Stirling will play host the biggest wheelchair curling event outside of the Paralympic Winter Games as the 2019 Wheelchair Curling Championships comes to The Peak Sports Village. Scotland’s athletes are not only competing for a world title but the Championships is also a qualification event for the 2022 Winter Paralympic Games.

The event will feature 12 mixed gender teams: one from the host nation, eight qualifying directly from the previous World Championships and three from the World Wheelchair Curling Qualifying event.

The qualification event held in Lohja, Finland, in November, saw the wheelchair curling teams from Estonia, Slovakia and Latvia confirm their places in Stirling. This will be the first time that Estonia and Latvia have competed at the World Championships, whilst Slovakia return after their absence in 2017. With that, the final 12 nations for Stirling are now confirmed as Canada, China, Estonia, Germany, South Korea, Latvia, Norway, Russia, Scotland, Slovakia, Switzerland and United States.

The draw for the World Championships has taken place and Scotland will face the world’s best as follows;

Sunday 3 March (19.00)                Scotland v Switzerland
Monday 4 March (14.00)               Scotland v Latvia
Monday 4 March (19.00)               Scotland v Germany
Tuesday 5 March (9.00)                 Scotland v Norway
Tuesday 5 March (14.00)               Scotland v South Korea
Wednesday 6 March (9.00)         Scotland v China
Wednesday 6 March (14.00)       Scotland v USA
Thursday 7 March (9.00)               Scotland v Slovakia
Thursday 7 March (19.00)             Scotland v Russia
Friday 8 March (14.00)                   Scotland v Estonia
Friday 8 March (19.00)                   Scotland v Canada

Semi Finals will be held on Saturday 9 March at 19.00, the bronze medal match on Sunday 10 March at 10.00 followed by that gold medal match at 14.30.

The Championships return to Scotland for the first time since 2005, when Scotland took the World title. This will also be the first time that 12 teams have competed in a World Wheelchair Championship and it will be the first opportunity for nations to gain qualification points towards the next Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing, in 2022.

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

After an incredible season that saw her break onto to scene as a world class senior swimmer, Aberdeen’s Toni Shaw was awarded the Disability Sport title at this year’s Sunday Mail sportscotland Scottish Sports Awards.

Shaw fought off tough competition from RaceRunning phenomenon, Gavin Drysdale, and fellow Grampian Champion, Neil Fachie to earn the top spot. It follows a busy but successful year for Toni where she rocked home with a plethora of silverware whilst making her debut as a senior at the European World Para Swimming Championships in Dublin and was also made the face of Scottish Swimming’s new Learn to Swim framework. Being the youngest competitor in Team Scotland at this year’s Commonwealth Games and reaching the final in almost all of her events was another of this year’s impressive highlights.

Well done to Toni and thank you to her coaches, supporters and family who have helped her get where she is today!

If you or anyone you know lives in Grampian with a physical, sensory or learning disability and is interested in getting involved in sport, please get in touch with Alison Shaw on alison.shaw@scottishdisabilitysport.com or 07828 744 848.

The UCI Track Cycling World Cup took place in London at Lee Valley VeloPark from 14-16 December. The event had a strong presence of Scottish Para riders, which provided the opportunity to earn qualifying points for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

This was the first time para-cycling events were included within the main schedule of a World Cup, and has been viewed as a major step forward.

There were some exceptionally strong performances form the Great Britain team and Kadeena Cox showed her class in the C4/5 500m, finishing ahead of Paralympic champion, Sarah Storey, to win gold on the opening day.

From a Scottish perspective, double Commonwealth Games Gold medallist, Neil Fachie and his pilot Matt Rotherham won gold in the mixed B sprint event.

Inverness rider, Fin Graham, delivered a bronze medal in the C1-C3 1km. The former SDS Archie Cameron Bursary recipient was also recently named on British Cycling’s World Class Podium Potential programme.

Following requests from attendees of the BISFed Development Workshop held during the BISFed World Championships in Liverpool, BISFed, the Boccia International Sports Federation, has produced an informative terminology video.

Scottish Disability Sport is absolutely delighted to congratulate Kirsty Ewen, Highlands & Islands Regional Manager, on a very well-deserved BBC Get Inspired Unsung Hero Award.

Kirsty was one of fifteen winners from throughout the UK who were recognised for their volunteering contribution. She is truly an inspirational role model and contributes so much to local and national sport through her volunteering.

The video of Kirsty’s win can be seen here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/get-inspired/46587170

 

The United Kingdom Boccia Federation (Boccia UK) is the National Governing Body for the Paralympic sport of boccia in the UK. It is a federation comprising the four sports organisations responsible for the development of boccia in each of the home nations, namely Boccia England, Disability Sport NI, Disability Sport Wales and Scottish Disability Sport.

Boccia UK is responsible for the identification, development and preparation of the UK’s most talented players, with a particular focus on supporting athletes to achieve their potential at the highest level of Paralympic sport. This principally involves running the World Class Programme (WCP), funded by UK Sport. In addition the organisation facilitates home nation collaboration around the development of the UK wide performance pathway.

Building on our success at the Rio 2016 Paralympics and more recently at BISFed 2018 World Boccia Championships in Liverpool, Boccia UK is currently looking to recruit a suitably qualified Chair to lead Boccia UK to further success at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and beyond.

For full information see the Recruitment Pack below:

Boccia Recruitment Pack Chair at 11. 12.2018

Saturday 26th October 2018 – [EN]GAGE Sports Centre, Napier University, Edinburgh 

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) were supported by local branch, Lothian Disability Sport (LDS) to deliver the annual Scottish Boccia Open Championships for players out with the bisfed classification, attracting around over 70 players to Edinburgh. This is a fantastic number and is the highest amount of entrants since the competition structure changed in 2014.  

The event saw players from across Scotland, as well as entrants from England and Northern Ireland, compete in sections for players with a physical disability (Class A), players with a learning disability (class B, male and female) and a Junior section. The large entry allowed for some excellent competition throughout the day in all sections, providing players the opportunity to test themselves against players across the UK – some renewing old rivalries and some experiencing the competitive stage for the first time.   

This competitive element was particularly evident in class B as numbers allowed for four groups in both male and female categories, meaning that the group winner only would qualify for the semi final stage.  Dundee’s Sarah Bichard ended Lothian’s traditional dominance of this section with victory over Natalie Newby with Sarah’s clubmate Rebekah Perry claiming the bronze.  

The male section witnessed some excellent boccia played with Hayden Keir from Dumfries & Galloway declared the champion following victory over Kirkrigg’s Calum Thomson in the final. James Muirhead (also from Kirkriggs) completed the podium positions. It is fantastic to see the players who have typically played in the junior section progressing to medal positions in the senior section, proving that there is very strong players competing around the country ready to make the next step.  

Class A provided a slightly more UK-wide feel as entrants from England and Northern Ireland supplemented the entry from across Scotland.  Multiple-winner Derek Sked (England) replicated the form he’s shown in the past three years to make it all the way to the final – but only by winning a tie-break against Lothian’s Jim Anderson in a closely contested semi-final. Lothian’s Heather Nicolson beat West of Scotland’s Fiona Muirhead in the other semi-final.  

Heather Nicolson had her maiden victory at these championships and returned the title to Scotland by defeating Derek Sked in the final on yet another tie-break. Fiona Muirhead claimed victory over Jim Anderson to secure the bronze medal.  

A strong junior category resulted in Kirkrigg’s Michael Gilhooly winning gold by defeating Dundee’s Cameron Millar in the final. Forth Valley’s Ryan Flynn won the bronze by winning the play-off against Dumfries & Galloway’s Stephen Hoyle.  

The championships were supported superbly by the staff at [EN]GAGE who provided an excellent environment for players to express themselves on the court.  Thanks is also extended to the dedicated and knowledgeable band of officials who allowed the day to run smoothly from start to finish alongside Jack Brodie from Lothian Disability Sport.  Lastly, the clubs, coaches and players continue to support the event in their numbers and continue to produce the performances that seem to make the event a greater success each year. 

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is the recognised governing body for the sport of boccia in Scotland and is tasked with selecting a national squad that is capable of delivering medals at domestic and international competition.

We are also responsible for progressing the best Scottish talent to a UK Boccia World Class Programme where players represent Great Britain at European, World and Paralympic level.

Scotland has a rich history in the sport, and we have produced no less than 10 players (and three ramp assistants) who have progressed to a Great Britain programme over the past two Paralympic cycles.

The players selected will be focussed on the 2019 events calendar via both SDS and Boccia UK, as we head into another busy year for the sport. In February, we will host a joint development camp with players joining us from Northern Ireland and Wales. Furthermore, SDS will be again delivering the very successful Scottish International individual, team and pairs competition in October.

Commenting on the team selection, SDS Performance Manager Gary Fraser said: “It is an exciting time within the sport as the programme within Scotland and the UK continues to develop. We have selected a small squad with lots of quality, and we are excited about the potential for some of the players progressing through clubs and regional squads. We are lucky to have a group of skilled coaches, who will be working to improve player performances ahead of the Scottish nationals in May.”

Scottish Boccia Squad

Name	Classification	Local Authority
Reegan Stevenson	BC1	Glasgow
Hannah Craig	BC3	Dundee
Sean McCann	BC3	East Lothian
Jamie McCowan	BC3	South Ayrshire
Scott McCowan	BC3	South Ayrshire
Patrick Wilson	BC3	City of Edinburgh
Peter McGuire	BC4	South Lanarkshire
Stephen McGuire	BC4	South Lanarkshire
Ross Munro	BC4	Glasgow
Kieran Steer	BC4	Fife
Carole Craig	Ramp Assistant	Dundee
Paul McCann	Ramp Assistant	East Lothian
Gary McCowan	Ramp Assistant	South Ayrshire
Linda McCowan	Ramp Assistant	South Ayrshire
William Wilson	Ramp Assistant	City of Edinburgh

Coaches

Name	Role	Local Authority
Claire Morrison	Coach Mentor	Fife
Andrinne Craig	Head Coach	Aberdeenshire
Jennifer Barsby	Head Coach	Stirling
Lewis McConnell	Assistant Coach	East Renfrewshire

SDS Junior Swim Championships for swimmers with a learning disability, 21.11.2018, Tollcross ISC.

Records tumbled at the 41st Junior SDS Swim Championships. This event traditionally concludes the SDS annual calendar of events and provides a fantastic platform for celebrating the youngsters involved in swimming in schools, clubs and sessions around SDS branches and regions.

It is incredible to see the continual advancement of swimmers who have been attending these championships for years. One such swimmer, Louis Lawlor had a day to remember as he secured no fewer than 4 Championship Records (CR) in the 100m free and the 50m Back, 50m Breast & 50m Fly events. This event has witnessed some compelling rivalries through the years and West of Scotland’s Lawlor versus Tayside’s Jack Milne was every bit as riveting as anything we had seen before. These two swimmers are swimming faster than any other S14 junior has done at these championships and when that roster includes Scott Quin, Craig Rodgie and Conner Morrison then you know it’s fast! Whilst Jack had to settle for second place in 4 out of 5 events, he did hang on to one CR in the 100m IM and secured his one gold medal of the day. Grampian’s Matthew Scott was in hot pursuit and completed the podium positions in all events. Louis, of course, won the title of Best Male Swimmer at the 2018 Championships ahead of Jack, 2017’s winner.

On the female side Highland’s Tammy Neef swept the board with the full complement of wins. She currently shares the CRs with Perth’s Reagan Doig but was not able to claim any more as she swam just outside these tines today. Nonetheless, it was more than enough to take the title of Best Female Swimmer. Tayside’s Taylor McKenzie and Grampian’s Lucy Thomas also had an excellent Championships and had several podium appearances.

This event attracts upwards of 300 swimmers consistently and provides a fitting end to the competition calendar for SDS. SDS are hugely grateful to all swimmers, coaches, parents and Team Managers for their efforts in getting to these Championships. It is a full day in a warm pool, however, is a real celebration of the depth of swimming talent throughout the country. Continuing to attract swimmers into the competition structure locally is of paramount importance to strengthen the competition structure and pathway to these national competitions to ensure the sport continues in rude health.

Congratulations to all competitors for their efforts and well done to those who travelled back to their respective areas with medals. SDS look forward to seeing everyone in 2019 at the next Championships.

Scottish Para athletes have been making their mark at global level in recent years – and that was reflected in six inclusions on the British Athletics World Class Programme for the next 12 months.

Now there is further confirmation that the future is bright in terms of the next generation of athletes hoping to follow the likes of Stef Reid and Libby Clegg by competing at the top level.

Two Scots have been named on the Paralympic Futures Academy list issued by British Athletics on Tuesday which featured an overall 24 names.

Sprinter Ross Paterson, who competed at the WPA Europeans in Berlin last summer, was included alongside Fife AC endurance athlete Owen Miller.

With a further 11 athletes named on a Paralympics Development list there are now no fewer than 19 Scottish Para athletes overall accessing British Athletics programmes at various levels and being identified as having the ability to win medals or having good potential in future years.

‘It’s very encouraging to have our best ever Para representation on British Athletics programmes in terms of numbers – with 19 in total,’ said Ian Mirfin MBE,  the scottishathletics National Lead Paralympic Sport.

‘The challenge going forward is to convert some of these places into more athletes on the World Class Programme and ultimately more global medals.

‘The fact that most of the athletes on the programmes underneath WCP are  under the age of 23 is significant as the age profile of the athletes we have on WCP is higher and we would hope to see some of the athletes recognised by these programmes take a step-up to be our future stars of Para athletics.

‘Congratulations to everyone who has worked to get our athletes on to these programmes; not least the coaches and clubs but also friends and family who play a significant role in supporting athlete development.’

Scots on the Paralympics Futures Academy:

Ross Paterson (John Kinder) Red Star AC 400 T38

Owen Miller (Steve Doig) Fife AC 1500 T20

Scots on the Paralympics Development Academy:

Hannah Dines, Gavin Drysdale, Kayleigh Haggo (Janice Eaglesham) Red Star AC 100 RR

Alexander Thomson (Thomas Graham) Whitemoss AC 100 T/F20

Abbie McNally (Charlie Forbes) Inverness Harriers LJ T/F20

Kirsty Soutar (Bill Condie) Red Star AC Club F32

Nathan Blackie (Martin Cook) Poole AC 100-800 T34

Sean Frame, Luke Deighan, Kyle Brotherton (Ian Mirfin) Red Star AC 100-Mar T54

Steven Bryce (Tommy Boyle) VP-Glasgow 1500 T/F20