Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) are working in partnership with Edinburgh Active Schools and [EN]GAGE Sports Centre at Napier University to deliver a new weekly Boccia session for individuals with a disability across Edinburgh and the East of Scotland.

This exciting new opportunity will invite individuals with a physical or learning disability to come and try the sport of Boccia in a friendly and welcoming environment under the guidance of experienced coaches and volunteers.  The session is being funded through The Big Lottery Fund, aiming to remove barriers and increase the number of individuals playing the sport across Scotland – as such, there will be no cost attached to the session.

Boccia is a Paralympic Sport and was introduced specifically for athletes with a severe physical disability, however it’s also become a very popular activity for individuals with a learning impairment.  Boccia is a precision ball sport and requires players to propel the ball on to court by throwing, kicking or using a ramp while aiming to finish with their balls closer to the ‘jack ball’ than their opponent.

The session is open to all individuals with a disability, from primary school aged pupils right through to more senior players – we are confident the coaches and volunteers will make you feel comfortable and provide an excellent first experience into the world of Boccia.

Session Details

When:    Every Friday during school term time, starting on the 27th October 2017 (2pm – 3pm)
Where: [EN]GAGE Sports Centre, Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh, EH11,4BN
Who:      Individuals with a physical or learning disability. All ages welcome
Cost:     There will be no cost

Please click here to view the flyer

If you are interested in this opportunity or would like to find out more, please contact Neal Herbert on 0131 625 4414 or email at Neal.Herbert@scottishdisabilitysport.com

Scottish Disability Sport worked in close partnership with East Lothian Council recently to deliver a pilot Boccia programme, the first of its kind delivered in Scotland.  The programme, Boccia Bonanza, is aiming to target individuals with a disability and introduce them to the sport of Boccia with Scottish Disability Sport providing the tools in terms of resources and basic skills, increasing knowledge and understanding of the sport so school staff can replicate and facilitate delivery on a regular basis within the school environment.

Boccia is a Paralympic sport and is designed specifically for athletes with a disability affecting locomotor function, however can be played by anyone who has an interest.  Individuals can throw, kick or use a ramp to propel the ball onto a playing area, aiming to deliver their ball closer to the jack ball than their opponent.

The Boccia Bonanza programme is aiming to introduce the sport in a fun and engaging way, looking to increase the number of individuals playing the game across the country.  The programme includes a set of eight different stations in a circuit format, inviting players to deliver key skills involved in the sport through a variety of enjoyable practices.  Scottish Disability Sport worked closely with four schools in East Lothian – Ross High School (Tranent), Sanderson’s Wynd Primary School (Tranent), The Cover at Dunbar Primary School and Meadowpark (Haddington).

In addition to the Boccia Bonanza, Scottish Disability Sport recently delivered a version of the UK Disability Inclusion Training (UKDIT) as part of the East Lothian Senior Pupil Coach Education programme.  This training workshop welcomed senior pupils from across the local authority, looking to increase their knowledge, understanding and confidence in disability sport.  The workshop also included the resources involved in the Boccia Bonanza programme, providing the senior pupils with the tools to deliver lunch time / after school clubs for young people from their own school who may be interested in playing the sport on a regular basis.

There are a number of local Boccia sessions running across the East of Scotland, with an exciting new session scheduled to start on Friday 27^th October at ENGAGE Sports Centre, Napier University, Edinburgh. 

If you are interested in this opportunity or would like to hear more about Boccia, please contact Scottish Disability Sport Regional Manager Neal Herbert on 0131 625 4414 or neal.herbert@scottishdisabilitysport.com

Name: Ciara Roulston

Branch: Angus Disability Sport

Sport: Paratriathlon

Squads: GB Paratriathlon Development Squad & Triathlon Scotland Academy Squad

How did you get involved in your sport? Discover Your Para Potential campaign after watching the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

How long have you been playing your sport for? Almost a year, I attended the Tri4Tokyo ID in November 2016 and made the development squad shortly afterwards.

Biggest Strength (as an athlete): I am a fast learner and take on advice and tips from my coaches quickly.

What’s the best thing about your sport? I enjoy the variation in training and competition. With three disciplines to master, there’s always something different to do!

What equipment do you need to take part in your sport? Wetsuit, trisuit, goggles, swimming cap, road bike, cycle helmet, cycle prosthesis, tri/cycle shoes, running shoes and hopefully, if the sun’s out my sunglasses.

Greatest sporting achievement: Making the squad.

Favourite Para-athlete: Claire Cunningham, she gives me lots of help and advice.

Favourite athlete to compete against: I would love to compete against Lauren Steadman who is the current top GB paratriathlete in my classification (PTS5). Although I’m always happy for a bit of friendly competition with anyone.

Any advice for someone interested in your sport? The water is always colder than it looks!

Name: Taylor Mackenzie

Branch: Dundee City Disability Sport

Sport: Swimming

Club: Menzieshill Whitehall Swimming & Water Polo Club

How did you get involved in your sport? My mum and dad took me to the Olympia Pool when I was in nursery

How long have you been playing your sport for? Since I was 4 years old. I love the water and don’t feel different from others when I’m swimming.

Biggest Strength (as an athlete): My biggest strength is my love of swimming and my determination to improve my strokes

What’s the best thing about your sport? Swimming is fun and a great workout, it also gives you confidence to push yourself

What equipment do you need to take part in your sport? Other than the obvious things, I would never be without my water bottle, kick-board and fins.

Greatest sporting achievement: Competing in the Scottish Disability Sport National Junior Championships at Tollcross and the Special Olympics in 2017.

Favourite Para-athlete: Bethany Firth, S14 swimmer. I watched every race she was in during the Paralympics in Rio

Favourite athlete to compete against: Another S14 swimmer, Reagan Doig, proud that she is Scottish

Any advice for someone interested in your sport? Always warm up and warm down, show up early for training and have fun.

Derek Rae from Fife AC has successfully reached another milestone in his preparations for his next full marathon with a personal best of 70.06 at the 2017 Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Half Marathon in Glasgow.

The Kirkcaldy man is coached by Ron Morrison from St Andrews. The GB number one in the T46 class for athletes with an upper arm impairment finished in 15th position overall and lowered his half marathon time by an amazing 1 minute and 53 seconds. Last year in the same event Derek finished 27th overall.

Derek ran a personal best at the Virgin London Marathon in April this year of 2:33.24 and followed up with a PB of 32.32 at the City of Stirling 10K in September. To date coach and athlete are pleased with the continued progress as Derek builds up to his next full marathon and an attack on his 2017 London best performance.

Derek is a very committed full time athlete and if industry and commitment make champions then he is destined for the podium. Away from training Derek has become a peer mentor with Disability Sport Fife and last week he attended his first Coach UK workshop. Derek hopes one day to become a Scottish Athletics coach and inspire the next generation of young distance runners. Fife AC and Disability Sport Fife are already convinced he is inspiring many up and coming athletes of all ages and abilities.

Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife