Scotland welcomes the best of British boccia for the UK Championships this weekend (16-17 November), at sportscotland’s national training centre in Inverclyde.For Paralympic gold medallist, Stephen McGuire (BC4, Hamilton), it is the first time competing since his golden moment at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in the summer. The world number one will be looking to continue his winning ways on home soil.“The UK Championships is the showcase event in our domestic calendar. I’m super excited to be competing, especially in Scotland”, said Stephen. He continued to say: “It’s always great to see the development of athletes coming through to challenge us athletes on the World Class Programme. Last year’s UK Championships saw all Talent Transition Squad athletes reach the podium. This demonstrates excellent depth within the UK and we will all need to perform well to reach the podium once again.”Fellow Paralympians Kayleigh Brown (nee Haggo, BC2, Ayrshire) and Patrick Wilson (BC3, Lothian) will also be in action on the courts, joined by Scots Tyler McLelland (BC4, Fife), Alex Medley (BC2, Perth and Kinross) and brothers Scott and Paul McIntyre (BC4, Forth Valley).
The Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Maree Todd MSP, visited Inverclyde on Friday (15th) to offer her best wishes to Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) ahead of competition starting on Saturday morning, as well as fitting in a quick game of boccia with Stephen.
Maree Todd MSP enjoying a game of boccia with Paralympian Stephen McGuire
The Minister expressed her great admiration for the sport and highlighted the impact that boccia can have in communities across Scotland.
“Boccia is the most amazing sport. It’s really inclusive and accessible”, said Ms Todd.
“Boccia provides an opportunity for everyone. Everyone can join in with boccia, that’s part of the beauty. But for some of our people who have complex disabilities, there are real challenges getting involved in physical activities. So it [boccia] is a competitive sport that is open to everyone.”
The Minister also praised Inverclyde as being a premier accessible venue in the UK, that prides itself being the first UK residential sports centre of its kind – designed for inclusivity.
“It’s absolutely vital. Without accessible venues these competitions can’t happen. There’s no hassle in this venue and it is really welcoming to absolutely everyone who wants to play sport. And it shows with a little bit of thought and a little bit of planning, a little bit of work with the community, what can be achieved and I want more of that all over Scotland. All over the UK, so that all of our athletes can have the chance to compete”, said Maree Todd MSP.
Kayleigh Brown – who recently just got married to sports assistant Kevin – also returns to the court following her Paralympic debut in Paris:
“It’s been really busy since Paris – we got married, we’ve been on honeymoon and we have moved house – so I haven’t been able to train much but I’m really looking forward to this weekend. It’s always a great competition which brings the four nations together and gives me the opportunity to compete for Scotland. It’s brilliant to see a high number of entries and I’m sure it’ll be fun.”
Whilst the UK Championships is the first event of the 2028 Paralympic cycle, with some athletes’ sights set on LA 2028, the championships provides a fantastic opportunity for Scotland to showcase the best of boccia.
You can follow the action live on the SDS website via the live results page and livestream (link available soon), as well as seeing behind-the-scenes content posted across the SDS social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram and X).
Are you a dynamic and enthusiastic team player who has a passion for inclusion?
Scottish Disability Sport (SDS), in partnership with NHS Tayside and the Tayside Charitable Foundation is seeking to appoint a Get Out Get Active (GOGA) Tayside Programme Administrator to support disabled and non-disabled people to take part in fun and inclusive physical activity across Tayside.
The post holder will work in partnership with local partners to develop and deliver physical activity opportunities.
The successful candidate will have understanding and experience of administrative processes and procedures as well as being organised, IT literate and self-motivated with excellent communication, prioritisation and time management skills. Experience and knowledge of marketing, communications, website management and social media will also be required.
This post will be Dundee office/home based and will be line managed by the GOGA Tayside Programme Manager. Full time, part-time and flexible hours options will be considered for discussion with the successful candidate. SDS will also consider employment or secondment arrangements with agreement from current employer.
For a full job description, candidate specification and application form, see our website: www.scottishdisabilitysport.com or apply online using the links below:
If you would like more information on the post, please contact Iona McKay, GOGA Programme Manager on 07971 641208, or at iona.mckay@nhs.scot.
Scottish Disability Sport is an equal opportunities employer, and our recruitment, selection and assessment process is based entirely on values, skills and competencies required of the specific roles.
Awards season is upon us, and a number of fantastic coaches and volunteers have been recognised for their significant efforts in disability sport.
