contribute effectively to the recovery that the whole of Scotland so desperately wants and needs.

As we are all aware the reality is that ‘sport-in-Scotland’ is more than just ‘sport’. This has been clearly demonstrated through the national focus on maintaining daily physical activity throughout lockdown and effectively contributes to the social fabric of our local communities as a whole through (although not exclusively):

• The health and wellbeing of the Scottish Nation;
• Equality and inclusion;
• Contributing to effective learners;
• Mental health and wellbeing;
• Tackling obesity;
• Social inclusion and;
• Women and Girls in Sport.

With confirmation that other public spaces and venues in Scotland are now reopening and in recognition of the immense challenges facing the restart of the Scottish sporting sector, the SGB CEO Forum wish to work quickly with Scottish Government, sportscotland and facility operators to establish a clear strategy to resume sport, for our members, clubs and communities.

Scottish Disability Sport fully supports the collective drive of Scottish Governing Bodies to reopen as many sport facilities in Scotland as quickly and safely as possible.

Letter from Scottish Governing Body CEOs

Parasport Day Delivered Virtually

The inaugural Virtual Para Sport Day took place on Sunday 26th July over the video communications platform, Zoom and welcomed 13 young people from across Scotland to try sport and physical activity delivered in alternative way. This was the first of two planned Para Sport Days with the next one scheduled for Sunday 23rd August.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and in line with government guidance, this year the Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) Regional team have been unable to deliver these events across the country in their usual format. To ensure that young people with a disability still had a tangible opportunity to engage and participate in sport during this challenging time the SDS RDM team planned, organised and delivered the first ever ‘Virtual Parasport Day’ in collaboration with a number of partners including SAMH, members of staff from SGB’s, coaches & volunteers, performance athletes and members of the SDS Young Person’s Sport Panel.

This online event provided coached sessions in Athletics (warm up), Basketball, Football and Boccia while also providing break-out sessions delivered by SAMH (Mental Well Being) and the SDS Young Person’s Sport Panel who shared their journey into sport and their role as the voice for young people in relation to disability sport. Performance athletes, including Paralympians Patrick Wilson (Boccia) and Jonny Paterson (Cerebral Palsy Football) provided an insight into the world of elite sport, looking to inspire the next batch of potential stars of the future.

Post event, the participants were asked to complete a short survey highlighting what they enjoyed about the event and what could be done slightly better and this will help shape the next event in August. The feedback from the event has been positive with participants stating, ‘It was very well run and enjoyable’ and ‘Really important event to deliver’.

To register your interest for the next Virtual Para Sport Day on Sunday 23rd August, please contact Neal Herbert on 0770 939 3514 or email neal.herbert@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

We’re delighted to be offering a new series of coach seminars over the coming weeks. Each online seminar will last one hour and there will be the opportunity to ask questions using the chat function. If you would like any more information please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0131 317 1130 or admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

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Classification in Disability Sport
Richard Brickley OBE, MBE
Wednesday 12 August, 7.00-8.00pm
This workshop, delivered by Richard Brickley OBE MBE, will introduce participants to disability sport classification. Reference will be made to classification systems used at national and international level for sport such as swimming, athletics, football, bowls, boccia, basketball, etc. Classification processes and procedures will be addressed.
Register online here for Classification.

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Growth Mindset
Jamie McBrearty
Monday 17 August, 11.00am-12.00pm
This workshop will cover the theory of Growth Mindset and how to implement a range of tools, techniques and resources.

• What is mindset
• Difference between Fixed and Growth Mindset
• How to change mindsets
• Tools and techniques to develop a Growth Mindset

Register online here for Growth Mindset.

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Generating Effective Feedback
Victoria Clark
Tuesday 25 August 2020, 7.00-8.00pm
How do we generate effective feedback? We will explore a range of feedback tools to enable meaningful conversations.
Register online for Generating Effective Feedback

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Fundamentals of Nutrition
Irene Riach
Thursday 27 August, 7.00-8.00pm
An interactive session covering the fundamentals of nutrition with Irene Riach from the sportscotland Institute of Sport. This is an opportunity to ask an expert your questions about nutrition and your athletes.
Register online here for Fundamentals of Nutrition

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More seminars for coaches will be scheduled , so please keep an eye on our Education Calendar for more exciting dates and topics.  If you would like any further information, or would like to request a topic for a seminar, please contact us on 0131 317 1130 or admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

VOTE NOW TO BOOST GLASGOW DISABILITY SPORT’S CHANCE OF WINNING SHARE OF £1MILLION FUND

Glasgow Disability Sport (GDS) is on the shortlist to win a share of Persimmon Homes’ Building Futures £1million pot supporting under-18s nationwide but first we need online votes to win.

Help us enable disabled children have life changing sporting opportunities and experiences. Let’s bring achievement, pride and joy to their lives please vote for us and encourage many others to do so.

Online voting opened on 27 July and will close at midnight on 18 September 2020.

“Voting could not be simpler. Just log on to www.persimmonhomes.com/building-futures/ and select Glasgow Disability Sport and vote for us. We would really appreciate everyone’s support.”

Persimmon Homes (West Scotland) is backing GDS to be a prize winner at a gala dinner in October, where cash awards of £100,000, £50,000 or £20,000 will be made to those winning the most online votes.

Robin Walker representing GDS said: “It is a huge achievement to have been selected as a regional finalist, but now we really need people to get behind us and get voting so that we are in the strongest possible position to earn one of the top three cash awards on the night.

As you will be aware GDS is a volunteer organisation passionate about seeing as many people as possible engage in sport or physical activity, regardless of their physical, sensory or learning disability.

Empowering and leading inclusive sport with our partners in Glasgow and the West of Scotland.

We develop sporting and recreational pathways through a calendar of activities and events in aquatics, archery, athletics, boccia, bowls, football, tennis with the opportunity to participate in national events.

The funds will be used to deliver our three year plan to sustain and develop our grass route clubs and sporting activities; calendar of competitive events as well as extending and increasing the number of sporting activities we support.

Building Futures is being delivered through the Persimmon Charitable Foundation. Through the scheme, a total of 128 grants of £1,000 have been awarded to groups supporting sport, education & arts and health across Persimmon’s 31 regional businesses and its head office.

Persimmon Homes is an official partner of Team GB and the Persimmon Charitable Commission enlisted the help of athletes Jason Kenny and Laviai Nielsen to help determine the three regional finalists for each business division.

One initiative from each category will go on to win £100,000 each through a national award scheme to be decided by a public vote.

As well as the £100,000 first prize, there will be a £50,000 second prize and a £20,000 third prize in each sector, while a further 87 shortlisted projects will each receive £5,000.

Online voting opened on 27 July and will close at midnight on 18 September 2020. To support Glasgow Disability Sport please visit: www.persimmonhomes.com/building-futures/

Recruiting body: Ayrshire Sportsability

Closing date: noon on Friday 21st August 2020

Ayrshire Sportsability (ASA) is a voluntary sport group where the main aim is to lead in the development of sport for people with physical, sensory or learning disabilities in partnership with key local agencies in Ayrshire. ASA is a member branch of Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) who are the governing body of sport for athletes and players with a physical, sensory or learning disability.

The board of ASA now wish to appoint a new chair to lead the development of disability sport in Ayrshire.

Are you a dynamic individual who is passionate about the inclusion of people with disabilities in sport and physical activity?

Are you looking for a new opportunity to develop and challenge yourself? If so, being Chair of Ayrshire Sportsability in these exciting times could be a perfect opportunity for you!

Support, training and development opportunities will be given to the successful candidate.

Role Title: Chairperson (voluntary)
Organisation: Ayrshire Sportsability
Responsible to: Ayrshire Sportsability Board
Location: Ayrshire
Meetings: 4-6 per year
Contract: This is a voluntary position, but all reasonable expenses will be paid. The chairperson is expected to attend branch meetings, held up to 6 times per year, ASA sport/fundraising events and subgroup meetings if required. The level of time commitment if flexible and will be tailored to suit the applicant’s current commitments and the needs of ASA.
Term: 1 year initially, then a maximum 6-year term – re-elected every 2 years which is subject to appraisal & recommendation of the board.

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Demonstrate knowledge of governance in the voluntary sector
• Ability to chair meetings effectively and efficiently
• Ability to make decisions and work with others to reach agreed outcomes
• Ability to influence and communicate effectively
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Passionate about the development of disability Sport

MAIN DUTIES

• Lead ASA in ensuring that if fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation
• Develop external relationships with local partners
• Oversee and guide all decisions taken by the board and subgroups
• Establish and maintain relationship with Promotions & Events Contractor and the board

Interview process

Interview dates to be confirmed

Applications

Deadline for applications is noon on Friday 21st August 2020

All applicants should send a note of interest detailing any relevant skills and experience to admin@ayrshiresportsability.org.uk.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the role please contact: Email: admin@ayrshiresportsability.org.uk or lynn.allison@scottishdisabilitysport.com

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) have found numerous ways to engage families through this challenging time and one of these was the #GiveItaGo Challenge.

This consisted of 8 activity cards given out once a week over an 8-week period. Participants then challenged themselves to give it a go each week and video themselves doing so. These were then sent into SDS and additional points were awarded to the most creative video produced.

35 people registered for #GiveItaGo from all over Scotland. Thanks to everyone who took part. We hope you all had as much fun completing the challenges as we did watching your videos.

Click here to see the winning videos from each week.

Congratulations to the winning teams. Leaderboard is below:

Team/Name	Position	Wk 1	Wk 2	Wk 3	Wk 4	Wk 5	Wk 6	Wk 7	Wk 8
Aaron Aaron & Poppy	6	10	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Corey Sharon	6	10	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
The Medley Marvels	4	0	0	0	0	20	10	0	0
Spartans Connections	1	10	20	10	10	10	10	10	10
Amy & Dylan Team McCarren	5	20	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Aimee	6	0	0	10	0	0	0	0	0
Matthew Doig	4	10	10	0	0	10	0	0	0
Max Farmer	5	10	0	0	10	0	0	0	0
Eat Sleep Ride	1	10	10	10	10	10	20	10	10
Zuzia	2	10	0	10	10	10	10	10	20
Alaiza	6	0	0	10	0	0	0	0	0
Team Strachan	4	0	0	20	0	10	0	0	0
Logan Welsh	3	0	0	0	20	10	10	20	10

Winners

Winning Teams	Points	Team
Joint 1st place	90 points	Eat, Sleep, Ride & Spartans Connections
2nd place	80 points	Zuzia
3rd place	70 points	Logan Welsh

Please watch this space for more online activities taking place over the next few months, the first being the Virtual Parasport Festival which is taking place on Sunday 26th July. This is for anyone who is in P1 to S6 who has a physical, sensory or learning disability to try a range of sports in the comfort of their own home. For more information and to register please click here.

If anyone has any questions or would like more information on any of our programmes please get in touch admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

An opportunity to contribute to the continued success of a unique Paralympic sport at Board level

Boccia UK is currently looking to recruit two suitably qualified candidates to undertake the following key Board positions:

·       Independent Director (with Elite Sports/World Class Programme specialism)

·       Independent Director

Building on our achievements at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, at the BISFed 2018 World Boccia Championships in Liverpool, and with confidence for strong performances at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, now scheduled to take place in 2021, the successful candidates will join a highly experienced Board to help steer Boccia UK to continued future success.

For full details see the Boccia UK website here: http://boccia.uk.com/news.

Project Echo is an online research forum dedicated to understanding the post-game effects of the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, on both participants and non-participants.

The Forum is designed to capture the voices of those impacted by the games as they express their opinions, experiences and thoughts on the impacts, participation opportunities and constraints of hosting large sporting events. The data collected from participants input will be analysed and disseminated to policy makers, educators, para sport organizations and their allies, with the hope that the voices of those impacted by these games, are considered in future decisions that affect them.

You can follow Project Echo on:

• Twitter: projectecho2020
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theechoproject/
• Instagram: @proj.echo
• Facebook: projectecho2020
• Or join the conversation: www.theechoproject.org

 

Robert introduced himself and welcomed all those attending the Mental Wellbeing Conversations with SAMH. Robert has over 20 years’ experience in working in this area and he was keen to start a conversation and share his passion and wealth of knowledge regarding how we can all find ways to look after our mental health.

To start our conversation, we were asked ‘What is Mental Health?’ We all shared our thoughts and discussed how in the past, mental health was seen as a negative and ‘swept under the carpet’. People were unlikely to admit to suffering from poor mental health and were told to ‘give yourself a shake’. Mental health was often medicalised and seen as an illness with negative connotations.

We then considered how attitudes and perceptions have changed over the years. Thankfully for the better, people are more open and although we often cannot see if someone is struggling with mental health, we are more likely to support and understand. Awareness of mental health and wellbeing has seen great improvements through communities, councils, schools and at Government level but we must all strive to continue that good work.

After discussing the definition of mental health and wellbeing, we shared our experiences of how physical activity has huge benefits for our mental health. From improved mood, increased confidence and self-esteem, better quality of sleep, reduced stress and increasing social connections. So, get out in the fresh air, go for a walk, a push or a jog and feel the benefits for yourself.

SAMH have developed ‘5 ways to better mental health’ and these are – stay connected, get active, take notice, give and learn. By connecting with these you are acknowledging to yourself and others that you are looking after our mental health and wellbeing. Identify your activity and plan to make it happen. Take time to focus on the things you love and matter to you and don’t let other things stop you.

Check out our page here, where you can learn more about the ‘5 Ways to Better Mental Health’ and there are also some great resources available. If you are planning your mental health activities then the #Beactivebewell #Connect 5 has some great suggestions. What are you waiting for? Give it a go!