Category: A News

20/12/2023

New Regional Development Manager Joins SDS Family

Kathryn Talbot-Heigh joins as Highlands RDM

By William Moncrieff, Communications Apprentice

Encourage by friends and colleagues to apply, Kathryn Talbot-Heigh joined the SDS team as the Highlands regional development manager in mid-September (2023).

Talbot-Heigh enters the role with a strong skillset gained throughout her years of experience as a coach and instructor. She has always had an interest in sport and working with individuals with a disability, influenced by her personal life as well as her professional. Her career has seen her running her own swim school, coaching at the Grantown swim club and being a gymnastics coach at Inverness Gymnastics club. Talbot-Heigh further gained skills and experience through being a support worker at a local nursery where she worked with an individual with autism and delivered 1-2-1 play therapy.

One of the first things that attracted Talbot-Heigh to the role was the ability to make a difference. This is something that she has always been passionate about and the role will give her the opportunity to do so; having an impact on individuals and at community level.

Talbot-Heigh is conscious that changing perceptions and awareness of disability sport and involvement in mainstream sporting clubs is going to be a challenge but an exciting one that she is already quite familiar with. A way of influencing opinions and perceptions is through opening a dialogue; allowing people to be curious and want to ask questions about disability and disability sport. It’s an area she’d like to develop to help provide more opportunities as well as developing and improving the pathways already available.

Another focus area that the new RDM is looking to work on, is “normalising the disability”.

Photo of Kathryn Talbot-Heigh smiling to camera — Photo of Kathryn Talbot-Heigh

One way in achieving this is giving athletes and coaches out with disability sport, access to disability sport and opportunities to train with athletes with a disability. She believes that if you can provide coaches and players with experiences of participating in Para sports that they will gain more of an understanding and an insight into how to behave, interact and communicate with an individual who has a disability. The hope is that this will result in Para athletes having not only a greater experience but also providing a wider group of individuals chances to become more build understanding and compassion.

Talbot-Heigh is ready to tackle barriers and fight limitations through creative thinking and problem solving throughout her role as the Highlands new regional development manager.

20/12/2023

Tayside to Host 10th Parasport Festival in 2024

Dundee & Angus College will host the 10th Tayside Parasport Festival in March 2024, welcoming pupils from mainstream schools across Angus, Dundee City and Perth & Kinross.

Pupils with either a physical disability, vision impairment or hearing loss are invited to try out nine different sports on Wednesday 6th March, as part of Scottish Disability Sport’s Parasport festival campaign.

Wheelchair Basketball, Badminton, Curling, Judo, Football, Goalball, Boccia, Athletics and Triathlon will be available to try at Dundee & Angus College on the 6th, whilst Paddle sports and swimming will be on offer at Perth Leisure Pool, as a second Parasport day on Saturday 9th March.

Photo of a girl trying canoeing in a swimming pool as part of the Tayside Parasport festival. — Parasport festival participant trying canoe

The event is designed to allow young people to experience a wide range of Para sports delivered by some of the best clubs and coaches available in Tayside. Activities have been selected where strong club links are already established, so that children can continue to participate and develop locally.

It is especially exciting to offer this opportunity during the Paralympic year as we look forward to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games taking place between 28 August to 8 September, where thousands of athletes from over 100 countries will compete and inspire the next generation of young people with a disability.

In 2019, Scottish Disability Sport celebrated 10 years of Parasport Festivals. Please check out this promotional video. We hope this will help to highlight the aims and impact of the Parasport Festival.

Our event is supported by sport coaching and development students from Dundee & Angus College who always do a fantastic job encouraging and supporting the participants throughout the day to ensure everyone feels at ease and participates to the best of their ability.

“It’s always great to see so many pupils with smiles on their faces all day long learning new skills, increasing confidence and making new friends. For many, their sporting journey starts now and I look forward to following up with everyone to support them into weekly participation for the sports they enjoyed”, said Graeme Doig, SDS Tayside Regional development Manager (RDM).

Rosie Randall trying frame running

“I started going to Perth Eagles because it sounded fun and they do lots of different sports in wheelchairs. Graeme introduced me to Frame Running and I really enjoy it because I don’t feel like I’m exercising because it’s so much fun!” Commented Parasport festival participant, Rosie Randall (11 years-old, Perth).

