Saturday 29 April 2023, 2.00-5.00pm

MDUK, Scottish Disability Sport, the Scottish Powerchair Football Association, Scottish Swimming and Scottish Curling are holding an in-person multi-sports partnership event.

Come along to find out more about Scottish Disability Sport and local opportunities for participation across Scotland, for children and young people living with a muscle wasting condition.

There will be a chance to try powerchair football, boccia, floor curling and swimming. This is also a great opportunity to meet other families who know what it’s like to live with a muscle-wasting condition.

If you would like to attend this event, please contact Jackie Munro for further information and to confirm your place: j.munro@musculardystrophyuk.org / 07712 523 778

On Saturday 25 March, Jonathan Paterson was invited to Hampden Park and was presented with his 100th international Cap.

JP has had a fantastic career in football with an impressive 106 international caps playing for Scotland. As well as 106 caps, JP has scored 68 goals, attended three Paralympic Games and multiple major European and World events.

SDS were delighted that Jonathon’s achievements were recognised at the Scotland V Cyprus European 2024 Qualifiers and we wish him all the best in his retirement.

Scottish Para Swimmers made the familiar trip to Ponds Forge in Sheffield to compete in the Para Swimming World Series which incorporated the British Para-Swimming between Thursday 16 and Sunday 19 March.  

The meet provided Scots, and their GB counterparts, with their only opportunity to qualify for the World Para Swimming Championships, taking place in Manchester this summer. 

Paul Wilson, Scottish Swimming’s Disability Performance Development Manager, said of the event, 

“This has been an excellent meet where the quality of racing has been very high. There have been a lot of positives to take from the event, including a number of Scottish Records, and perhaps more importantly, personal bests set across the classifications. The key now is for the athletes to move their performances on, and I look forward to them developing their race plans and executing them in the season ahead.” 

Congratulations to all swimmers on their fantastic performances. A  breakdown of the highlights for each day of the event can be found below.  

Day 1  

• University of Edinburgh swimmer Stephen Clegg wasted no time in posting that qualification time for the home World Championships, with an excellent heat swim in the 100m Freestyle. Stephen, who competes in the S12 category, was less than half a second outside of his own British Record, coming home in a time of 53.92 in the first session of the weekend. 
• Toni Shaw, back competing with University of Aberdeen Performance, was the second Scot to dip under that all important qualification time, also in the 100m Freestyle. The S9 swimmer is only competing in the 100m Freestyle this weekend, so will be happy to have left with a chance of being able to compete at the World Championships. 
• City of Glasgow S14 swimmer Louis Lawlor set a new Scottish record in the 100m Freestyle, in a time of 53.97, before later lowering it to 53.93. Louis was just outside the world qualification time with both swims. 
• University of Aberdeen Performance swimmer Faye Rogers made her debut in international competition with a pair of impressive swims in the multi-classification 100m Freestyle (S10) and 200m Individual Medley (SM10) – earning a place in final in both 

Day 2  

• Sam Downie, of East Lothian Swim Team and Musselburgh Marlins, secured a World Championships Qualification Time in the 100m Backstroke heats in the morning, with the S8 swimmer coming home in a PB of 1:08.52 to all but secure his place on the Great Britain World’s Team for a second year in a row. Commonwealth swimmer Sam qualified for the World Series Final 2, and swam another time under his old PB, touching home in 1:09.11. 
• Stephen Clegg added another Worlds Qualification Time to his armoury on Friday – this time in the 100m Backstroke, in what was an S12 Scottish Record time of 1:00.94. The Edinburgh University athlete then lowered his record to 1:00.23 to take Gold – agonisingly close to the sub-60 second mark.
• University of Edinburgh swimmer Scott Quin became the highest scoring British Swimmer in the Multi Classification 100m Breaststroke final in a time of 1:07.48, but was disappointed not to achieve the World Championship qualifying time. 
• University of Stirling swimmer Abby Kane continued her programme with an appearance in the 100m Backstroke World Series Final 2.   
• SB5 Breaststroker Laura Pilkington lowered her 50 and 100m Breaststroke records to 58.42 and 2:05.79 respectively. 
• Swim – IT member Merryn Binnie also set two Scottish Records, in the SB 6 50 and 100m Breaststroke. Her times of 1:03.85 and 2:24.76 were considerable personal bests. Merryn then lowered her 50m time to 1:01.58 in the British final. 

