Amputee Football Association Scotland (AFAS) is a Scottish charity established in April 2017 following a successful pilot project during 2016.  Ashley Reid set up the charity when she realised there was interest in amputee football and potential for such an organisation when she was working with the charity Finding your Feet.

With a career in public relations and experience of Third Sector fundraising, Ashley approached Paul Kelly, manager of Partick Thistle Community Trust.  Ashley shared her vision for amputee football because she recognised the successful work of Partick Thistle’s charitable arm in embracing the disciplines of Para football. Paul was keen to share his experiences of working with the Trust and his role as team manager of Petershill Junior Football Club.

AFAS operates under the guidance, endorsement and support of the Scottish Football Association (SFA) in its mission to offer any player or potential player with an amputation or limb difference the opportunity to play inclusive football.

When preparing for international matches players are offered the opportunity to attend training weekends at the National Sports Centre at Inverclyde in Largs. When preparing or playing international matches, players experience wearing the official Scotland Team kit and leisure wear, indicative of the professionalism and support that the team and AFAS enjoy as a partner of the Scottish FA.

In year one, Partick Thistle Amputee Team entered a team into the English Amputee League which has been running for more than thirty years. South of the Border, amputee football teams are affiliated to some of the top professional teams including Everton, Manchester City, Arsenal, Newcastle United, Brighton and Portsmouth.

Following a promising first year of playing in the English league, it was agreed that Scotland would set up its own national league when a new team had been established in the East at Dundee United. This led to the inaugural Scottish amputee football cup with Partick Thistle winning the title in the first year.

In 2017, the first amputee Scotland team played in a tri-nation tournament against Holland and Germany in Breda, Holland.  The results for Scotland were not as hoped for but the experiences gained proved invaluable to the squad.  Since that first international, Scotland has played against Holland, England and the Republic of Ireland at Largs and travelled overseas to play Italy in Verona.

AFAS has a lot of talented players and volunteers within the organisation who share the passion for developing the players and growing the game for players with amputations.  The patron of the charity is the current Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill MBE. Michael not only champions the sport but has appeared at training and put the players through their paces when his busy schedule allows.

2019 is already shaping up to be a busy year for AFAS with increased game time for the Partick Thistle senior team. Matches have been arranged against English opposition in the England Amputee Football Association League Cup in April, near Birmingham.  Internationally, Scotland is hoping to head to Italy in September to take part in a six nation tournament with potential matches against Greece, Germany, Holland, Italy and Belgium.

Amputee Football Association Scotland AFAS) not only has a senior team but also an ever increasing junior squad. Children as young as four attend regular training session but AFAS is constantly campaigning to raise awareness and increase numbers. Over the last two years AFAS has been instrumental in sending three juniors to Warsaw and Rome for junior training camps. This year AFAS will fund three players to attend a 5-day junior camp in Hoffenheim, Germany.

All European and World competitions come under the umbrella of UEFA and FIFA.  AFAS is very proud that its youngest female player, Keeley Cerretti, has been chosen to be the face of UEFA’s marketing game #EQUALGAME.

In matches, all players are encouraged to play on crutches and without their prosthetic limbs in line with international amputee football rules. All goalkeepers must be arm amputees or have an arm deficiency. Within the English league however, the rules have been modified at the request of the players.  Outfield players are permitted to play with their prosthetics but as with the international rules, goalkeepers must be arm amputees. The format is seven a side with two halves of twenty-five minutes and roll on substitutions.

Geographically in the Scottish senior team there are players from Cumbria to Tayside and all have competed at different levels within football. The players are not only passionate about football but some compete regularly in wheelchair tennis, wheelchair basketball or rock wall climbing. Iain Matthew from Fife for example was a Paralympic gold medallist in swimming in Barcelona in 1992.  Players’ ages range from 22 to 50 years in this fast growing inclusive sport.

The Amputee Football Association in Scotland aims to promote inclusive football and improve access to playing and training opportunities for players of all ages and abilities who have an amputation or similar absent limb condition. AFAS also plans to facilitate opportunities for competitive play at local, National, European and World level.

The greatest challenges for AFAS are spreading the word about current and planned opportunities and how to encourage new players to sign up for junior and senior squads. AFAS players and volunteers have witnessed firsthand the health and well being, social and psychological benefits that result from being involved with the AFAS family and the Scottish FA movement in general. There is something very special about the navy blue shirt and being involved in the “beautiful game”.

Interested or wanting to find out more? Please contact Ashley Reid for an informal chat:

ashley@amputeefootballscotland.co.uk, visit www.amputeefootballscotland.co.uk or visit the Amputee Football Scotland facebook page.

A fantastic day of athletics was had as the Grangemouth Sports Complex saw 10 teams from around Scotland descend on it to participate in multiple athletic-disciplines.

This event is run in partnership with Scottish Athletics each year and is designed to be an introductory competitive outlet for those athletes at the first stages of enjoying the sport, many of who have qualified for this event by participating in local and regional events and have been selected to represent their branch area.

Teams are asked to select athletes from all disability disciplines to be eligible for the trophy which is awarded to the team who collect the most points throughout the day. SDS were delighted with the attendance and it is heartening to see that strong development is being encouraged in such an important sport.

Team Fife once again took home the trophy with the team ably marshalled by their coaches Gayle Sloan and Pamela Robson who lead regular run, jump and throw sessions in the region. All this practice clearly makes an impact as the youngsters excelled on the day with Dumfries and Galloway and Forth Valley in hot pursuit but just finishing short.

However, all participants and team support should be applauded as they all contributed to a special atmosphere at the event as the sport proved to be the real winner.

A presentation was made to Shona Malcolm OBE from Scottish Athletics to thank her for her contribution to this event for multiple years. Shona has worked tirelessly to ensure these events are the success they undoubtedly her and she will be missed as her job within the organisation changes. Nonetheless, the event will continue thanks to the structure put in place by Shona. The event is scheduled to move one week earlier next year as it falls in line with the National Sportshall Events run in Scotland by the Eveque Sportshall Team. A big thanks to Active Stirling for the use of their equipment.

The excellent partnership continues with Barclays and West Lothian College with both organisations providing tremendous voluntary support to this event. Daryll Buchanan from Barclays has produced yet another range of excellent photos for our use. Please give his page at Daryll Buchanan Photography a like. The album can be found at this link:

SDS National Sportshall Athletics Photos 2019

Don’t forget the National Cross Country Event at Bellahouston on Thursday 21st March. If you would still like to participate in this event please let us know at mark.gaffney@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

A presentation was made at the National Sportshall Athletics Event last week to Shona Malcolm OBE from scottishathletics to recognise her years of dedication to disability athletics. Shona has contributed so much to every aspect of disability athletics in her tenure, both as an officer and a volunteer and has supported a comprehensive competition pathway that offers people at every level of the sport a competitive outlet. Although her athletics role has changed and has resulted in her not directly working with us in the same capacity, everyone at SDS and in the networks very much hopes that she won’t be a stranger. Shona is someone who easily deserves to carry the ‘legend’ tag.

Shona was presented with her flowers by Caitlyn Ross, a Forth Valley Flyer and a member of our Young Person’s Sports Panel. Shona has overseen Caitlyn flourishing over the years as a very capable athlete and has brought a huge amount of expertise to Caitlyn’s development, especially in the throwing events.

SDS wish Shona all the very best and look forward to welcoming her to future events as a valued partner, volunteer – or even – spectator (though knowing Shona this would be a difficult role for her as she would always want to help!).

 

The WCF World Wheelchair Curling Championships returned for Scotland for the first time since 2005, when the event was hosted at Braehead Ice Rink. On that occasion, Scotland emerged as World Champions and as the Scots prepared to face China in the 2019 final, it looked like history was about to repeat itself. In an exciting climax to the 2019 Championships at the Peak in Stirling, Team Scotland secured the silver medal after losing out 5-2 in a hard fought final against the reigning Paralympic Champions.

Silver, however, represented a huge achievement for the host nation, who qualified from the round-robin stages with a last-gasp win over Canada before beating the defending champions, Norway, 7-2 in the semi-final. For Scottish skip Aileen Neilson and her team mates David Melrose, Robert McPherson, Hugh Nibloe and alternate Gary Logan it was an impressive finish after a faltering start to the week which saw them lose their first two matches. However, Scots regrouped magnificently and victories against Germany, Norway, Korea, USA, Russia, Estonia and Canada led to a third place finish on the table and a play-off place secured.

Scotland had lost to Slovakia in the round robin stage but they took their revenge in the play-off with a 7-6 victory after an extra end. A 7-3 semi-final victory over reigning World Champions, Norway lined up a place in the final for the Scots against the Paralympic Champions.

In the final, the Chinese had been the top qualifiers from the round-robin stages of the tournament and took the lead early, when they registered a single at the 2nd end followed up with a steal at the next. The Scots fought hard to reduce the deficit but the Chinese rink skipped by Wang Haitao established a 5-2 lead going into the last of the eight ends, where they were able to run the Scots out of stones to lift their first world title.

After the final, Scotland skip, Aieen Neilson said: “We had really high hopes ahead of this final of coming away with that gold medal. However after our start to the week if I had been offered a silver medal I would have been happy with that. Obviously finishing on a loss isn’t easy, but getting on the podium on home ice in front of all our supporters is fantastic.

“If there had been key shots made, when I had a chance for a two or if I had put a better guard on at the seventh it might have been different, we had chances, however we did make it a close final,” she said.

“They were worthy winners and they were probably the best team here this week, however we became more consistent as the week progressed and we did manage to make sure we were peaking in our performances at the end of the tournament.

“Overall, to have that gold medal experience and to have my second silver at a world champs and this time on home ice with lots of Scottish supporters, it doesn’t get much better than that. This silver medal is all the more special because of that and it is something that I will never forget.”

British Curling Head Wheelchair Coach Sheila Swan, who had previously coached the Scottish team at World Championships in 2011 where they won the silver medal said: “It is a game of small margins and we maybe weren’t as sharp as we were in our last few games. China didn’t give us many chances and when we did get them, we didn’t quite manage to capitalise on them. The shot their skip made at the 7th, when he feathered past the guard to make his two, that epitomised how tight that game was.

“They were the form team this week and reigning Paralympic Champions and a team we don’t see on tour much, so difficult to judge how they are playing. But you know coming into this week that you are playing the best eleven teams in the world and you have to expect tough games. There is a tinge of disappointment, but overall it is great to have won silver and we just have to build on this week and come back and get that illustrious gold medal next time,” Swan added.

In the bronze medal game, Korea beat defending World Champions Norway 10-3 to take their place on the podium in Stirling.

 

Scotland results after the round robin: 7W 4L

Scotland v Switzerland 4-5

Scotland v Latvia 7-8

Scotland v Germany 9-7 (EE)

Scotland v Norway 7-4

Scotland v Korea 7-6

Scotland v China 3-7

Scotland v USA 7-6

Scotland v Slovakia 5-9

Scotland v Russia 5-4

Scotland v Estonia 9-3

Scotland v Canada 5-3

 

Play-off result:

Scotland v Slovakia 7-6 (EE)

 

Semi-final result:

Scotland v Norway 7-3

 

Gold medal match:

Scotland v China 2-5

 

 

SCOTLAND TEAM:

Aileen Neilson (skip) – 47yrs, born East Kilbride, lives Strathaven

David Melrose – 52yrs, born Haddington, lives Duns

Robert McPherson – 50yrs, born Motherwell, lives Bellshill

Hugh Nibloe – 37yrs, born Stranraer, lives Stranraer

Gary Logan – 47yrs, born Berwick-upon-Tweed, lives Cornhil on Tweed, Northumberland

Photo courtesy of Scottish Curling

Three members of the SDS Young Persons Sport Panel – Lewis McConnell, Caitlyn Ross and Colette Martin – attended the World Wheelchair Curling Championships at the PEAK on Wednesday 6 March 2019. The group attended to support panel ambassador Aileen Neilson and team Gary Logan, Robert McPherson, Hugh Nibloe and David Melrose, as they played against the USA in the number 10 draw of the round robin matches of the tournament.

It was a very exciting and tense game of curling to watch as the Scottish team got off to a strong start winning the first end 2-0. After some close shots in the ends to follow, Scotland were still leading at the half way point 4-3. The YPSP kept waving their flags of support as the USA went on to equalise in the 5th end before they went into take the lead by 1 point in end 6. As the teams went into their last end of the match Scotland were 6-4 down but Aileen skipped the team to victory as they won the end by 3 points and to a final result of 7-6 to Scotland. This win moved Scotland up to joint 5th position in the table with Canada and Switzerland. The team will play their next round of matches against Slovakia and Russia on Thursday.