Devin, Rosie’s Mum, said: “Since Rosie started going to the Eagles, Harriers and Judo, her confidence has grown so much that she is now more independent. It has been great for her to meet new friends with all different kinds of disabilities and to realise anything is possible whether you are in a wheelchair or not. I am so thankful we have such amazing clubs like these available for people like Rosie to participate in.”

Further Details: How To Register –

Wednesday 6 March 2024 – Registration will take place between 9:45am – 10:15am.

The event will start promptly at 10:15am and finish at 2.15pm

Dundee & Angus College, Gardyne Campus, Gardyne Road, Dundee, DD5 1NY

Sports include: Boccia, Wheelchair Basketball, Frame Running, Football, Powerchair Football, Goalball, Judo, Athletics, Curling & Triathlon

Saturday 9 March 2024 – Registration from 10am

The event will start promptly at 10.15am and finish at 12.15pm

Perth Leisure Pool, Glover Street, Perth, PH2 0TH

Sports include: Swimming and paddle sports

For more information on disability sport in Tayside, please contact: graeme.doig@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

20/12/2023

Highland Disability Sport Welcomes New Branch Administrator

Committed volunteer aspires to develop disability sport up North.

By William Moncrieff, Communications Apprentice

Highland Disability Sport (HDS) branch recently welcomed Alison Thompson, as the newly appointed branch administrator. Alison was initially interested in the position after volunteering for the branch at their multi-sports and athletics club. She comes with a wealth of experience after working many years in disability sport across the world.

During her time working at a local sensory school in Inverness, Thompson attended a trip to the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Fiona Green, still an active employee at HDS, joined her on the trip and together they witnessed first-hand the positive impact that role models and sporting icons can have on up-and-coming athletes.

This experience, coupled with her admiration for the HDS team, influenced Thompson’s decision to apply for the position as branch administrator.

Her work as a volunteer not only fuelled her passion for disability sport but also developed her awareness of the importance of the social elements that sport provides. Thompson understood that by creating an inclusive environment, more people can benefit from this social impact.

Her interest was heightened when she took a year out from employment and travelled to Australia. During this trip Thompson worked at sensory schools and was fortunate to work at the national games for Special Olympics Australia, where she helped run the football tournament.

So far in her new position at HDS, Thompson is really enjoying meeting current athletes, coaches, and volunteers – experiencing all the great work that is being done by the branch.

Looking towards 2024, Thompson is already organising and planning exciting, inclusive opportunities, such as the Highland Parasport Festival. The festival will take place on Saturday 3rd February at the Craig Maclean leisure centre.

Travel is currently being planned for athletes and this is always a vital learning opportunity for young people on their ‘playground to podium’ journey. With competitions taking place throughout the country, events like this provide athletes with a valuable travel experience.

Events like this further highlight the important roles played by parents, teachers and coaches.

A further ongoing challenge is the requirement for more volunteers. The HDS branch need more volunteers to continue providing current sessions and events. Simultaneously, volunteers will allow the branch to continue to develop the ecosystem of Para sports and new opportunities.

Thompson believes that new, creative ways should be employed to showcase how rewarding and inspiring volunteering can be, in order to attract new volunteers.

In 2024, Thompson is keen to meet more athletes, coaches and volunteers; eager to hear their stories and understand how they got involved in disability sport. Additionally, she is eager to attend major events outside her region, to learn and consider whether these activities can be implemented in the Highlands.

13/12/2023

British Blind Sport’s ‘Have a Go’ Day

British Blind Sport (BBS) is hosting a free sports taster event for blind and partially sighted people in Glasgow, in partnership with Scottish Disability Sport. The event will take place on Saturday, January 27th from 10am to 3pm at the Emirates Arena, 1000 London Road, Glasgow G40 3HG. The event will feature a fantastic line-up of sporting activities for blind and partially sighted people of all ages and abilities to participate in alongside their friends and family. Confirmed activities include athletics, judo, tennis, and goalball.

BBS ‘Have a Go’ Days have been held successfully across the country for many years, encouraging blind and partially sighted people to become more active. The event will give blind and partially sighted people in Glasgow and the surrounding area the opportunity to try adapted sports and learn about inclusive opportunities that they can continue to enjoy and participate in after the event in their local area.

