Category: A News

Sport for Skills – Brynn Hauxwell, Young Start

The Young Start programme empowers young people (aged between 16 – 24) with a physical, learning and sensory disability throughout Scotland to develop their confidence and coaching skills over a one-year period.

Brynn is one of many of the young people who have taken the opportunities that Young Start has provided them and gained qualifications in coaching/leadership.

Brynn spoke to us about his experience of Young Start and how it opened up the pathway for him not only as a participant but to be able to give back and teach others.

Brynn has always been interested in sports and has recently discovered wheelchair basketball, wheelchair racing, fencing and motorsports. Not only has sport increased Brynn’s physical health but has more importantly improved his mental health. Having that shared interest with someone within the sport gives him someone to talk to and has built his confidence.

Young Start has allowed Brynn to complete both his Boccia and Goalball leaders qualification and he is currently working towards a coaching qualification in fencing. Brynn now shares his knowledge with other individuals with a disability, volunteering with a Boccia and Fencing club in Shetland and also by helping to set up and volunteer at Shetlands first ever Wheelchair Racing club.

Brynn said lots of skills he has learnt through playing sports such as general teamworking, confidence and problem solving allows Brynn to adapt the sport for each individual. Brynn feels through playing sport he is now not afraid to ask for help as it is how he learns, and Brynn has applied this throughout the programme as he continues to improve his coaching skills.

Brynn says the Young Start programme: “Has made a massive difference, boosted confidence in myself to teach others, give advice and coach. This has also transferred to my interactions in my day to day life.”

Young Start applications for the next cohort are now open and close on the 29th September.

Young Start Application form 

Brynn is at the side of the track in a blue racing wheelchair              Brynn is next to a motorsports car which is black and orange with his name on the front

Grampian to kick start this year’s Parasport Festival

Nine Parasport festivals will be held throughout Scotland over 2023/2024 season

Fife is the newest region in Scotland to be hosting a Parasport Festival, taking the number of festivals for this upcoming season to nine.  

Grampian kicks-off the festival season (2023/2024) this coming Friday, 15th September where young people will be able to participate in at least eight sports, including: athletics, table tennis, snow sports, kayaking, swimming, target sports, lawn bowls and judo.  

The Parasport Festivals provide an opportunity for school aged children with physical disabilities, hearing loss and vision impairments to try out disability sport. The festivals not only aim to provide young people with access to sport but also to act as a springboard for continued involvement in sport. This is achieved by highlighting throughout the day, clubs, events and sport organisations that are available locally.  

From the nine Parasport Festivals that took place last year, an impressive 50% of participants attended for the first time.  

“It is a great opportunity for people with disabilities to try new sports, meet friends and most of all show them that they can participate in sport”, said Loraine, a parent of a child that attended a Parasport festival last year.  

The festivals provide a great opportunity to showcase disability sport and pathways to competitive sport, on a local and national scale. 

“I have attended the West Parasport festival for a few years now and because of it I am now competing in wheelchair basketball and swimming. I enjoy it every year and looking forward to the next one,” said participant, Yannick Embley.  

 “Following on from the Parasport festival, I now play wheelchair basketball with Dundee Dragons which has enabled me to connect with other people, but the biggest thing is the fun from training and playing, keeping me fit”, commented Nathanael Scott, Parasport festival participant.  

As Fife prepares to host their first festival, Gayle Sloan (SDS’ Regional Manager for Fife), said: “Parasport Festivals are such a special event for all involved. Bringing together participants, clubs, coaches and volunteers from across Fife to celebrate inclusivity, health and wellbeing and friendship. We’re so excited to be hosting our first ever Fife Parasport Festival and being part of this unique experience.” 

The majority of Parasport festivals will take place in the first quarter of 2024. Fife’s festival will be held in February (date TBC) whilst the West (4th), Tayside (6th and 9th), Central (13th) and East (19th) will all take place throughout March. Dumfries and Galloway and Highland dates will be released at a later date.  

For more information about the Parasport festivals and how to get involved, please email: admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or call: 0131 317 1130 

Paratriathlon Athlete Search – Everyone Starts Somewhere!

This year British Triathlon will be holding events across the UK in October and November, come and take your first steps on the journey to becoming a potential Paralympic medallist.  During the event you will have the opportunity to take part a number of activities lead by GB coaches in the following:

  • Pool swim
  • Transition Games
  • Static Bike test
  • Run/Push

Full information can be found on the British Triathlon website here: https://www.britishtriathlon.org/paratriathlontalentid

Everyone starts somewhere 2023 with dates

Para Surf Scotland

History was made on the weekend of the 2nd and 3rd of September 2023 with Scotland’s first ever Para Surfing National Championships and training weekend taking place at Dunnet Beach.