Panel member Colette Martin said: “It was great to see a world championships in your home country and to see Wheelchair Curling played at the highest level. It was great to see our panel ambassador, Ailien in action as well!”

Good luck to Aileen and the rest of the Scottish team in the rest of the competition!

The horsescotland National Equestrian Awards 2019, very kindly sponsored by RHASS, took place on Friday 1st March at Doubletree Dunblane Hydro.

These prestigious awards celebrate and honour the outstanding contributions within Scottish equestrianism, providing an opportunity to both acknowledge and congratulate the success, performance, effort and sheer determination shown by so many throughout the year.

Following a drinks reception, horsescotland Chair, Grant Turnbull, welcomed over 300 guests. Grant stated “ I am delighted to be involved in such a progressive equestrian community in Scotland and it it is tremendous to see the support of so many of our Member bodies. The quality and number of award nominations received this year has exceeded all expectation”. Special thanks were given to RHASS for their continued sponsorship support.

Highly respected ex National Hunt Jockey, Peter Scudamore MBE, took to the stage after an excellent meal and entertained everyone with an interesting and humorous speech.

Finally, the waiting was over and the winners were announced. Awards were presented by RHASS chairman, Allan J. Murray and Peter Scudamore MBE.

RDA Chief Executive Ed Bracher, followed on by thanking horsescotland for helping to celebrate the 50th anniversary of RDA in Scotland before presenting the RDA Scotland Outstanding Contribution award to Susie Elliot MBE. Ed expressed his gratitude by saying “Thank you so much to horsescotland for marking our 50th anniversary in this way and allowing us to show off the power and importance of our volunteers”

The full list of winners (Photography – Sinclair Photography):

Equestrian Business of the Year
Lindores Equestrian – Celebrating 30 years in business this year, Lindores Equestrian has supported not only the equestrian community but also Scottish tourism. They have listened to demands and needs and continually develop the business in response. Their focus on customer care is exemplary.

Employee of the Year
Jamie Turnbull – Jamie has made a significant contribution to Scottish Racing as an assistant trainer. His hard work and dedication helped produce the 2017 Grand National winner and in 2018 he worked with the team to produce a total of fifty winners. It is clear that he is an integral and pivotal part of the team at Arlary House Racing.

Youth Coach of the Year
Sean Henderson – Through his coaching, Sean has demonstrated a great ability to inspire confidence and to encourage riders to develop, participate and enjoy their sport.

Young People’s Coach of the Year
Jennifer Burnett – Over the past 10 years, Jennifer has coached over 200 horse and rider combinations. As a result, the Scottish Junior Tetrathlon girls team is consistently in the top four and the boys team have won twice.

Participation Coach of the Year
Martin Arnott – Martin shows a genuine desire to see both the horse and rider develop regardless of their experience or age. By building on traditional coaching approaches and using video review techniques, he helps riders to acquire the knowledge to train their own horses. He has also developed links internationally and delivered the UKCC platform in the United Arab Emirates.

Performance Coach of the Year
Andrew Hamilton – The judging panel were surprised that Andrew had not won this award before. He was one of the first in Scotland to complete the UKCC level 3 coaching certificate. A former British International Showjumper, he has been influential in working with riders at all levels.

Youth Performer of the Year
Nicole Lockhead-Anderson & Shaunie Greig – Joint winners, Nicole and Shaunie’s hard work has certainly paid off over the last year. Amongst several notable individual victories throughout the year, they were part of the gold winning British Pony Team, Team LeMieux, at the Pony European Championships, Bishop Burton in August 2018.
Award collected by Lucy Moss (British Showjumping Scotland) and Claire Lockhead-Anderson

Performer of the Year
Graham Babes – A member of the horsescotland elite performance squad, this young man has had many international successes in the last year. Graham was part of the British Young Rider team which took silver at the European showjumping Championships.
Award collected by Sandra Low-Mitchell

Youth Volunteer of the Year
Alexandra MacMillan – Alexandra is a dedicated young lady who has consistently proven herself to be reliable and competent with a true desire to learn. She has covered many miles in her volunteer role and is also an aspiring young judge.

Volunteer of the Year
Fiona Roebuck – Having spent 29 years as a volunteer on the the committee of the National Pony Society Scotland, Fiona is now the current Chair. Over the years she has shown unbounded commitment and continues to push forward the development of the Society. She dedicates her time to supporting the running of the light horse sections at various agricultural shows and following fifteen years of stewarding at the Royal Highland Show was recently elected Regional Director of the Light Horse section.

Club of the Year
Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA – There are many equestrian clubs in Scotland who offer exceptional support and facilities to participants. However, this club really stands out. They are committed to ensuring club members gain more than just equestrian aptitude by giving them life skills for the future.

Team of the Year
South of Scotland Select – Unbeaten in Scottish and British competition this team represented Britain in the 2018 European championships finishing fourth in their category. Highly motivated and very involved in their sport, most of the members are already coaching others towards future success.

Equine Breeder of the Year
Reay Campbell – Highly respected, Reay of Caledonia Dressage Horses has bred exceptional foals through her excellent breeding programme, providing many equestrians, not just in Scotland but further afield, with the opportunity to excel. She is a dedicated individual with many years of experience.

Owner of the Year
Gordon Grainger – Gordon has gone way beyond just providing a horse. By supporting the rider in all aspects of training and competing, his horse has gone on to compete and win. Rider and horse have so far excelled to become British Elementary Gold Freestyle Champions and British Elementary Gold Champions.

Writer of the Year
Emma Cheape – Through their writing to a national audience, an increase in participation has been reported along with increased support for charities. Emma has brought equestrianism to a wider audience through traditional print and online media

Equestrian Photo of the Year
Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA – Equi-Power’s photo submission achieved over 1200 likes on the horsescotland Facebook page. A firm favourite with our public voters.

Lifetime Achievement
David Blair & Tom Best – Previousl school teachers, Tom and David became involved in equine breeding when they formed Waxwing Stud in 1972. Their Welsh Section A and B ponies are renowned for having excellent temperaments and trainability. Many have gone on to become winners, including Horse of the Year Show Supreme Pony Champion ‘Waxwing Thumbs Up’. Their continued passion and dedication to the world of breeding, showing and judging coupled with their willingness to share their knowledge and expertise makes them very worthy winners of this award.

Board Special Recognition
Ursula XII – Special recognition goes to an outstanding equine who recently retired from an exceptional career in showjumping. This Scottish sport horse mare was bred in 2001by Mary Turnbull and was originally produced by horsescotland performance programme rider, Mark Turnbull. Her career was furthered under the ownership of Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham. This exceptionally talented mare, along with top Scottish rider Scott Brash, went on to secure many wins at top level showjumping worldwide.
Award collected by Anne Logan and Mark Turnbull

RDA Scotland Outstanding Contribution
Susie Elliot MBE – A volunteer for over 50 years, Susie has inspired countless others. Her selfless commitment and dedication has enabled many at both regional and national level to develop and succeed.

PHOTOS (left to right)
Photographer – Sinclair Photography

1. Equestrian Business of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE, Lindores Equestrian, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
2. Employee of the Year: Jamie Turnbull, Peter Scudamore MBE, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
3. Youth Coach of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Sean Henderson, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
4. Young People’s Coach of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Jennifer Burnett, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
5. Participation Coach of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Martin Arnott, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
6. Performance Coach of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Andrew Hamilton, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
7. Youth Performer of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Lucy Moss (British Showjumping Scotland) collecting on behalf of
   Shaunie Greig, Claire Lockhead-Anderson collecting on behalf of Nicole Lockhead-Anderson, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
8. Performer of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Sandra Low-Mitchell collecting on behalf of Graham Babes, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
9. Youth Volunteer of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Alexandra MacMillan, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
10. Volunteer of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Fiona Roebuck, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
11. Club of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
12. Team of the Year: South of Scotland Select, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
13. Equine Breeder of the Year: Allan J. Murray(RHASS) , Reay Campbell, Peter Scudamore MBE
14. Owner of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Gordon Grainger, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
15. Writer of the Year: Allan J. Murray(RHASS) , Emma Cheape, Peter Scudamore MBE
16. Equestrian Photo of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
17. Lifetime Achievement: Peter Scudamore MBE , David Blair, Tom Best, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
18. Board Special Recognition: Peter Scudamore MBE, Anne Logan on behalf of Scott Brash and Owners – Lady Harris and
    Lady Kirkham, Mark Turnbull on behalf of Turnbull familly, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
19. RDA Scotland Outstanding Contribution: Ed Bracher (RDA Chief Executive), Susie Elliot MBE

Home Nations Championships 2019
22 – 24 March 2019 
Glasgow Indoor Bowls Club

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is currently the recognised governing body for para lawn bowls in Scotland and is tasked with selecting players that can deliver medals at the highest levels of international competition, including the Home Nations Championships, IBD World Championships and the Commonwealth Games.

From the 22 to 24 March 2019 Scotland will host the Home Nations Championships at Glasgow Indoor Bowling Club, in what will be the first of a revised format of the competition series. Going forward there will be two Home Nations competitions per annum, one indoor, and one outdoor; with a focus on the Commonwealth Games disciplines of B2/B3 Mixed Pairs and B6/B7/B8 Open Triples. However, there will be the added singles element as part of the home nations programme.

The talent pool in Scotland has increased considerably over the past 12 months, with several new players obtaining an international classification. Whilst exciting for the sport, it doesn’t make selection decisions any easier. Nevertheless, we are confident of a strong Scottish performance in this home nations competition.

Commenting on the team selection, SDS Performance Manager, Gary Fraser said: “We are looking forward to hosting the home nations championships in what will the first of a revised format and we are delighted to announce a strong field of players. This presents the ideal opportunity for all players to stake their claim to be amongst Scotland’s elite, with less than two years to go until the IBD World Championships.”

Scottish Para Lawn Bowls Squad

Players	Classification	Town	Local Authority	Branch
Mary Stevenson	B2	Barrhead	Renfrewshire
Maria Spencer	B3	Dunfermline	Fife	Disability Sport Fife
Robert Barr	B3	Glasgow	Glasgow	Glasgow Disability Sport
Sandy McIntosh	B2	Inverness	Highland	Highland Disability Sport
Billy Allan	B6	Cowdenbeath	Fife	Disability Sport Fife
George Guthrie	B6	Glasgow	Glasgow	Glasgow Disability Sport
John Wardrope	B7	Ayr	South Ayrshire	Ayrshire Sportsability
Garry Brown	B7	Kirkmuirhill	South Lanarkshire	South Lanarkshire Disability Sport
Glen Livingston	B7	Carnock	Fife	Disability Sport Fife
Michael Simpson	B7	Auchtermuchty	Fife	Disability Sport Fife
Ian Graham (R)	B2	Grangemouth	Falkirk	Forth Valley Disability Sport
Sharon Moncrieff (R)	B3	Cumbernauld	Glasgow	Glasgow Disability Sport
Fraser Mathieson (R)	B6	Stirling	Stirling	Forth Valley Disability Sport
Daniel Porter (R)	B8	Galashiels	Scottish Borders	Scottish Borders Disability Sports Group

(R): non-travelling reserve

Director	Town	Local Authority	Branch
Sarah-Jane Ewing	Dunfermline	Fife	Disability Sport Fife
George Miller	Ardrossan	North Ayrshire	Ayrshire Sportsability
Christine Morrow	Dalmuir	Clydebank	Glasgow Disability Sport
David Thomas	Ardrossan	North Ayrshire	Ayrshire Sportsability

 

Coach	Town	Local Authority	Branch
Bob Dick (Head Coach)	Cupar	Fife	Disability Sport Fife
Bob Christie	Brechin	Angus	Angus Disability Sport
Chris McGready	Perth	Perth	Perth & Kinross Disability Sport
Eric McMillan	Cowdenbeath	Fife	Disability Sport Fife

 As the daylight in the evenings extends and March approaches, SDS Regional Managers in Tayside, East of Scotland and West of Scotland are getting ready to welcome participants to the well-established Parasport Festivals in their regions, but for the West of Scotland this will see the flagship event celebrating its 10th anniversary.  

The first Parasport Festival took place in the Kelvin Hall in Glasgow and proved to be so successful that other regions gradually introduced the event which now takes place in five regions across Scotland: Grampian, Central Scotland, East of Scotland, West of Scotland and Tayside. 

The event is designed to encourage pupils with physical, visual and hearing impairments in primary and secondary mainstream education, to experience a range of sports with the aim of being supported to engage in ongoing regular activity/sport. The specific target group for the event is identified in the SDS Equality Action Plan. 

These bespoke events are very much a partnership event where SDS Regional Managers work with Active Schools Co-ordinators and Sports Development Officers from Local Authorities, Trusts, governing bodies of sport and local sports clubs.  

The impact of the hugely successful events is outlined in the Celebrating 10 Years video but some facts and figures at a glance are listed below – and if you want to see more about what the events offer click on the brief promotional video link. 

Scottish Disability Sport CEO, Gavin Macleod, said: “The Parasport Festivals have grown over the last 10 years to become a focus point for introducing young people with physical and sensory impairments to a wide variety of sports and providing opportunities into regular participation. We would like to thank the numerous governing body and Local Authority partners across Scotland who have provided vital support to enable these Festivals to evolve.” 

Facts and figures at a glance: 

• In 2019 SDS is celebrating 10 years of Parasport Festivals
• 1618 pupils have attended para sport festivals in 27 local authorities
• After attending the multi-sport festivals 15% of participants have been supported to engage in weekly sessions or clubs
• The male to female ratio has moved to from 80/20 to 60/40
• In 2018 50% of participants attended the festival for the first time, providing evidence that the festival should be continued to be provided
• 68% of participants have a physical disability, 21% have a visual impairment and 11% have a hearing impairment
• Participants of the festival were invited to feed back on the impact of sport on their lives in a survey. The results demonstrated that: 
• 98% felt better by participating in sport  
• 98% felt more confident in their physical ability  
• 93% got out more and were less socially isolated  
• 95% felt more competent in their physical ability  
• 91% felt more able to cope with life  
• 90% made more friends through sport  

If you or any one you know has a disability and would like to get involved in the Parasport Festivals or any other disability sport programmes,  please telephone 0131 317 1130 or email admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com. 

#Getinvolved 

#SDSInclusivesport 

Scottish Disability Sport has partnered with the Celtic FC Foundation, RNIB, Haggeye, Guide Dogs Scotland, Visibility, JudoScotland, Scottish Swimming, Scottish FA and scottishathletics to provide an opportunity for people across Scotland with visual impairments to try a variety of sports. This fantastic opportunity is open to everyone over 10 years.

This event provides anyone living with a visual impairment with the opportunity to try a wide range of sports.

Scottish Disability Sport Regional Managers will be on hand on the day to raise awareness and support participants to get involved in their chosen sport in their local area. If you would like to have a chat about the event please do not hesitate to contact us.

All participants will have the opportunity to try the following sports:

• Athletics
• Bowls
• Cycling
• Football
• Goalball
• Judo
• Swimming

If you have, or someone you know has, a visual impairment and would like to get involved in sport, please register by:

• Completing this registration pack – Visual Impairment Sports Day Registration Pack
• Completing the online form here – Online Registration
• Phone us on 0131 317 1130, or email admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com

Details of the Event

Venue: St Paul’s RC Academy, 90 Gillburn Road, Dundee DD3 0EH
Date: Saturday 30th March 2019
Time: 11.00am – 4.00pm (10.30am registration)
Cost: FREE!

Paralympic bronze medallist Aileen Neilson will skip Scotland’s team at the World Wheelchair Curling Championships which will be hosted in Stirling next month (3-10 March 2019).

Neilson is the most decorated athlete in the Scotland line-up having medalled at the Paralympics in Sochi, as well as earning silver and two bronze medals from previous World Championship appearances in 2011, 2007 and 2017 respectively. The 47 year old who lives in Strathaven, was the first woman to skip a wheelchair curling team at a Paralympic Games (2010) and a World Championships (2011) and her appearance at The Peak Sports Village next month will mark her ninth appearance at a World Championships.

“It is always an honour to be selected to represent your country and whilst the Paralympics is the pinnacle of my career, to have the opportunity to compete in a home World Championships is right up there too,” said Neilson.

“I was a spectator at the World’s when they were last hosted in Scotland back in 2005 and it was a light bulb moment. I had just started curling and met the team representing Scotland and I knew at that point I wanted to become a competitive curler and represent my country. I very much hope that we will have good home support with lots of saltires in the crowds next month and our team will inspire the next generation of wheelchair curlers to whatever level they aspire to,” she said.

Neilson is joined by fellow Sochi medallist Robert McPherson, who was also in the world bronze medal winning team in 2017 along with Hugh Nibloe, who made his Paralympic Games debut in PyeongChang in 2018. At 37 years, Nibloe is the youngest member of the quintet which features two world championship debutants.

David Melrose from Duns has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the game, having been introduced to the sport in 2014 and selected to the British Curling elite programme at the start of this season. His first competitive outing for Scotland was last October at the Stirling Wheelchair Curling International Invitation (SWCII) which was hosted at the same venue where he will make his first World Championship appearance.

The 52 year old former fire fighter said: “I feel very excited and privileged to be part of this team and to wear the Scotland top with my name on the back feels very special. It is a wonderful opportunity to be part of a home Championships, as I know for some of us it will be the first time that friends and family can watch us compete, having been unable to travel abroad for other events, so we will be aiming to deliver worthy performances for everyone.”

Gary Logan completes the team as alternate and he will earn his first cap for Scotland as he makes his World Championships debut. The 47 year old has previously competed at two World B Wheelchair Curling Championships for the English Curling Association in 2015 and 2016, but as the son of Scottish parents he said: “My dad John would be ‘especially proud of my achievements and inclusion in the Scotland rink.”
Stirling’s hosting of the eight day event is the first time the World Championships have been staged in Scotland since 2005 and the tournament will feature 12 teams for the first time. The member associations competing are Canada, China, Germany, Korea, Norway, Russia, Scotland, Slovakia, Switzerland and United States, along with nations Estonia and Latvia who are making their first appearance at these Championships.

British Curling Head Wheelchair Coach Sheila Swan said: “This is the most important annual event in our sporting calendar, providing our first opportunity to gain crucial qualification points for ParalympicsGB towards the next Paralympic Games in Beijing in 2022.

“Our team comprises a mixture of experience and new talent which will aim to deliver another medal winning performance on the return of this tournament to Scotland. The last time we hosted the tournament was also the last time we won gold and we are looking forward to the backing of our Scottish supporters, who will no doubt play a huge role in welcoming all nations to the biggest event outside of the Paralympic Games,” Swan added.

Tickets are now on sale for the championships hosted at the Peak, which is operated by Active Stirling.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “I am delighted to see such a high calibre Scottish team competing in Stirling next month at the World Wheelchair Curling Championships. Scotland is the perfect stage for curling events and we look forward to welcoming many more world-class athletes from across the globe for what is sure to be an exciting tournament.”

Scottish Curling CEO, Bruce Crawford said: “We have selected a strong team to represent Scotland at this year’s World Wheelchair Curling Championships, which we are hosting in Stirling 3-10 March.

“The team has a good balance of experience alongside fresh talent which will make them exciting to watch.

“We wish them every success as they strive to perform in front of the home crowd in Stirling in the first event of the qualification process for the next Winter Paralympic Games in Beijing 2022.”

Ticket prices are £4 per session for round-robin group matches, £6 for Saturday’s knockout Semi Finals and £10 for Sunday’s Bronze and Gold medal matches.

For information on accessible seating please contact Box Office on 01786 473 544 / 274 000.

All tickets can be bought at: https://culturestirling.org/world-wheelchair-curling-championships/

You can follow the build-up and results of the World Wheelchair Curling Championship on Twitter, Instagram (@worldcurling | @wwhcc2019) and Facebook (/WorldCurlingFederation | /wwhcc19) and by searching the hashtags #WWhCC2019 #curling

SCOTLAND TEAM:

Aileen Neilson (skip) – 47yrs, born East Kilbride, lives Strathaven
David Melrose – 52yrs, born Haddington, lives Duns
Robert McPherson – 50yrs, born Motherwell, lives Bellshill
Hugh Nibloe – 37yrs, born Stranraer, lives Stranraer
Gary Logan – 47yrs, born Berwick-upon-Tweed, lives Cornhil on Tweed, Northumberland