Vicky Cook, Participation Officer at British Blind Sport said, “We are delighted to start the new year by hosting a ‘Have a Go’ Day in Glasgow to give blind and partially sighted people a chance to try out different sports and hopefully discover a new passion or hobby. Physical activity plays such an important role in living a happy and healthy life, our ‘Have a Go’ Days ensure that more people will get an opportunity to experience some of the activities available.”

To register to attend, please follow the link to complete the form:

Junior: www.britishblindsport.org.uk/forms/view/juniorglasgowhagd

Adults: www.britishblindsport.org.uk/forms/view/seniorglasgowhagd

For more information, please visit the British Blind Sport website:  www.britishblindsport.org.uk/hagd

Or contact Vicky Cook, Participation Officer on 07983498120 or email vicky@britishblindsport.org.uk

British Blind Sport is always grateful for the help of volunteers at events. Please get in touch to discuss volunteering opportunities.

13/12/2023

From the Pool to Politics

Stefan Hoggan-Radu speaks about his journey in sport and life, as a celebration of the LGBTQ+ Rainbow Laces Campaign.

Stefan Hoggan-Radu has represented the LGBTQ+ community on many occasions as an elite Para athlete. Since his retirement from competitive sport he has continued to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in the political world, currently holding the position as Councillor for North East Fife.

A now proud spokesperson for disability and LGBTQ+ rights, his personal journey of self-love and acceptance was filled with challenges. Bullied throughout school for having a disability, Hoggan-Radu was apprehensive to share his sexual orientation.

At 23 years-old he was training as a British triathlete and was worried about the reaction that he would get from his fellow athletes and the triathlon community after coming out. However, when he came out he had nothing but acceptance from his peers and surrounding community.

When asked how this impacted his performance in sport, Hoggan-Radu explained that this emotional strain didn’t impact his results when competing. However, he recognises the impact that it had on his long term mental health, with him appreciating that this would have ultimately effected his training performance and routine.

Before triathlon, swimming was his first sport which saw him compete on the international stage. After missing out on the 2014 Common Wealth Games by 0.02 seconds, he took the tough decision to retire from swimming.

His involvement with Para swimming paved the way for his political career. After becoming a member of the Young Person’s Sport Panel, he embarked on a trip to America, through an exchange with Blaze sport. This trip was incredibly insightful, getting to analyse policy and procedures along with attending the British Embassy in Washington as a representative. This partly influenced his decision to enter the field of politics.

His personal experience of being bullied at school highlighted the, “real injustice around how disabled individuals are treated. They aren’t represented.” This was something that he wanted to change.

When asked what inclusivity means to him, not only as a former athlete but also a member of the SNP, he shared a memorable moment that took place following the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

When he was going to training, a child saw him and their first reaction was, “Mum, that is really cool. That man only has one arm. He could be in the Paralympics!”

Hoggan-Radu credits UK broadcasters for striving to be more inclusive and have better visual representation on screen. As a result of broadcasting the Paralympics, this child saw a disability and a future for them competing in sport.

He finds this memory very heartwarming and he believes that if more people see a disability, we can create a more accepting and inclusive society, which ultimately, will make the world a better place.

The Rainbow Laces Campaign concluded on Sunday (10^th) and leads the way on supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport, fitness and physical activity. Scottish Disability Sport are proud to support the Rainbow Laces Campaign and will continue to promote and encourage a fully inclusive society.

12/12/2023

Congratulations to Samantha Gough

Congratulations to Midlothian’s Samantha Gough on winning her first ever British Rowing indoor championships this past weekend in Birmingham, with the PR3 2k race Gold medal. Samantha says ‘I’ve learnt so much and excited to keep improving. Self-confidence is a superpower. Once you start to believe in yourself, magic starts happening’.

Samantha competes in several sports. She played Visually Impaired Football for England and last year took bronze in the European Para Youth Games as the only Scot representing her country at goalball, which she was introduced to at a Scottish Disability Sport Parasport Festival. She has recently been selected for the British Rowing Performance pathway. Samantha’s goal is to continue her journey to the Paralympics Paris 2024, and LA 2028

Samantha recently won the Midlothian Award at the Midlothian Young People’s Awards ceremony in recognition of her sporting achievements. She was also commended in the UK parliament for this .with an Early day motion.

She is an ambassador for visually impaired and blind young people, spending her time visiting schools and educational settings. She works at raising awareness for adaptive sports within mainstream settings, making sure that young people with disabilities have the same opportunities in sport as their peers. She felt that she was excluded from PE within school so wants to ensure other young people have better experiences.