Three surfers from Aberdeenshire and one from East Lothian made the journey to the Scottish Surfing Federation event with water support and safety from SurfABLE Scotland and the Wave Project Scotland. An international SSF judging panel comprising of a South African, an Indonesian and Scot as well as an Australian contest director helped make this event a tremendous success as well as all other SSF volunteers on hand.

Full information and pictures can be seen on the Scottish Surfing Federation website here.

Gordon Reid & Alfie Hewett into First All-British Grand Slam Singles Final in Open Era

Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid made history at the US Open in New York on Friday night when Hewett’s 6-0, 6-1 victory over Argentina’s Gustavo Fernandez and Reid’s 6-0, 6-3 victory over Stephane Houdet of France resulted in the first all-British singles final at any of the four Grand Slam tournaments in the Open Era.

Both supported by the LTA’s Elite Wheelchair Programme, Hewett and then Reid each produced sensational performances in their respective semi-finals on Louis Armstrong Stadium as Hewett booked his place in his seventh successive men’s singles final in his seven US Open appearances since 2017. After completing victory over Fernandez with an ace after exactly an hour of play, world No.2 Hewett, said:

“It’s a good feeling. To reach another final is something I’m very happy with, but I set my standards high. It looks good out there, but I believe that can become my norm. It’s what we train for, to be able to produce performances like that.”

Looking ahead to the potential of an all-British final on Sunday, Hewett added:

“It’s good for British tennis, obviously, and it’s good for wheelchair tennis. In the UK we want to promote it as much as possible and having two Brits in a final, you can’t ask for much more. It really puts the sport on the map and exposes the sport to a wider audience.”

The first set of world No.7 Reid’s fourth US Open semi-final since 2013 was almost a carbon copy of Hewett’s performance as he took the opener after winning 24 points and restricted the Frenchman to just seven. After completing his victory in an hour and six minutes, Reid, the 2016 Australian Open and Wimbledon championl, said:    

“There have been a few tough losses here over the years and a few very close matches as well, so I’m ecstatic to finally get over the line and reach my first singles final here. I’m really happy with the performance today and I executed the game plan really well. I’m going to be up against someone I know really well and it’s going to be a big challenge, but I’m looking forward to the match already. I’ve got nothing to lose on Sunday.”

Elsewhere, Andy Lapthorne’s hopes of lifting a third US Open quad singles title came to an end after a 6-2, 6-1 loss to world No.1 Niels Vink of the Netherlands. Lapthorne will have chance to try and avenge that loss on Saturday when he partners South Africa’s Donald Ramphadi in the quad doubles final. The reigning French Open champions face No.1 seeds Sam Schroder and Vink.

Saturday’s penultimate day of play in New York will also see Derbyshire duo Dahnon Ward and Joshua Johns bid to complete a British title double as the second edition of the US Open Junior Wheelchair Tennis Championships comes to a close.

Ward, runner-up in the boys’ singles last year, returned to the final this year after beating Austrian second seed Maximilian Taucher 6-1, 6-3. He will now play Italian No.1 seed Francesco Felici.      

Meanwhile, Johns and Ward beat the No.2 seeds, Ivar van Rijt of the Netherlands and Australian Benjamin Wenzel,  7-6(5), 6-1 to reach the boys’ doubles final. They will now play American duo Charlie Cooper and Tomas Majetic for the title.

East Disability Badminton Come & Try Event

Badminton Scotland are delighted to be delivering a Disability Badminton Come and Try Session. This event is specifically designed to introduce young people and adults with a physical or learning disability to badminton.  Since Badminton is a Paralympic sport, we are on the lookout for those who have a physical disability to join our pathway programmes.

Date: 23rd September

Venue: Oriam, Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS

Time: 14:00-16:00

Cost: no cost to attend

Register online here

Vacancy: Disability Sport Glasgow (SCIO) Vice Chairperson (Voluntary)

Disability Sport Glasgow (SCIO) are looking for a person to take up the position of Vice Chairperson within their Charitable Organisation.

Skills/Qualities Required:

  • Able to support Chair Person
  • Able to stand in for Chair in their absence
  • Enthusiastic, friendly, approachable
  • Good organisational skills
  • Prepared to make a regular time commitment
  • Prepared to make decisions when necessary
  • Able to undertake some public speaking and chair meetings
  • Able to delegate to committee members
  • Run efficient meetings

Main duties:

  1. Support and if required, manage the executive committee and the affairs of the Branch.
  2. In the Chair’s absence oversee and guide all decisions taken by the executive committee and sub committees.
  3. Help to prepare and submit any statutory documents that are required (OSCR, grant aid reports).
  4. Support the secretary on the agenda and reports. Be familiar with the Constitution, club rules, committee procedures and all SDS rules and regulations.
  5. Liaise and support the Treasurer to ensure that financial aspects are appropriately managed. Keep abreast of all developments from SDS that involve the Glasgow Branch.