At this year’s Eric Liddell Awards, Ron McArthur very deservedly collected the Outstanding Services to Sport Award for his lifelong dedication to developing para bowls.
Meanwhile, on the same evening, at the Scottish Women in Sport Awards, our very own Boccia guru, Claire Morrison, was awarded Coach of the Year for her efforts in coaching Stephen McGuire to BC4 gold medal glory at this year’s Paralympic Games in Paris. Unfortunately, Steph couldn’t be there to congratulate Claire in person as he was busy picking up his very own Eric Liddell Award on the same evening!
The sportscotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards saw a trio of para sport coach successes across the evening.
The Janice Eaglesham Award Disability Sports Coach of the Year Award (an award dedicated to our late Chair) was scooped up by Neil Russell of the Adaptive Riders’ Collective. Neil earned this award for his work in improving and promoting accessibility and inclusivity in cycling.
SDS Young Person’s Sports Panel and Forth Valley Disability Sport member, Charlotte Askham, took home the Young Volunteer of the Year award after clocking up more than 800 hours over the course of a year whilst volunteering at a range of Branch and SDS sessions and events.
Later in the evening, the Lifetime Achievement Award came home with Dundee pair, Jen Quinton and Eileen Ramsay for their coaching efforts over the last 31 years after founding Discovery Swimming Club (a specialist swimming club for swimmers with disabilities) in 1993.
December’s awards evenings did not disappoint either.
At the Scottish Sports Awards on 4th December, Claire Morrison received a well-deserved standing ovation when she took home Coach of the Year. Also in December, Lothian Phoenix Wheelchair Basketball coach, Mark Stevenson, was awarded Talent Development Coach of the Year at the UK Coaching Awards for his dedication to nurturing athletes through the pathway at Scottish and UK level.
Judo Scotland has an exciting opportunity for a Modern Apprentice to join their team! This is part of their Supporting Disabled People into Employment in Sport programme, supported by Enable Scotland (Leading the Way).
British Curling is staging its latest events in ‘Its Time To Deliver – Push Yourself,’ Paralympic Recruitment Campaign to boost numbers on the Pathway programme. Two introductory events will be staged both north and south of the border, with these preliminary ‘wheelchair specific Try Curling events’ aimed at setting a standard.
Event details:
Thursday 7 November National Curling Academy, Stirling FK8 1QZ From 10.30am – 3.30pm
Thursday 28 November Cambridge Ice Arena, Cambridge CB5 8AA From 10am – 3pm
The campaign fits into a long term Paralympic Pathway strategy enabling newcomers to the game the opportunity to progress as far as their potential and ambition may take them, with the target of producing greater strength in depth in the Paralympic squad in the build up to Milan Cortina (2026 Winter Paraylmpic Games) and beyond.
“These recruitment events are the perfect building block for any individual aged 16+ who is keen to try wheelchair curling in a relaxed, supportive and inclusive environment,” said Lappin.
“No experience is required, only a drive to be committed, passionate and to develop their talent within the sport of wheelchair curling. Follow up will include signposting opportunities onto Wheelchair Curling Clubs across the UK and for those who show talent, an opportunity to progress onto the next stage of the British Curling Paralympic Performance Pathway. I would urge anyone who is interested to get in touch.
“Feedback from a number of Paralympic Talent ID days hosted recently at the National Curling Academy in Stirling has been extremely positive, with both Talent Transfer athletes and newcomers to the game having enjoyed the welcoming and accessible team environment we champion here at British Curling. We are keen, through this campaign, to provide more opportunities for individuals with performance mindsets to experience what we can offer.”
To register your interest in the British Curling Paralympic Recruitment Campaign and to sign up for our events please scan the QR code below and complete your details or follow the link here.
Sport means something different for everyone that participates. For Innes Martin, sport gives him an opportunity to socialise and express himself. Innes is a 33-year-old boccia player from Perth and Kinross, with cerebral palsy and a learning disability. He receives support from a dedicated group of carers in and out with sport.
Innes has now been playing boccia for around 14 years. This is something that wouldn’t be possible without the support of his carers and family. Innes attends two boccia sessions a week, accompanied by a carer.
“They [carers] help me throw the ball and once I’ve thrown it, they pick it up. I wouldn’t be able to play boccia without the support of my carers”, said Innes.
Aran, one of Innes’ carers commented: “We try to give him as little support as he needs. Mainly we fetch and reach things for him, as that is the hardest part, but we aim to give him the independence to do it himself.”
Although Innes and his carers see sport as a great opportunity to develop independence, the social element plays a large part for Innes. “Sport is a great opportunity for Innes to get out and become more social”, said Aran.
Innes added to this, saying: “Without sport I would be stuck, stuck without any friends.”
Joining Innes at his regular boccia sessions has allowed the carers to become quite invested in his boccia development. Some have even got involved: “Sometimes I join in, it’s good fun. We can go against each other or be a team, we tend to push each other”, said Aran.
Innes’s carers have always enjoyed going with him to boccia and seeing him grow and develop. Aran said: “When he leaves [the boccia sessions], he’s happy and proud, it’s a boost in confidence. It’s really nice to see him do well.”
There have been many learnings throughout the Martin family’s journey. Consequently, they started Strathern Building Bridges. This charity that they set up is to, “promote integration throughout their community”, Wilma (Innes’ mother) said.
One way they achieve this, “was through getting our members involved in sporting opportunities”said Wilma.
SDS’ Regional Development Manager for the Perth and Kinross area, Graeme Doig, is heavily involved with the charity. He said, “I’ve known Innes and his carers for a number of years, initially through boccia and then through the work I do with Strathearn Building Bridges to help bring disability sport opportunities to rural Perthshire. Throughout this journey, his carers have been instrumental in supporting him to attend, enjoy and progress in a variety of sports and meet new people. Their encouraging and supportive approach has benefited Innes to get and stay active through sport and physical activity.”
The charity hosts many other groups including social clubs and groups that are designed to develop independence and living skills.
“We also run a session on a Monday night which a lot of Innes’ friends who have a learning disability attend”, Wilma added.
There are lots of opportunities to get involved in sport and physical activity throughout Perth and Kinross. More information about the sessions offered at the Strathearn Building Bridges can be found here.
For Fin Graham, 2024 will surely be a year to remember, following an outstanding performance in the Men’s C1-3 road race at the Paris Paralympics, earning him his first Paralympic gold medal.
A rising star in Para sport, Fin’s tremendous performance in both road and track cycling events at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games captivated audiences around the world.
On September 7th, the Scot delivered a remarkable ride that saw him upgrade his Tokyo silver to gold, topping the men’s C1-3 road race podium and bringing Great Britain’s cycling medal tally to 22 on the final day of competition in Paris.
In the nail-biting final, the 24-year-old outsprinted host-nation favourites Thomas Peyroton-Dartet and Alexandre Leaute (FRA) for a maiden Paralympic title, crossing the finish line with an impressive time of 1:43:19. Despite being outnumbered, his well-timed sprint in the final kilometer of the 71km route secured his place at the top of the podium.
Having already secured two world titles and earned a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, this year’s gold win marks a pivotal moment in the athlete’s career, adding to his already impressive résumé.
Describing the win, the Highland athlete said: “It is the pinnacle of our sport… Paralympic gold, nothing compares to it. That’s what we work towards every four years, to be able to come away with that is amazing.”
The Scottish-born C3 athlete says he has always known what he wanted to do and has dreamed of becoming a professional cyclist since his school years.
“I think I’ve always had that drive. When I know what I want to do I’m able to kind of set my mind to it.”
“To have it all pay off, it’s something else.”
Born with bilateral clubfoot, he has never let his condition limit his success. His passion for Para cycling has been a driving force throughout his journey to success as a Paralympian. Through remarkable strength and unfaltering determination, he has built an impressive career and become a role model for aspiring Para athletes. Fin’s success at this years Games in Paris is a testament to his exceptional skill, dedication and resilience.
Returning to his home in Strathpeffer, the Highland athlete has brought with him two medals; a silver for the 3000m individual pursuit and gold for the men’s road race.
Reflecting on this year’s sporting success in Paris, he said: “Any medal at a Paralympics is an amazing achievement but you’re constantly driving for that gold medal, so to come away in the last event with the gold medal, it means so much.”
“It’s so special to cross a line with your hands in the air and celebrate with the team afterwards.”
Earlier in the Games, the Scot also took home a silver after facing off against ParalympicsGB teammate, Jaco van Gass, in the men’s C3 3000m individual pursuit, finishing four seconds off the golden time.
Despite successfuly breaking the world record for the individual pursuit earlier in the heats with a time of 3:17:14, defending champion Van Gass regained his world record just mintues later in the following heat.
While th Paris 2024 Paralympics has come to a close, it seems that Fin Graham’s gold medal victory is only the beginning of an already impressive career. With his sights set on future competitions, he shows no signs of slowing down.
The Scottish athlete leaves Paris as a true champion, embodying the spirit of the Paralympics and empowering athletes and fans around the world.
Make to follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website.
The Stirling Court Hotel welcomed a celebration of sport as it hosted the Scottish Disability Sport Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday 6th October.
The day provided the perfect opportunity to highlight the development of disability sport and inclusive practice being implemented across Scotland throughout 2023/2024.
The annual Branch Conference proceeded the AGM, with presentations and workshops covering a range of topics including: how to implement an accessible and effective communications strategy, Children’s 1st wellbeing and protection, athlete support. Paralympian, Hope Gordon, also attended to share her story about winning a Paralympic silver medal at the recent Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
The AGM itself, recapped on the success and areas of growth achieved throughout 2023/2024. A full review of the year, highlighting those key areas can be watched here:
Guest speaker, Martin Perry, delivered an engaging presentation which showed his journey from first trying table tennis at a SDS Summer Camp, to going on to represent ParalympicsGB at the Paris 2024 Paralympics in both Para table tennis singles and doubles.
Following this, to commemorate the 100 years since Eric Liddell won the gold medal in the 400m event at the Paris 1924 Summer Olympic Games, SDS is working with partner, Eric Liddell 100 Legacy Project, to recognise and celebrate the life of Eric Liddell.
100 Eric Liddell Pin Badges are being awarded across Scotland and during the AGM, SDS awarded one to each person from each member branch who demonstrates Eric Liddell’s values while developing disability sport in Scotland. The values being: passion (enthusiasm, dedication, optimism, self-belief), compassion (humility, selflessness, respect, care, community-minded) and integrity (discretion, loyalty, self-sacrifice, principled).
Pin Badges were awarded to:
Graeme Reid (Lothian Disability Sport)
Ron McArthur (Forth Valley Disability Sport)
Bryan Stevens (Highland Disability Sport)
Darren Thomson (Dundee City Disability Sport)
Eddie McLoone (Disability Sport Glasgow)
Christine Webster (Angus)
Kayleigh Haggo (Ayrshire Sportsability)
Fiona Smith (Grampian Disability Sport)
Ryan Evans (Borders Disability Sport)
Ben Sandilands (Disability Sport Fife)
Avril Starmore (Ability Shetland)
John Goldsworthy (Dumfries & Galloway)
Len Richardson (South Lanarkshire Disability Sport)
Stewart Lobban (Perth and Kinross)
As usual, the SDS annual awards ceremony rounded off the AGM – an opportunity to recognise key members of the community:
Russell Hogg Bursary – Alex Medley and Elliot Cooper
Community Champion Award – Jennifer Quinton and Eileen Ramsay
Special Recognition Award – Scottish CP Football SquadDedication to Para Football
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is pleased to officially confirm Glasgow as the host city of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with six Para sports included on the sport programme.
The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games will take place in Scotland from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 2 August 2026, returning to the city 12 years after the hugely successful 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Glasgow 2026 will feature a 10-sport programme concentrated across four venues within an eight-mile corridor, ensuring an action-packed broadcast schedule across each day of competition and making the event accessible and appealing to spectators looking to enjoy the multi-sport environment and festival feel.
With over 500,000 tickets to be made available at a future date, there will be around 3,000 of the best athletes competing from up to 74 Commonwealth nations and territories that represent 2.5 billion people – one-third of the world’s population. Para sport will once again be fully integrated as a key priority and point of difference for the Games, with six Para sports included on the sport programme.
The sports programme will include Athletics and Para Athletics (Track & Field), Swimming and Para Swimming, Artistic Gymnastics, Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling, Netball, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Boxing, Judo, Bowls and Para Bowls, and 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball.
Credit: Glasgow 2026
The Games will take place across four venues: Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena – including the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). Athletes and support staff will be housed in hotel accommodation.
The Glasgow 2026 Games will deliver over £100 million of inward investment into the city and is projected to support over £150 million of economic value added for the region, with a model that has been specially designed to not require public funding for the delivery of the Games. An additional multi-million-pound investment has also been secured for upgrading public sporting facilities, alongside funding for city activation projects across the city.
With the confirmation that Glasgow will host one of the world’s biggest multi-sport events and the biggest sporting event in the United Kingdom in 2026, the branding for the Glasgow Games has also been released. For the first time in the Games’ history, the logo combines the Commonwealth Sport logo with the overall visual identity of the 2026 Games – emphasising the central role of the Commonwealth Games within the wider Commonwealth Sport Movement.
The Glasgow 2026 logo features Glasgow graphic elements inspired by some of the engineering, architectural and natural elements found at the heart of the city. The three elements include representations of the River Clyde, the Finnieston Crane, and the Clyde Arc, which are all centrally aligned in the Commonwealth Sport celebration mark in the colours of the waterfront – symbolising the meeting point for sport and culture at the heart of the Games.
Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Katie Sadleir NZOM said, ‘’On behalf of the entire Commonwealth Sport Movement, we are delighted to officially confirm that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in the host city of Glasgow. The Games promise to be a truly immersive festival of sport and celebration of culture and diversity that inspires athletes and sports – with a fan experience more accessible than ever before.
‘’With the Commonwealth Games held in such high esteem by athletes, sports and nations across the Commonwealth, we have been working tirelessly with our fellow stakeholders to ensure a high-quality Games will take place in 2026 – securing this vital milestone in the career pathway for thousands of athletes.
‘’The 2026 Games will be a bridge to the Commonwealth Games of tomorrow – an exciting first step in our journey to reset and redefine the Games as a truly collaborative, flexible and sustainable model for the future that minimises costs, reduces the environmental footprint, and enhances social impact – in doing so increasing the scope of countries capable of hosting.
‘’With the reassuring legacy of Glasgow 2014 providing existing sporting, transport and accommodation infrastructure, and world-class venues and expertise, we look forward to working with the Glasgow team to deliver a very special Commonwealth Games in 2026.
‘’Our Movement’s commitment to sport for development and social change remains central to Glasgow 2026 and beyond – with full integration of Para sport a priority the Games will continue to be an inspiring and impactful platform.’’
Commonwealth Games Scotland Chief Executive Jon Doig OBE, said “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured Glasgow as hosts of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. When we started pulling this concept together just under a year ago, our focus was on creating a Games that was different – that could be delivered to the highest quality, in the short time frame, in a financially sustainable way.
“Glasgow 2026 will have all the drama, passion and joy that we know the Commonwealth Games delivers even if it is to be lighter and leaner than some previous editions. It will be more accessible, delivered on a smaller footprint which brings our fans closer to the sporting action.
“The Commonwealth Games has a special place in the hearts of athletes around the globe, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming them, their support staff and fans from all four corners of the Commonwealth to experience the famous Scottish and Glasgow hospitality. It is an exciting moment for the city and the country.”
First Minister John Swinney said, “The Commonwealth Games is a hugely important event for Scottish sport and an exciting opportunity for the people of Scotland.
“As well as an action-packed, inclusive sports programme that will inspire and excite audiences across the globe – Glasgow 2026 will also be a cultural celebration.
“I would like to thank Commonwealth Games Scotland for their hard work and dedication to produce a viable proposal for Glasgow 2026 – and to the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia for their assistance in helping to secure the Games. I believe this epitomises the Commonwealth spirit and willingness to work together.
“While Glasgow 2026 will look quite different to previous Games, we can, and we must, use this as an opportunity to work collaboratively to ensure that this new concept brings a strong and sustainable future for the Games. The Scottish Government is committed to playing its part in building that new vision.”
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said, “It’s fantastic news that the Commonwealth Games Federation has formally confirmed Glasgow as the host city of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. This is good news for the Commonwealth Games and yet another opportunity for Glasgow and Scotland to demonstrate their ability to put on world class sporting events.
“There will be a great competitive programme across 10 sports, and I for one can’t wait to see our talented Scottish athletes in action in front of a home crowd.
“The UK Government has actively supported the proposal to bring the 2026 Games to Glasgow, and is providing up to £2.3 million contingency towards security costs. This is a great example of the UK and Scottish governments working together to deliver for Scotland.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said, “We’re thrilled to welcome the Commonwealth Games back to Glasgow for 2026, where Scotland’s renowned hospitality and unwavering passion for sport will once again light up the city on the world stage.
“The UK Government has long supported the Games, and we’re proud to have played our part in making Glasgow 2026 a reality, backing the Scottish Government, Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation to deliver a world-class event.
“Together, we are dedicated to creating an unforgettable Games that will inspire athletes, fans and communities across the country for generations.”
Glasgow City Council Leader Susan Aitken said, “The 2026 Games are an opportunity to set out a new blueprint for the future of sustainable, accessible Commonwealth sport – and it should come as no surprise that the organisers believe Glasgow is the place they can make that happen.
“Our city has a track record that is second to none when it comes to staging major events – and, in particular, working with organisers to make sure new competitions and formats get off to the best possible start.
“Glasgow benefitted greatly from hosting the Games in 2014 and officials have shared expertise and experience with both Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation as they have developed their plans for 2026.
“These Games will be, by design, different from those the Glasgow hosted a decade ago – but the city will play its part in helping make them a success on their own terms.”
Make to follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website.
The Lothian star left his third Paralympics Games with a gold medal alongside teammate Jodie Grinham, and now ready to train for upcoming World Championship.
Nathan Macqueen, 33-year-old Scot, returned to his home in Dumfries, following his triumphant performance in his third Paralympic Games.
“Paris was definitely different compared to Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020,” said Nathan.
“Rio was my first Games [after] I joined the squad in late 2015, so I had less than a year to make the team and Tokyo was a Covid Games. But this time I could actually have a proper experience”.
Eight years of arduous teamwork later, he and his teammate Jodie Grinham took home a team gold medal on day 5.
“I’ve known Jodie since I got into the squad in 2015 and it was nice to share the experience with her. Timing wise, competing individually is probably easier, because you get 30 seconds an arrow when alone, but in a team, you get 20. However, being in a team relieves a lot of pressure, when there’s someone else in line with you”.
When asked how it felt to win, he added: “There were some politics that happened in Rio that took me out of the team and they went on and got a silver medal. It was a bit of a sore point that I could’ve get a medal in my first Games but didn’t. It was rather thrilling to be able to obtain one in Paris and do significantly better with the gold”.
Due to the pandemic and the one-year postponement of the Tokyo Paralympics, Nathan only had three years in between Games. He reflected on the training requirements: “The training is hard. There’s a lot of time away from my family, which I think is the hardest bit but it is also trying to get a good balance and I usually manage to do it”.
In addition to the gym workouts, the training sessions can extend from 8am until 6pm, with an average of 200 arrows shot. Being an outdoor sport, inside training with artificial light during winter months can be mentally challenging. Consistency can help a lot: “This is what we do, we have to repeat the same thing over and over again, and it makes it sound really easy, but it’s not”, Nathan added, characterising the sport as ‘the art of repetition’.
For the athlete, it felt extremely important to have his family there in Paris to support him.
“I wanted my family to be there for me, but when that happened, I was also a bit nervous. I didn’t look in their direction when I was shooting, and I didn’t wave at them until after. Now that I’ve got a month off, I want to spend time with them. Then it is back to work. I’ve got the World Championships next year (2025) in September, so I have to get ready for that”.
Scottish Disability Sport Week (SDSW) is something to earmark for this year. The one week long campaign (25th November – 1st December) is a nationwide celebration throughout Scotland. The week engages numerous partners across the country and encourages people to get active. Each day focuses on a different theme: the benefits of getting active, overcoming barriers, intersectionality, clubs and communities and how to get involved.
In light od SDSW, Nathan explained how he benefitted from getting active and participating in sport following his accident.
“I just had more motivation to do things. After my accident, I did not want to do a lot with myself but I found that with sport, I had to do something, and without the discipline, I would not be the person I am today”.
The Scot went on to explain the intersectionality of archery:
“It is one of the very few sports where, apart from during the Paralympics and World Championships, you compete against everybody and there aren’t distinctions of Para categories. This is extremely important because when I was younger it was a bit difficult for me to be disabled, and this inclusivity made me feel part of the sport even more, rather than being in my own little category by myself. This is why I really like archery, and I have never faced any societal barriers”.
Nathan wanted to emphasise the importance of getting into sport, in a way that it doesn’t only make you healthier and fitter, but it helps you set goals which is a good mental release.
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Please note that entries are now open for the SDS National Indoor Archery Championships, supported by The Motability Scheme.
The Championships will take place on Sunday 1st of December 2024 at Bertha Park High School.
Please find the link to register and for full details of the event, here.
The registration deadline is Thursday 21st November 2024.
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Make to follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website.
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