Scottish Disability Sport Parasport Festivals 2024:

04/12/2023

Robyn Love on Intersectionality

Scottish Disability Sport were extremely lucky to have a catch up with current Great Britain and Loughborough Lightning wheelchair basketball star, Robyn Love, who made time in her busy training calendar to speak to us.

Love has had a successful career representing Great Britain at the Paralympics, Scotland at the Commonwealth Games whilst also being recently included in the All-Stars team for the first time.

She became aware of Para sports through the 2012 London Paralympics, the first time she, “had ever seen Disability sports”. This serves to highlight the importance of role models and sporting heroes with a disability being visible to young participant in Scotland. Through para sports, Robyn met Tina Gordon who helped her considerably, providing Robyn with her first wheelchair, supporting and training with her, Robyn appreciates everything that Tina has done for her explaining that Tina was a massive influence “propelling me forward for success after success and ten years of fun and adventures”.

When asked whether she feels a responsibility to be a role model in the game due to her own positive experience and the effect this has had on her career, she replied – “absolutely I feel a responsibility, I’m always after more, I want more people playing and watching wheelchair basketball, I’m also extremely passionate to get more women into the sport”. This is something she admits is improving with better access and infrastructure to the women’s game with the creation of the English Premier League. She feels a duty to continue to grow the game. This is one of the reasons that she has taken to social media and specifically TikTok alongside starting her own coaching practice “Love Handles”.

Robyn is also a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. This is something that Robyn is passionate about alongside being a role model for other members and athletes. Robyn is aware and appreciative of her own situation – “in a family where I can be my true authentic self and everybody is loving and accepting of that” however, Robyn also commented – “I am lu4cky to be in this position as many people are not in that same place, where they can be comfortable and confident being themselves” This is something that is very important to Robyn, living her best life; representing her family and friends and inspiring anyone out there to be their true authentic selves.

Robyn has recently taken up the position of LGBTQ+ ambassador, with the British Elite Athlete association (BEAA). Through this opportunity Robyn is excited to help create an ally scheme which aims to provide educational opportunities, to not only players and athletes but to teammates and staff members. Robyn enjoys promoting the importance of an environment where “players and staff feel comfortable and confident to go out and be themselves” Robyn wants to “help players not have voices in their heads, by not listening to these individuals players will be able to perform better”. Robyn is relishing this great opportunity and feels that this work is making a difference, helping people to be comfortable in themselves as “at the end of the day our playing careers stop, but we don’t stop being people”.

Robyn feels that “she has had nothing but acceptance within her field”, which she appreciates is partly due to it being a female sport however, she also acknowledges that there is more acceptance in general with there being fantastic role models “coming out” in mainstream sports such as football. Robyn urges more sports to create an inclusive environment.

Over the last couple of years Robyn and her partner have become parents to their baby Alba. Being a parent has helped Robyn whilst playing, bringing a sense of clarity and perspective. Before Alba, Robyn compared herself to a Ted Lasso character with basketball being life. This is something that Robyn is grateful for and believes has changed her outlook on not only basketball but also life. Recently Alba joined the British team at the European Championships, staying in her parents’ room, joining team meetings, and providing a unique form of heckling on the court. The British team took home silver in this competition.

Robyn looks forward to continuing as a role model for the sport and the LGBTQ+ community throughout the season, starting this weekend with Cardiff away. Furthermore, Robyn is keen to keep developing her game to ensure that she is at the Paralympics this summer in Paris. Scottish Disability Sport wishes her every success in the next stage of her exciting adventure.

Watch the full interview on Scottish Disability Sport’s YouTube channel here:

27/11/2023

Disability with Attitude

On 3rd December at 7:30 AM , to coincide with UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities Radio Scotland airs a documentary by journalist Michael McEwan, covering how attitudes surrounding disability have changed over the last four decades.

Michael celebrated his 40th birthday this year and wanted to find out how much we have moved on in society towards people with a disability since 1983.

Michael speaks to his parents of their experiences of raising a child with Cerebral Palsy, he also caught up with former pupil and friend Martin Dougan, now a fellow BBC journalist, to share memories of the school they both attended, Ashcraig in Glasgow.

