Category: A News

Hewett and Reid end Queen’s Campaign on a High

Hewett and Reid end Queen’s campaign on a high with doubles win after singles semi-final defeats

Great Britain’s Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid both missed out on the chance to reach the final of the first ever wheelchair tennis tournament at the Fever-Tree Championships, but maintained hopes of winning the men’s doubles with a convincing win over Spain’s Daniel Caverzaschi and Stefan Olsson of Sweden.

Sunday’s inaugural wheelchair tennis singles final at The Queen’s Club will see Sweden’s reigning Wimbledon champion Stefan Olsson play France’s US Open champion Stephane Houdet after they beat Hewett and Reid respectively in the men’s singles semi-finals.

Hewett was unable to capitalise on earning the first break of the opening set against Olsson and although the 20-year-old British No.1 and World No.2 battled back from 2-0 down to lead the second set, he met an in-form Olsson, with the world No.6  taking the last four games to complete a 6-3, 6-3 victory.

Reid enjoyed more success in the second semi-final, breaking Houdet in the last game of the opening set. However, the Frenchman made the decisive move deep in the second set to force the decider. With Reid missing the opportunity to level the final set at 2-2, Houdet went on to seal  a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory with an ace on match point.

Speaking after the match, Reid said: “It was quite a frustrating match for me because I felt like I started well.  I played a good first set and then there were chances for me to go out of reach in the second set and I didn’t take them.  I thought I was in control of the match, and most of the points were within my control but I wasn’t accurate enough to finish them off.

“I love playing on grass, and it is great to play on home turf as well – that has added an extra dimension to the matches here.  There are a lot of positives to take – it is great to some matches on grass and work out what needs to be improved on as well.”

The tournament ended on a high for the British pair however and they maintained their hopes of winning the men’s doubles round robin tournament with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Caverzaschi and Olsson to finish the doubles event with one win and won loss.

The reigning Wimbledon and US Open doubles champions showed their experience against the rookie partnership of Caverzaschi and Olsson, breaking their opponents’ serve to love on several occasions, including when closing out the first set and the match.

Both Brits were in positive mood after the match as they continue their build up to defending their Wimbledon crown, with Reid saying “It was really nice to end on a high and also a great performance.  I thought we dominated the match from start to finish and produced some of our best tennis.  It is great for the confidence, so all eyes on Wimbledon now.”

Partner Hewett echoed those thoughts, adding “It was good to bounce back.  Yesterday was a tough doubles – there were quite a few things we wanted to work on, and I think we came on today and played the tennis we wanted to play so that was very positive.

“Next for us is the exhibition match at Eastbourne on Friday – that will be a great demonstration to showcase the sport, like we have here this week.  To be given the chance once again to go to an event like that and play our sport is a great opportunity.”

Photos courtesy of the Tennis Foundation

Three Scots in GB Team for 2018 Inas World Tennis Championships

Great Britain’s leading tennis players with a learning disability will be taking on the world’s best at the 2018 Inas World Championships in Paris from the 14th to the 22nd of July.

The Championships will see 40 of the world’s elite para-athlete tennis players with a learning disability compete to be crowned world champions in men’s and women’s singles and doubles, mixed doubles, and an overall team competition.

Players from nine nations will be competing, including players from Italy, France, Belgium & Australia.  The British team will comprise five players this year, with the following selected to represent their nation:

  • Fabrice Higgins  (23 – Chorley, Lancashire)
  • Dominic Iannotti (20 – Prestwick, Scotland)
  • Thomas Mellor (28 – Cheltenham, Gloucestershire)
  • Luke Turnbull ( 14 – North Berwick, Scotland)
  • Anna McBride (14 –  Dunfermline, Scotland)

Fabrice Higgins, Dominic Ianotti & Thomas Mellor will all be looking to emulate last year’s success where team GB won a total of five medals, whilst Luke Turnbull & Anna McBride will be making their World Championships debut.

Coached by the Tennis Foundation’s Head of Coaching and Talent Karen Ross, selection for Great Britain’s Inas World Tennis Championships team is part of a high performance elite pathway for players with a learning disability, accessed through a strong collaboration between Britain’s leading tennis charity, the Tennis Foundation and the UK Sports Association (UKSA), the official Great Britain member of INAS. Commenting on the partnership, Tracey McCillen, Chief Executive of the UK Sports Association said:

 “The Tennis Foundation’s collaboration with UKSA to enable British athletes to compete at Inas Championships illustrates the real success that can be achieved if everyone moves forward together. Our collaboration spans a number of years and has enabled real success for British players who are amongst the best in the World. There is a powerful message here for sport across the UK that with a forward thinking approach and a commitment to a wider performance landscape beyond just Olympic and Paralympic that British athletes can and will achieve.”

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Tennis Foundation coach Ross added: “Great Britain is one of the leading nations for disability tennis and our record at the Inas World Championships is proof of that. We’ve had some great success in previous years and are looking to make this year the most triumphant yet!”

This year’s tournament is the ninth World Championships since the inaugural event in Australia in 2004. The tournament begins with an opening ceremony on Sunday 15th July, with play starting from Monday 16th July to Saturday 21st July. The World Championships are part of the 2018 Inas European Summer Games –  a multi-sport event. To find out more about the Tennis Foundation’s work with disability tennis, visit http://www.tennisfoundation.org.uk or get in touch via info@tennisfoundation.org.uk.

GB Paralympian wins Glenrothes 10K

Congratulations to Derek Rae from Fife AC for a fine run and an excellent win in the 10K at the Glenrothes Road Running Festival on Sunday 17th June.

Derek led from the start and finished in a time of 33.15. This was just reward for all the hard work he has put in with coach Ron Morrison since he returned from his spectacular performance in a GB vest at the 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon. It is worth noting that the T46 Para athlete finished off his day with a nine mile cool down run back to his home in Kirkcaldy.

The Glenrothes Road Running Festival is organised by the Fife Olympiad Committee in conjunction with Fife Sports and Leisure Trust. The start and finish are at the Michael Woods Sports & Leisure Centre and the event incorporates a 4K, 2K and 300m a junior jog. There is something for everybody on the schedule and the programme is inclusive of all communities.

Derek was just outside his personal best of 32.32 for 10k, a time he set at the City of Stirling 10K in 2017. During the week he was involved as a volunteer at the Disability Sport Fife (DSF) Track and Field Championships at Pitreavie Athletics Centre. Following the 10K Derek made time for a photograph with DSF member Graham Law who once again completed the 4K race within the Road Running Festival. Derek is an ambassador and peer mentor volunteer for Disability Sport Fife.

Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife

West & Central Regional Dressage 2018

On Tuesday 29th May, Glasgow RDA kindly hosted the West & Central Scotland Regional Dressage Competition.  On a dry sunny day, but thankfully not too hot, the riders, who had trained hard for weeks, were ready for their Dressage tests.  This year sadly, due to a number of unforeseen circumstances there were less competitors than in previous years but Glasgow, Equipower, Carrick, Forth Valley and Gareloch groups were represented.  The competition was no less keen.  Sadly, due to the small numbers of participants we had to cancel the Countryside Challenge and Tack and Turn out.  Hopefully all will be restored for next year.

Thanks to the fantastic input from their coaches, volunteers and the support of the horse owners, it was clear that all the effort had paid off as many riders were presented with rosettes and trophies too.

This year four competitors with be travelling down for the National Championships which will be held at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire in July.

It was a great pleasure to have four ladies representing two groups in our Region of the Trefoil Guild there to present the prizes.  The ladies told me how delighted they were to attend and how inspired they were with the skills and competitiveness of all our  riders.  The National Trefoil Guild have chosen the RDA as their Charity of the Year and are sponsoring the Countryside Challenge at the National Championships In addition, groups have been fund raising and donating to RDA groups throughout this year.  Mrs. Susan McNeil from the Glasgow Board also very kindly assisted with the prize giving.

West & Central Regional Committee would like to thank Glasgow RDA , our judges, writers, and all the organisers and helpers for a tremendous day.

WEST & CENTRAL REGIONAL RESULTS 2018: DRESSAGE QUALIFYING CLASSES

Lindsay Trophy Winner: Carys Marie Williams – Gareloch

DRESSAGE  NON- QUALIFYING CLASSES

Gardner Trophy Winner: Leah Syme – Equi-Power

If you are interested in volunteering or want to loan a pony to your local RDA contact: Gillie Drapper on 01360 860 243

Photograph information
Trefoil Guild Ladies: Winnie Patrick, Lena Ross of Bishopbriggs, Joy Thomson and Ann Young of NorLan
Lindsay Trophy – Carys Marie Williams Gareloch RDA
Gardner Trophy –  Leah Syme – Equi-Power RDA

Love Selected for GB Women’s World Champs Squad

Robyn Love is among 12 players selected to represent GB at the 2018 World Wheelchair Basketball Championships which are scheduled for 16th-26th August in Hamburg, Germany.