This role would:

  • Allow the person to extend their professional network
  • Give development opportunities such as event management, Disability Awareness, Safeguarding
  • Allow the person to work with similarly minded colleagues to help shape and support a wide range and young people and adults with a disability often excluded from mainstream clubs.

For more information, please contact: John Owens (Chair Person) john.owens17@ntlworld.com, Mobile No: 07854 821053

SDS receive Young Start award from the National Lottery Community Fund 

We are delighted to announce that we have received a Young Start award from The National Lottery Community Fund.
This funding will empower more young people (aged between 16 – 24) living with vision impairment, hearing loss, physical and learning disabilities to gain new skills, qualifications and experiences with the support of mentors. We will support young people to become sports coaches and leaders within their local communities throughout Scotland.
The programme is for young people, designed by young people. Young people are truly at the heart of the design, development and review of the programme.
The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland Chair, Kate Still, said:
“We are always keen to support projects that put Scotland’s young people at the heart of the development and running of services.”
Gavin Macleod, CEO of Scottish Disability Sport, commented:

“Scottish Disability Sport would like to thank the National Lottery Community fund for its continued support of our Young Start programme. This funding will make a significant impact on the lives of the young people involved and allow us to help participants meet their full potential through physical activity and sport.”

The SDS Young Start Futures team commented:
“We will be the voice of young people in Scotland. We are the future. We will inspire the future.” 
If you (or someone you know) would like to benefit from the Young Start programme, apply before the 18th September at https://sds.justgo.com/workbench/public/events?ref=566174801C7E8E3ECB4E0C0AD63C909A765B94EB where you’ll also find more information.

Go Kids Go Wheelchair Skills Training

Free, fun and inclusive sessions for 2-18 year olds. Extra wheelchairs are provided so the whole family can join in.

  • Manual or powered wheelchairs
  • Propulsion and manoeuvring
  • Slopes and rough ground
  • Back wheel balancing
  • Road safety
  • Emergency evacuation techniques
  • Wheelchair sports and dance
  • Aberdeen, Saturday 14th October: Aberdeen
  • Glasgow, Monday 16th October: Glasgow
  • Edinburgh, Tuesday 17th October: Edinburgh
Scottish Swimmers from the British Swimming Team emerge onto poolside wearing their British Swimming kit.

Scottish Success at World Para Swimming Championships

After weeks of top-level aquatic competition in Fukuoka, the baton has been passed onto Manchester, as the city gears up to host the World Para Swimming Championships from 31 July to 6 August.

Descending on the northern powerhouse are 546 swimmers from 67 nations around the globe – as the world’s best para swimmers set their sights on world titles, records and personal bests, one year out from the Paris Paralympic Games. Seven Scots will make a splash in the 2002 Commonwealth Games venue as part of a 28-strong Great Britain team, which features multiple Paralympic and World Champions. There were multiple medallists and finalist from the Scottish swimmers who were part of the GB team. Congratulations to all swimmers on their excellent performances

Relays

49 points  mixed 4x 100m medley relay Stephen Clegg and his teammates finished 4th

49 points mixed 4 x 100 medley relay Stephen Clegg and his teammates finished 4th

34 points 4x100m Medley 34pts Relay, the quartet of Sam Downie, Faye Rogers and Ollie Carter with teammate , Maisie Summers-Newton came 6th

34 points 4x100m Medley 34pts Relay, included Sam Downie, Faye Rogers and Ollie Carter with teammate , Grace Harvey came 8th

S14  4 x 100 mixed medley relay Scott Quin and his teammates finished in Silver medal position

Individual Finalist

 

Faye Rogers (Grampian)

S10 100 metres freestyle – 7th &  Scottish Record

S10 100m butterfly – Gold  & European Record

S10 200IM – Bronze

S10 400m Freestyle – Bronze

 

Toni Shaw (Grampian)

S9 400m freestyle – Bronze

SM9 200 IM – 7th

S9 100m butterfly – 5th

 

Stephen Clegg (Lothian)

S12 100m freestyle- Silver

S12 100 back – Gold

S12 100m fly – Silver

S12 50m freestyle – 4th

 

Scott Quin (Lothian)

SB14 100m Breaststroke

 

Sam Downie (Lothian)

S8 400m freestyle – 7th

S8 100m backstroke – Bronze

 

Louis Lawlor (Glasgow)

S14 100m backstroke  – 6th

 

Ollie Carter

S10 400m freestyle – 5th

 

Speaking of the competition as a whole, Paul Wilson, Scottish Swimming Disability Performance Development Manager said:

“It’s fantastic to see the success of our Scottish Para Swimmers as part of the Great Britain team at the World Para Swimming Championships in Manchester this past week. There have been a number of standout performances.

If you or anyone you know would like to get involved in swimming please contact: admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or Telephone 0131 317 1130