Michael also speaks to Catherine Graham, Head of Inclusion of Glasgow City Council, about how education became more inclusive for pupils with disabilities by the 1990’s

Michael spoke with Lyn Pornaro, chief executive officer of Disability Equality Scotland, she explained what impact the introduction of Disability Discrimination Act in 1995 had on people living with a disability.

The show will also be available soon after on BBC Sounds, here is the link.

08/11/2023

SDS Welcomes William Moncrieff, Communications Apprentice

Hi, I am William Moncrieff and I have just started as a communications apprentice with Scottish Disability Sport.

I’m excited to take my first step in the sporting industry, especially as I have had an interest in sport from a very young age, growing up playing for my local mini rugby club in Strathspey and then joining Highland Rugby Club, playing for both their junior and senior teams. I am also a keen runner, enjoy playing golf and walking. These were all large factors in deciding to stay in the Highlands.

As part of a partnership agreement between UHI and Highland Rugby Club I studied sports coaching and development at both HNC/D level, whilst having access to both work experience and volunteering opportunities with the rugby club. In 2019, after finishing my HND I became seriously unwell, I have been left with life changing injuries and I am now registered blind. This affected my studies and led me to take a year out from university. In 2021 I decided to return to higher education with a slight change in focus, pursuing a degree in sports management, which I completed in May of 2023.

A big factor in my rehabilitation was sports. By trying to keep physically active I took up running, golf and hiking again, whilst at the same time maintaining a keen interest in all things rugby. My interest and passion for sport gave me purpose and motivation, playing a considerable factor in my return to university, obtaining my degree, and now finding employment. Physical activity has helped me rebuild my confidence and preserve a strong level of mental health. Sport has also been instrumental in helping me maintain exiting friendships and meeting new people with similar interests.

My new role focuses on the planning and delivering of targeted communications, with the primary aim of reinforcing Scottish Disability Sport’s core values and principles. A further responsibility is to identify new and exciting methods of storytelling. This is an area that particularly interests me, as I believe that when done effectively, storytelling can be incredibly inspiring. One of the many reasons for deciding to apply for this position was through my experience of the important work that the organisation does. I have been lucky enough to benefit and get running sessions provided through my local branch in Inverness. I am delighted to be able to work on sharing the fantastic work of Scottish Disability Sport, helping to get the message “out there”, so more individuals can benefit from the opportunities available. I am happy to be part of a team and look forward to working with new individuals, learning, and benefitting from their experience.

06/11/2023

Nationwide Celebration of Getting Active in Scotland

Scottish Disability Sport Week aims to highlight how and why everyone in Scotland with a disability should get active.

From Monday 27th November to Sunday 3rd December, there will be a Nationwide celebration of getting active and involved in disability sport in Scotland, through an online campaign called Scottish Disability Sport Week.

This week is the first of its kind and already over 50 Partners, local authorities and branches across Scotland have committed to the campaign alongside SDS (Scottish Disability Sport). The campaign aims to highlight and promote the opportunities and the impact physical activity can have on individuals, communities, clubs and society across the country.

The Scottish Disability Sport Week will also provide a platform to showcase the intersectionality of participants within disability sport and share the message that everyone can participate in sport.

Scottish Disability Sport’s CEO, Gavin MacLeod, said: “Scottish Disability Sport is delighted to be working closely with a diverse range of partners from across Scotland to co-ordinate the inaugural Scottish Disability Sport Week. This partnership approach will provide us with a strong platform to communicate the massive benefits of participation in physical activity and sport for people with disabilities.”

The week-long campaign aims to encourage people with disabilities to improve their wellbeing by being more physically active, in a way that suits them.

MacLeod added, “It will highlight the wide variety of opportunities available across the country and it is our hope that this campaign will encourage more people with disabilities, from all communities and backgrounds, to become more active.”

Each day of the week will be centered around a specific theme to provide a focused discussion. Monday will explore the benefits of getting active and participating in disability sports, Tuesday’s theme addresses overcoming barriers, Wednesday looks at intersectionality, Thursday highlights the impact of clubs and communities, and Friday gives guidance on next steps. On the weekend, Saturday allows the conversation to continue by encouraging people to share their own stories before Sunday concludes the week with the International Day of Persons with a Disability (3rd December).

The campaign builds on the success of the previous, award-winning Be Active Be Well programme, run by SDS and SAMH, that provided online activity and wellbeing sessions.

To get involved and stay updated on Scottish Disability Sport Week, make sure to follow SDS across social media and the website: Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram.