For the second year running, it was a blisteringly hot day at Hopetoun House for the RDA Qualifiers.  Teams from Garioch, Forth Driving, Argyll and Annandale & Eskdale produced some close competition.

West & Central qualifying success came for Alison Colvin (Forth Driving ) was 2^nd in the Open Qualifiers, driving Rosie, Linda Farquhar (Forth Driving) was 1^st  in the Intermediate Qualifiers, driving Rosie and Emma Hunter (Forth Driving) was 2^nd  in the Novice, driving Ozzy.  Unfortunately, only two Forth drivers are able to go down to Hartpury and as Alison has been twice before, this year will be the turn of Linda and Emma.

The Fliskmillan Trophy is for new comers to competition or for those that love to compete but are struggling to remember a dressage test or learn the cones/obstacle course.   Ellen Kennedy, Jamie Buckley, and Holly Cartwright, all from Argyll and Lizzie Jackson from Forth Driving , put in tremendous efforts for West & Central.  They all put aside their competition nerves and faced the dressage section.  Then it was back in again to focus on the very challenging obstacles and cones course.  We were thrilled to watch and I hope that they were all thrilled with their achievements.   The winner of the Fliskmillan Trophy was Lizzie Jackson from Forth Driving.

The RDA Challenge Trophy for the group achieving the Highest Cumulative Score in the RDA classes, was won by Annandale & Eskdale.  They were delighted to receive the trophy from Mrs. Sam Orde, RDA Chairman.  Sam had a lovely day meeting and chatting with everyone involved.   She was very impressed by the inclusion of the RDA in the larger competition, giving everyone a real sense of the preparation, excitement and atmosphere of this wonderful event, in such a wonderful setting.

The Scottish Para Lawn bowls team competed against England and Wales in the Home Nations Championships which took place at Clarence Park Bows Club in Weston-Super-Mare from the 8 – 10 June 2018.  The competition included singles, pairs, triples and four bowls formats with each match worth two points to the overall team score.

It was an ideal time to have an international fixture (following the Commonwealth Games) so that coaches could trial new players in this environment as the IBD World Championships in 2020 comes into focus.

Although finishing runners up wasn’t the result we were all looking for, the competition served a great purpose and was hugely beneficial.  There were some fine individual performances and the new players in the team performed well.

Standings

 

Scottish Para Lawn Bowls Squad

 Three Nations Results 2018

SDS would like to celebrate and recognise the dedicated and committed volunteers who work tirelessly to make Disability Sport in Scotland happen. To round off Volunteers Week, today we would like to turn the spotlight on Darren Thomson, a dedicated and self-effacing volunteer who has been involved with boccia for over 25 years, the last seven of which as an international referee.

Darren established a boccia club in Dundee 15 years ago and still coaches every week.  Last night he attended a coach development workshop and this weekend he will be found at sportscotland National Sports Training Centre Inverclyde, officiating at the UK Boccia Championships.  He is renowned for his calmness under pressure whilst officiating and as a result has been selected to referee at the BISFed 2018 World BOCCIA Championships in Liverpool from 12th-18th August.

Darren has given tirelessly of his time, effort and commitment at a local, regional, national and international level on ensure the continued development of boccia for all players whether as a coach or official.

If you would like to find out more about boccia, please contact admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com

Gordon Reid reaches fourth Roland Garros semi after beating defending champion Hewett

Gordon Reid booked his place in his fourth Roland Garros men’s singles semi-final on Thursday when the world No. 5 and 2016 finalist produced a confident performance to beat 2017 champion and world No. 1 Alfie Hewett 6-4, 6-4 in an enthralling all-Brit men’s singles quarter-final in Paris.

Reid will now play Shingo Kunieda of Japan in Friday’s semi-finals at the second Grand Slam of 2018.

With one break of serve and one hold of serve apiece Reid and Hewett were locked together after 15 minutes of play and they continued to exchange games until the very end of the opening set. A second break earned 2016 Australian Open and Wimbledon champion Reid the set after 49 minutes, with the Rio Paralympic champion having earned just two points more than Hewett over the course of the ten games.

Reid struck first in the second set to take a 4-2 lead , but as he served for the set at 5-3 Hewett saved three match points, the second with a backhand winner and the third with a well-placed forehand winner before the defending champion pulled a game back. However, Reid earned three more successive match points on Hewett’s serve in the next game and floated a backhand over the net that Hewett failed to reach to wrap up victory after an hour and 30 minutes.

“We were both a little bit nervous and maybe the quality wasn’t very high at the start. But once I settled into the match, I felt I returned pretty smartly and I started to cause him problems on my serve and that helped me dictate the rest of the point,” said Reid, who also reached the semi-finals in Paris in 2013 and 2014 before reaching the 2016 final.

“It’s tough to play each other because we know each other’s games so well. We put a lot of time in to understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses to help improve our doubles. That always makes it difficult, when you then have to play against each other in a singles court. But we are used to it and have done it enough times now.”

“It was a close match. I think it was quite even. It was a few points that really decided it. At the end of the day, Gordon played the bigger points better than I did.” said Hewett. “We’ve got the rest of today off, so rest and tomorrow we have our doubles, so we’ll so prepare the same we always prepare and really want to get that title this year.”

Reid will first play Kunieda for the first time since beating the world No. 3 in the final of the Japan Open Super Series three week ago.

“I love playing against Shingo every time I get an opportunity to get on the court with him because for me, he is the best player that has ever played the sport. Obviously, it’s going to be a really tough match, he is on great form at the moment, he is very confident. It’s going to be very difficult, but I think if I can produce my best tennis, I will have a chance,” said Reid.

Two-time Wimbledon champions and reigning US Open champions Hewett and Reid play Frederic Cattaneo of France and Stefan Olsson of Sweden on Friday in a bid to reach their second successive Roland Garros doubles final together.

“Alfie and I, we haven’t won this tournament together yet. I’ve had some success here in doubles in the past, but it would be great to have that all-British success,” added Reid.

Nominations are invited from those connected with SDS for awards that will be presented at the AGM on 16^th September 2018. 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 20th August 2018, 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

Following strong performances at the recent British Para Swimming International Meet 2018, incorporating the penultimate leg of the World Para Swimming World Series, five Scottish athletes have been named in the squad of twenty-four who will be making the short trip to Dublin in August for the World Para Swimming Allianz European Championships.

Andrew Mullen (City of Glasgow Swim Team), Conner Morrison and Toni Shaw (University of Aberdeen Performance Swim Team), Scott Quin (Warrender Baths Club) and Stephen Clegg (City of Sunderland)  will take on the best of European para swimming across seven days in August.

Rob Aubry, British Para-Swimming Head Coach said: “We have seen some excellent performances at this weekend’s British Para-Swimming International Meet World Para-Swimming World Series.

“It has shown us that we have many great para-swimmers in this country who can hold their own against, and beat, some of the World’s best.

“We set competitive selection times deliberately to bring out the best in our swimmers and test what they can do in the pressure of the arena, and many rose to that challenge.

“The Europeans will be a challenging meet but I’m certain we have selected the right swimmers for the job. I’m delighted that eight swimmers will be making their debut for the British senior team.”

The full squad is:

Jessica-Jane Applegate (UEA Norwich)

Jordan Catchpole (UEA Norwich)

Stephen Clegg (City of Sunderland)

Louise Fiddes (Hatfield)

Bethany Firth (ARDS SC)

Grace Harvey (National Performance Centre Manchester)

Tom Hamer (National Performance Centre Manchester)

Ollie Hynd (Nova Centurion)

Mikey Jones (National Performance Centre Manchester)

Tully Kearney (COMAST)

Jacob Leach (Cockermouth SC)

Conner Morrison (University of Aberdeen Performance)

Andrew Mullen (City of Glasgow)

Zara Mullooly (Guildford City Swimming Club)

Scott Quin (Warrender Baths Club)

Rebecca Redfern (Worcester Swimming Club)

Megan Richter (Orion)

Ellie Robinson (Northampton SC)

Hannah Russell (COMAST/National Performace Centre Manchester)

Toni Shaw (University of Aberdeen Performance)

Ellie Simmonds (Camden Swiss Cottage SC)

Maisie Summers-Newton (Northampton SC)

Alice Tai (National Performance Centre Manchester)

Lewis White (City of Derby)

The World Para Swimming Allianz European Championships will take place at the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin from August 13 to 19. More than 550 para-swimmers from 37 countries are set to take part.

It will be the first ever major international para sport event to take place in Ireland.

To buy tickets and find out more about the championships click here

SDS is delighted to see athletes and support staff being recognised and congratulated at Downing Street for the Prime Minister’s reception to after participating in the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

Pictured: Elinor Middlemiss, Neal Fachie MBE, Matt Rotherham, Jennifer Livingstone

The Scottish National Cerebral Palsy Football Team are due to return to the international stage this month when they travel to Barcelona from 7th – 10th June to compete in the International Trophy CP Football Ciutat de Barcelona organised by the Catalan Sports Federation of Cerebral Palsy (FECPC).

Scotland will face experienced international teams in Barcelona with Argentina, Denmark and the USA competing along with teams from Catalonia and CP United. The Scots first group match will be against CP United on the 7^th June followed by Argentina on the 8^th and Denmark on the 9^th. The final ranking matches will take place on the 10^th June followed by the presentation of medals.

Scotland have selected an exciting blend of experience and youth for Barcelona with the following players being named in the squad;

Barry Halloran, Motherwell

Martin Hickman, Glasgow

Scott Martin, London

Lewis McIntyre, Kilbarchan

Jamie Mitchell, Livingston

Mark Robertson, Roslin

Robert Millar, Dunoon

Blair Glynn, Tranent

Stephen Young, Dunfermline

Ross Russell, Bishopbriggs

Blair McGregor, Glasgow

Dean Thornton, Glasgow

Ian Paton, Kilmarnock

Matthew Wynne, Eaglesham

The players will be supported at the competition by Head Coach Greig Taylor, along with Assistant Coaches Graeme Robertson and Scott Christie and Physiotherapist, Dr Elaine Coulter.

Our sincere thanks go to the Scottish FA, NorDan UK Ltd, The Blue Eyes Sports Foundation and Fresh Interior Solutions for their generous support of the Scottish National Cerebral Palsy Football Team.

 

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is the recognised governing body for boccia in Scotland and is responsible for leading and developing the sport at all levels.  The UK Boccia Championships is the key singles event on the calendar for our players.  Following the Scottish Championships, a team of nine players have been selected to represent Scotland at the event which will be held on the 9 and 10 June at the sportscotland National Sports Centre, Inverclyde.

The following players and coaches will represent Scotland:

BC1
Reegan Stevenson

BC2
Callum Glasgow

BC3
Scott McCowan (2017 Champion)
Jamie McCowan
Patrick Wilson
Sean McCann

BC4
Stephen McGuire (2017 Champion)
Peter McGuire
Ross Munro

Coaching Staff
Andrinne Craig
Jennifer Livingstone
Lewis McConnell

Gordon Reid made it back-to-back Japan Open Super Series men’s singles wheelchair tennis titles on Saturday when the Rio Paralympic champion defeated world No.3 Shingo Kunieda of Japan 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 in Iizuka.

Reid ends the tournament as singles and doubles champion in the same year in Iizuka for the first time after partnering fellow Brit Alfie Hewett to win Friday’s men’s doubles final, when Kunieda was again on the opposite side of the net. Reid also leaves Asia with three titles in three events in two weeks after winning the men’s singles at last week’s Korea Open ITF 1 Series.

As well as marking another successful tournament for players on the Tennis Foundation’s Wheelchair Tennis World Class Programme, Saturday’s victory means Reid has now won three career singles titles at Super Series level, the highest tier of standalone wheelchair tennis tournaments outside of the four Grand Slams.

“It means a lot to me to win the Japan Open for a second year running. Shingo is always a tough opponent and somebody I enjoy sharing the court with, so it was a great moment for me today in front of a fantastic crowd. Taking the title is the perfect end to this tour for me and I’m looking forward to taking this confidence into the rest of the tournaments over the summer.,” said Reid, who reached Saturday’s final after four straight sets wins, including a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Hewett in the second all-Brit Super Series singles semi-final between the two players this season.

Reid and Hewett claimed their third Super Series men’s doubles title together on Friday without having dropped a set in Iizuka. The top seeds beat the second seeds, Argentina’s Gustavo Fernandez and Kunieda, 7-6(5), 6-4 in the final. Reid is now a two-time Japan Open men’s doubles champion after winning the 2015 title partnering Kunieda.

Former Australian Open and Wimbledon men’s singles champion Reid and reigning Roland Garros singles champion Hewett will now look forward to returning to Paris for the second Grand Slam of 2018 in early June. However, before then they will lead the Great Britain men’s challenge at the BNP Paribas World Team Cup, which takes place in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, from 28 May – 3 June.

Photo courtesy of Gordon Reid