The 27 year old, who represented GB at the 2016 Paralympics is the sole Scot selected for the Championships and will be hoping to make her mark in Germany.  Love, known for her fierce rebounding skills and consistent shooting will be an integral part of the GB side who will be hoping to continue their run of good form, after recently claiming victory at the Lyon Wheelchair Basketball Competition.

Love, originally from Ayr, is part of a squad which is an exciting blend of youth and experience with nine of the twelve selected players having represented Paralympics GB in Rio two years ago.  The former Lothian Phoenix star began her journey as a wheelchair basketball player only 5 years ago after making contact with current basketballscotland’s Disability Talent and Pathways Manager Tina Gordon who set her on the successful journey to the top of the sport.  The 3.5 point player currently plays for Oldham Owls and Angels of the North.

Great Britain have been drawn alongside reigning champions Canada as well as Spain, Brazil, Australia and Netherlands in Pool A with the top four teams from each pool qualifying for the quarter final stage.  The medal games will be played on Saturday 25th August.

A list of the GB Woman’s Pool A fixtures can be found below –

  • Thursday 16th August – Brazil (10.15am)
  • Friday 17th August – Canada (1.00pm)
  • Sunday 19th August – Spain (9.00am)
  • Monday 20th August – Australia (7.15pm)
  • Wednesday 22nd August – Netherlands (5pm)

More information on the slection for the World Championships can be found at www.britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk.

Excellent 10K pushes by Fife Athletes

Congratulations to Graham McIntyre from Leven and Callum Sloan from Dunfermline who recorded personal best performances in the Kilmarnock 10km (Roon the Toon) on Sunday 10th June. The event is organised  Kilmarnock Harriers and AC. by It was a tough course for the Disability Sport Fife wheelchair racing squad members but they coped well and received very positive feedback from their coach Pamela Robson.

For Queen Anne HS teenager Callum it was his first push over 10K and he completed the course in a creditable 47.39. Graham is still coming to terms with his new racing wheelchair and was pleased with his time of 32.39.

Both athletes are now well and truly ready for the Disability Sport Fife Track and Field Championships to be held at Pitreavie Athletics centre on Wednesday 13th June. The Championships are once again supported by the Fife Sports and Leisure Trust.

Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife

Young Fife Volunteer recognised by Volunteering Matters

Briony Clark has become the 15th Disability Sport Fife volunteer to be acknowledged by UK agency Volunteering Matters for her significant contribution to the development of disability sport in Fife. Briony was one of DSF’s original peer mentor volunteers.

Briony has been involved with GOGA in Fife since it was launched 18 months ago and since she left school she has spent large amounts of her free time supporting others at the Michael Woods Sports & Leisure Centre.

Briony is one of the most talented all round sportwomen in Fife. Briony excelled as a footballer at school and is now an active member of Glenrothes Strollers. She is also very competent in racquet sports, athletics, bowls and is an exceptional swimmer. Some of her sporting activities have been curtailed because of work commitments but not her enthusiasm for volunteering.

Briony volunteers weekly at multi sports, run jump and throws and many sports events throughout the year. Briony is patient, confident and skilled with participants with severe and complex needs in particular. Briony has the ability to pursue a coaching pathway but for the moment is happy to be a peer mentor volunteer and a particularly good one at that. Briony is enthusiastic, reliable and exceptionally popular within her peer group.

Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife

 

Third Place Finish for Scotland’s Footballers in Barcelona

The Scottish National Cerebral Palsy Football team returned home from the International Trophy CP Football Ciutat de Barcelona organised by the Catalan Sports Federation of Cerebral Palsy (FECPC) with a very creditable third place finish after four days of competition.

Scotland were drawn in a tough qualifying group against Argentina, Denmark and CP United. The Scots got off to a flying start with a solid 6-3 victory of the CP United club side.

In their second fixture they faced a more difficult test against an Argentinian side currently ranked 5th in the World. The Scots have been out of the international picture for the last two years and this lack of match experienced showed with a 6-1 victory to Argentina.

This put the pressure on the Scottish team for their final group match against Denmark. However, the Scots rallied and secured a deserved 5-0 win against the side ranked 18th in the world.