Day 3  

• University of Stirling Swimmer Oliver Carter took over 2.5 seconds off his own S10 Scottish Record for 400m freestyle on the penultimate day of action from the Para Swimming World Series inc. the British Para Swimming Meet, taking place in Sheffield. Carter, who made his international debut at last year’s Para Swimming World Championships in Madeira, first broke the record during the morning heats, but further lowered the time to 4:16.65 with a blistering final swim, where he finished 12th overall in the World Series Final. 
• In other events Tegan Davidson (University of Aberdeen) and Amy MacFarlane (Motherwell & Wishaw) finished the GBR final of the 200m freestyle in sixth and eighth respectively. In the Men’s 200m freestyle, Matthew Scott (University of Aberdeen) and Bjorn Aaen (Hamilton) finished the GBR final in fifth and eighth place respectively, while in the World Series 200m freestyle final, City of Glasgow Swim Team’s Louis Lawlor finished seventh overall in 2:01.67 (788 points) while Jack Milne (University of Aberdeen) finished 24th overall in 2:11.15 (629 points). 

Day 4  

• University of Aberdeen swimmer Faye Rogers stormed to World Series gold on the closing day of the Citi Para Swimming World Series Inc. British Para-Swimming Meet in Sheffield. 
• Stephen Clegg finished as the highest Brit, touching home in sixth place in 58.35, which scored  919 points. Clegg’s time was another swim under the consideration time for the World Championships, and was a special moment as he went in the final after his brother James, who finished as the third best Brit in seventeenth. 
• Louis Lawlor again bettered the Scottish Record for S14 for the 100m butterfly, finishing in 1:00.15. In the GBR final Matthew Scott (University of Aberdeen) finished in a time of 1:12.86. 
• Oliver Carter broke his S10 Scottish Record for the event, finishing in 1:03.85. 

If you or anyone you know is living with a disability and would like to get involved in swimming please contact admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or telephone 0131 3171130. Support is available to find the right opportunity.  

ParalympicsGB and Toyota have today announced the launch of the groundbreaking Every Body Moves initiative to empower disabled people to become active in a way that is right for them.

Drawing on the lived experience of disabled people throughout the UK, Every Body Moves is an evolution of the award winning Parasport powered by Toyota platform which has grown to become the nation’s largest online destination connecting people with thousands of inclusive sporting and physical activities.

Every Body Moves has been developed thanks to a renewed commitment from Toyota to promote inclusive sporting opportunities. It comes at a time when new research* on behalf of ParalympicsGB reveals disabled people’s physical activity levels have been disproportionately impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and cost of living challenges: 

• Disabled people are almost twice as likely as non-disabled people (17% compared to 10%) to say they are unable to find accessible and inclusive activities near them.
• Disabled people are twice as likely as non-disabled people (30% compared to 15%) to say they are feeling lonelier and more isolated now than before the pandemic and cost of living challenges.
• 82% of disabled people could name at least one reason why taking part in physical activity and or sport is important to them.
• Almost half (48%) of disabled people agreed that being part of an inclusive community involved in physical activity is important to them.

The everybodymoves.org.uk platform features more than 7,000 inclusive sessions and a range of virtual workouts, hints and tips, and has been co-produced with disabled people.

It will aim to improve accessibility standards for physical activity listings and will place the lived experience of disabled people at the heart of the programme to enable even greater numbers to enjoy the benefits of becoming more active.

To launch Every Body Moves, more than 150 disabled people took part in a ‘come and try’ session for different sports and activities from archery and dance, to wheelchair basketball and table tennis, at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield today (20 March).

They were joined by Paralympic gold medallists Hannah Cockcroft, Jonnie Peacock and new ParalympicsGB chief executive Dave Clarke.

Dave Clarke said: “Every Body Moves is an exciting initiative aiming to connect with even more disabled people across the UK and promote inclusive sport.  I would like to thank Toyota for their ongoing commitment to building on the successes we have already achieved to empower more disabled people to become active in a way that is right for them.

“Our research demonstrates the importance of this launch given the disproportionate impact of the pandemic and cost of living challenges on the disabled community, something which I have experienced first-hand myself as a disabled person.

“Disabled people tell us that representation is a crucial part of breaking down barriers to participation in physical activity and this is why it is so important we celebrate the benefit of movement for Every Body.”

Jonnie Peacock said: “Sport is everything. There’s a social element, there is the physiological response, you’re actually getting fitter and also the fact that you actually get a rush of dopamine when you move.

“Every Body Moves powered by Toyota is just about happiness. It’s about getting people involved in sport and offering everyone something accessible to them.”

Jake Oakley, coach with Every Body Moves Club of the Year, the Sheffield Steelkings Para Ice Hockey Club, said: “We are proud and excited to be involved in the Every Body Moves campaign. We know from experience that sport and physical activity can play a pivotal role in transforming wellbeing, building friendships and boosting confidence.

“There is a sport or activity out there for everyone. No matter a person’s age, gender, religion, ethnicity or impairment – our message is simple, get out there, find your thing and have fun!”

Stuart Sanders, Director Communications and Product, Toyota (GB) commented: “We’re looking forward to our continued partnership with ParalympicsGB in evolving the Parasport platform as Every Body Moves.  Our relationship with the Olympics and Paralympics – the pinnacles of sporting success – is well known, but as part of our mission to achieve better mobility for all, it’s great that this initiative will reach the grassroots of sports, enabling everyone to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of physical activity.”

Since the partnership between ParalympicsGB and Toyota started in 2018, the digital hub has expanded to feature thousands of inclusive activities across the UK, with more than 650,000 unique website visitors. The programme’s success was reflected in the fact that it won a 2022 Sports Industry Award in the Active and Wellbeing category. Grants totalling £500,000 were also awarded via the Toyota Parasport fund to grassroots organisations to support inclusive provision during and post-pandemic. 

*Source: Savanta interviewed 2572 UK adults (aged 16+) online between 17^th -19^th February. The sample included a boost for people with a long-term physical condition, mental condition and/or disability, bringing the total of those with a long-term condition and/or disability interviewed to 1053. Data were weighted to be demographically representative of UK adults by gender, region, and social grade.

Corstorphine Athletics Club has become the first in Edinburgh to offer frame running sessions for physically disabled and impaired competitors.

Coaches Graeme Reid, Francesca Snitjer and George Key have been delivering tailored training using special three-wheeled equipment to assist athletes.

Finlay Menzies, 17, and Ian Duncan, 12, have enjoyed initial weekly sessions at Royal High School on Friday afternoons as part of Corstorphine AAC’s joint venture with Active Schools Edinburgh.

The club now hopes to add a second offering on Tuesday evenings during the spring and summer track season at its base at the capital’s Saughton Sports Complex.

Youngsters from P5-S6 will also be able to try frame running for free at the 11th East of Scotland Parasport Festival on Friday, March 24 at the Forrester/St Augustine’s High campus.

Frame running is a form of adaptive running which sees athletes’ bodies supported by the ‘trike’, allowing them to experience the sensation of free movement – often for the first time.

It is primarily for people with co-ordination issues associated with cerebral palsy and related impairments.

Corstorphine AAC captain Graeme Reid hailed the sessions and said each coach gains “huge satisfaction” in helping the athletes advance.

He said: “I think it’s a great thing for the club. We advertise that we’re inclusive and now we’re demonstrating that commitment. Hopefully this can be the start of a successful period for frame running in Edinburgh.

“Now that we have the first few sessions under our belt and a better understanding of how they will work, we hope to gradually expand the numbers. We are exploring various avenues of funding and sponsorship as we’re going to need to purchase at least one frame and a whole load of other equipment.”

Fellow coach Francesca Snitjer said: “Working with athletes with cerebral palsy gives you a much deeper appreciation of how sport can really make a huge difference and impact to the lives of others.

“I have never met two more positive boys – Finlay and Ian are an absolute joy to coach. They take everything in their stride and are always keen to try new things and push themselves.”

The equipment features a saddle, body support but no pedals, with athletes propelling themselves against the frame with their feet and steering with their hands or arms.

Training is treated as a standard athletics session with a warm-up, two to three units of running, jumping or throwing, followed by a cool-down.

There are currently 13 frame running sessions across Scotland – but Edinburgh athletes previously faced a journey to Meadowmill Sports Centre in Tranent to take part.

Ian, who has diplegic cerebral palsy affecting his balance and walking, had been training at the East Lothian site for three years before the Corstorphine AAC sessions launched in January.

He represented Scotland at the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association International Cup in Denmark last year and hopes to one day compete in the Paralympics.

He said: “Fran and Graeme are so encouraging and happy to adapt any parts of the sessions to suit my abilities.”

His mum Sheena Boss, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, said: “As soon as Ian got on the bike he smiled. It took away all of his barriers. The sport has helped him form friendships with others similar to himself. He loves training with Finlay as he is an older role model.”

Finlay, from the capital’s Balerno, has been using the equipment for six years alongside ambulant athletes, but mum Gill said training with a fellow frame runner gives him an added boost.

She said: “He is finding the sessions mentally challenging as well as physically stretching. Sometimes there are fast footwork challenges, reversing, hill climbs and interval-style sessions, rather than just straight running. They have also done a kind of long jump with one-legged pushes.

“The bond between the boys and coaches is strong after just a few short weeks. It would be lovely to see the club grow.”

Scottish Disability Sport, Scottish Athletics, Queen Margaret University and a group of parents worked together with Corstorphine AAC to get the sessions up and running.

Pamela Robson, national disability pathway officer at Scottish Athletics, said: “Corstorphine have shown how a mainstream club can grow and adapt to cater for a specific group of athletes. I know the club and coaches have been committed to this for some time and have been so thorough in ensuring they get it right.

“There are so many individuals that could benefit from being involved in the sport but they need the opportunity to do so. Corstorphine providing this opportunity is a big step forward for the area.”

Louise Gillespie, East of Scotland Development Manager for Scottish Disability Sport, said: “It has taken a while to find the right setting for a new session, so it’s great to see Corstorphine embrace frame running. This can only strengthen the sport and opportunities for young people to participate across Edinburgh.

“I hope that the session will grow in numbers over the next few months and that this will be a success story that can be replicated in other athletics clubs.”

To find out more about frame running at Corstorphine AAC, contact club secretary Chris Peggie on secretary@caac.org.uk.

 

For more details on the East of Scotland Parasport Festival, visit scottishdisabilitysport.com/events-parasport/

Save the Date

We are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the SDS Swimming Championships for swimmers with a physical, hearing or vision impairment.

Formerly a senior championship, this event is now open to all ages and will be held in Grangemouth on April 22nd 2023.

We hope to have a bumper programme to celebrate such an auspicious occasion with one or two legends making an appearance. If would be great to see as many people as possible competing from past and present to showcase this sporting birthday!

To register and for more information please go to our swimming page.  

Forth Valley Disability Sport successfully held their AGM virtually on Monday 20 February 2023. Over 40 partners, club representatives, committee members and athletes attended the meeting to hear welcome presentation from Para Swimmer Laura Pilkington and her journey through disability sport,  to hear of FVDS successes from the year, changes and key recruitment within FVDS positions and lastly closing remarks from the new Chairperson, and hearing his thoughts and passions for the years ahead for the Branch.

Graham Harvey (previous FVDS Branch Coordinator) and Cheryl Lappin Scottish Disability Sport Central Regional Manager presented the virtual AGM on behalf of the Branch and were delighted to make key introductions to the committee over the last few months. They welcomed;

• Forbes Maginnis as new FVDS Chairperson
• Kerry Wood as new FVDS Vice Chairperson
• Norman McGlinchey as new FVDS Secretary

As many were aware Graham Harvey, FVDS Coordinator of 14 years, recently moved onto a new role within Active Stirling as Sportability Coordinator. An in flood of partners, FVDS reps, athletes and clubs wished Graham success in his new role and were so very thankful for his passion, commitment and support to the Forth Valley disability community over the years. FVDS were in turn delighted to welcome Nicola Moriarty into this now part time position, she will over see the FVDS Coordinator and GOGA role for the year.

Furthermore FVDS wished Cheryl Lappin success in her new role as Paralympic Pathways Manager for British Curling, and kindly thanked her for her support to the Branch over the 9 years in post. SDS are actively recruiting to replace Cheryl within the Central role.

Lastly FVDS would like to thank all participants, clubs, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and partners for all their support over the last year. Forth Valley Disability Sport looks forward to welcoming everyone to face-to-face AGM and Awards in 2024.

If you or anyone else would like to know more information about Forth Valley Disability Sport, volunteering opportunities and activities please contact us by email: info@fvds.org.uk or visit us on our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter or Instagram