This result meant Scotland were drawn to face the SW CP United in the 3rd/4th play-off match. The Scots had grown in confidence as the competition had progressed and this was demonstrated with a comfortable 9-0 win over the English club side.

This was an excellent return to the international scene for the Scottish National Cerebral Palsy Football team and we now hope to build on this success and see Scotland back competing at World and European Championships.

The following players were named in the squad to compete for Scotland in Barcelona;

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 were supported at the competition by Head Coach Greig Taylor, along with Assistant Coaches Graeme Robertson and Scott Christie.

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.

If you are interested in getting involved with the Scottish National Cerebral Palsy Football team or providing much needed funding to help the team achieve their goal of World and European competition, please contact Gavin Macleod on 0131 317 1150 or at gavin.macleod@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

Tayside Triathlete thrives in Eton Dorney Open

Ciara Roulston shone for Tayside at the Eton Dorney Open Paratriathlon. The Artic One sponsored event, was Ciara’s first Paratriathlon. Not only was the event a great development experience, it also saw Ciara take home 1st place in the Super Sprint.

Ciara is an emerging triathlete based in Kirriemuir, whose dedication to individual training has been irrefutable. Relatively new to the sport, Ciara has gone from strength to strength in terms of her training. Ciara’s approach and attitude to training is first class and she does a great job of looking for support and guidance from supporting organisations. This combined with her work ethic is sure to culminate in additional gains to her performance over time.

Ciara commented “I couldn’t be happier with how my first race went. To come away with a first in my first race, I’m still in shock.  I’ve trained hard and know I have to train harder still. I have plenty to work on but am taking lots of positives from this event.”

Ciara Roulston attended her first Paratriathlon event at the Eton Dorney Open Paratriathlon. The event, supported by Artic One, saw Ciara competing in the Para Super Sprint.

UKSA announce team for 1st Inas European Summer Games in Paris

Britain’s best athletes cross the channel in July to take on some of the World’s best at the inaugural Inas Summer Games as part of the UK Sports Association (UKSA) Great Britain Team.  UKSA is proud to announce its athletics, cycling and swimming Teams, with further announcements in Tennis, in collaboration with the Tennis Foundation to follow.

British representation spans the 4 sports of athletics, cycling, tennis and swimming and includes previous internationals Declan Manning and Nathan Fleetwood as well as six others making their GB international debuts for UKSA.

Supported by a dedicated team of coaching professionals, expectations are high as athletes continue to prepare to demonstrate their sporting prowess.

Tracey McCillen, Chief Executive, UK Sports Association comments: “We really have seen some excellent performances from the British Team already. We set competitive standards for the event and this has without a doubt shown that British athletes are ready to rise the challenges that this performance environment will throw at them.

“The Inas Summer Games will be challenging, but we have selected a Team of strong talented athletes who are ready to do the job. We have a dedicated group of coaches supporting the Team and I am delighted that one of those coaches is a former Paralympian who started his career as an Inas competitor. Congratulations to all athletes and coaches on their selection to the UKSA GB Team.”

The full Athletics, Cycling and Swimming Team members are:

Athletics:

Declan Manning (Bungay, Suffolk)
Nathan Fleetwood (Lanark, Lanarkshire)
Sam Fernando (Gateside, Fife)
Chris McMillan (Leicester, Leicestershire)
Charlotte Cox, (Cambridge, Cambridgeshire)
Jane Coia, Team Manager/Coach
Tommy Patterson, Deputy Team Manager/Coach
Kevin Manning, Coach

Cycling:

Ruairidh Brown (E. Kilbride, South Lanarkshire)
Kiera Byland (Bolton, Grt. Manchester)
Tom A Hara, Team Manager/Coach
Graeme Brown, Coach

Swimming:

Rachel Tweedie (New Mills, Derbyshire)
Jessica Tweedie, Team Manager/Coach
Dan Pepper, Coach

Tennis announcement to follow

The UK Sports Association (UKSA) is the only official Great Britain member of Inas, the International Federation for athletes with intellectual impairment, Down syndrome and autism.

Hosted by Fédération Française du Sport Adapté on behalf of Inas Europe, the Inas Summer Games will take place in Paris, France from 14 July to 22 July 2018.  With 9 sports in contention, it is expected that over 1000 participants will take part.

The Championships will incorporate the Inas European Championships in Athletics and Swimming and the Inas World Championships in Cycling and Tennis.