Category: A News

Scottish Disability Badminton National Championships

The first event of the SDS National Calendar of Events was held last Saturday at the Dalkeith Schools Campus where the Scottish Disability Badminton National Championships was played. Congratulations to all the participants and in particular the medallists in the singles and doubles events. The event has evolved over the last few years and is now under the auspices of Badminton Scotland in partnership with Scottish Disability Sport and Lothian Disability Badminton Club. The event is superbly supported by expert volunteers from within and outside of these organisations and provides the players a competitive step in the pathway with many going on to compete at the Four-Nation events.

You can find the full results at this link

Thanks to Gordon Elliott for the brilliant photos. More of which can be found here:

 

Brits Earn Early Victories at Australian Open

Brits Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid booked their places in the men’s wheelchair singles semi-finals on Wednesday at the Australian Open as Andy Lapthorne also earned his first match win as world No.1 in quad singles.

Meanwhile, on a largely good day for players on the LTA’s GB Wheelchair Tennis World Class Performance Programme, with three wins from four matches, Jordanne Whiley put up a fine effort in defeat against women’s world No.2 Yui Kamiji.

Reid ended the Australian Open title defence of Argentina’s world No.2 Gustavo Fernandez 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-2 to set up a semi-final against Belgium’s world No.4 Joachim Gerard, the same player Reid beat in the 2016 Australian Open final as the Brit won his first career Grand Slam singles title.

With Hewett and Reid in opposite semi-finals, there is the potential for an all-Brit men’s singles final later this week. After his quarter-final victory, Reid said: “I’m very pleased with the performance and result today. I served and returned well for the majority of the match and managed to impose my style, which is important against Gustavo. I’m looking forward to another opportunity tomorrow against Gerard.”

World No.3 Hewett sealed his first ever singles win at the Australian Open as the two-time US Open champion beat world No.5 Stephane Houdet of France 6-3, 6-4. Playing in the first wheelchair match of this year’s Australian Open to be staged on a show court, Hewett earned breaks at either end of the first set and took the last two games of the match on  Margaret Court Arena to secure a semi-final on Thursday against world No. 1 Shingo Kunieda of Japan.

Hewett, who came into the Australian Open having already reached back-to-back singles finals this
season, said: “I’m very happy with that outcome. I thought I came out serving strong and returned well the whole match. I enjoyed being out on a show court, with such prestige to its name. It’s great to see wheelchair tennis getting the recognition and to be competing on those sorts of arenas. I loved every second being out there and I’m excited to head into tomorrow’s match against Shingo.”

Three-time Wimbledon and US Open champions Hewett and Reid also begin their men’s doubles title bid on Thursday when they face Fernandez and Kunieda. Lapthorne’s first match as world No.1 in the quad singles rankings saw the 29-year-old US Open champion beat world No.3 David Wagner 6-3, 7-6(6) in the first of his three round-robin matches at Melbourne Park.

Lapthorne succeeded Australian Dylan Alcott as world No.1 on Monday and will now play Alcott in his second round-robin match at Melbourne Park on Thursday. Lapthorne and Wagner also team up on Thursday as they take on the Australian duo of Alcott and Heath Davidson for the quad doubles title, with the Anglo-American partnership going in search of a fourth Australian Open title together. The final is the last contest scheduled on Margaret Court Arena.

Whiley produced her best performance against world No.2 Kamiji since launching her comeback to international wheelchair tennis last February after maternity leave. The British No.1 and world No.5 battled back from 5-3 down in the second set to force a tiebreak and saved four match points, including two at 6-3 down in the tiebreak, before Kamiji sealed a 6-2, 7-6(5) win.

Whiley, who partners Kamiji in the women’s doubles semi-finals on Thursday as the duo begin their quest for a tenth Grand Slam title together, said: “I played some really good tennis today, but that’s the frustrating part. I had so many missed opportunities.”

For news and updates from the Australian Open wheelchair tennis draws and the fortunes of the Brits follow on Twitter @the_LTA and @WChairTennisGB and on the LTA website at www.lta.org.uk.

To find out more about the LTA’s work with disability tennis, head to www.lta.org.uk/play or email disabilitytennis@lta.org.uk.

Lucy Walkup continues to climb the coaching ladder

I learned this evening that Disability Sport Fife peer mentor volunteer and DSF coach Lucy Walkup has officially passed UKCC Level 2 swim coaching qualification. Lucy coaches at Carnegie Swimming Club and her journey in swimming teaching and coaching has been inspirational. Following a hugely successful career in high performance swimming with British Deaf Sport, Lucy has committed totally to swim teaching and coaching while studying at university.

DSF Trustees were pleased when Lucy accepted our offer to become a DSF coach at the successful Monday evening and Thursday morning multi sports sessions at the Michael Woods Sports & Leisure Centre. Initially, thanks to support from Spirit of 2012 through GOGA, and then with support from Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, this was made possible. Lucy is working alongside DSF coaches Pamela Robson, Gayle Sloan and Alex Bird. Working initially as a peer mentor volunteer prepared Lucy for her coaching DSF posts. She has made great progress over the past few months working with learners with additional support needs. Lucy has also benefited from the Scottish Disability Sport Young Start programme and is currently studying to be a physical education teacher. Despite all that is going on in her very busy life, Lucy has decided to sign up with Carnegie Masters and return to completition swimming. A remarkable young woman whose commitment to DSF over many, years has been significant. Congratulations again Lucy on your most recent swim qualification.

Richard Brickley OBE MBE Chairman Disability Sport Fifer (SCIO) board of Trustees

Borders Disability Sport Celebrating Success Awards

Borders Disability Sport launches their inaugural ‘Celebrating Success Awards Evening’, an event that will recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions made by our local athletes, coaches and volunteers throughout all disciplines of disability sport within the Scottish Borders.

There will be six awards presented and they are:

  • Lifetime Service to Disability Sport
  • Sportsperson of the Year
  • Junior Sportsperson of the Year
  • Volunteer of the Year
  • Inspirational Achievement of the Year
  • Outstanding Sporting Achievement Award.

This prestigious event will be held at Mansfield House Hotel, Hawick on Friday 22nd May 2020 commencing at 7.30pm.

Ruth Hounam, Chairperson, Borders Disability Sport: “Our inaugural event will showcase what can be achieved through active partnerships. Acknowledging the many clubs, coaches and volunteers who enable disability participation, while sharing and recognising athletes’ successes and stories.

“It’s a wonderful way to shine a spotlight on disability sport in the Scottish Borders and recognise and celebrate those who contribute to bringing inclusive sport opportunities to the region.

“There is still time to sponsor some of our categories, so I would encourage any businesses or individuals looking to support the development of disability sport across the region and help us positively change lives within sport.

“It would be fantastic to have you in attendance to celebrate such a special evening.”

Tickets are priced at £15 per Adult and £10 for children 16yrs and under – ticket price includes buffet catering.

Tickets are available from Alan Oliver at aoliver@liveborders.org.uk or on 01750 700 110.

Any contributions made from the evening will be reinvested into Borders Disability Sport for future initiatives.

Nominations are now open; to nominate an individual please email Alan Oliver with their name, a short description on their achievements and why you believe they should win the award.

Borders Disability Sport Awards

East of Scotland Para Sport Festival 2020

The annual Para Sport Festival is on the horizon for 2020, welcoming young people from across the East of Scotland with a physical, visual or hearing impairment and providing them with an opportunity to try a range of Para Sports, delivered by some of the best clubs and coaches across the country.  This year’s festival is scheduled for Friday 27th March 2020 at Forrester / St Augustine’s High School, Edinburgh.

The event, previously named the Paralympic Experience Event, is entering its ninth year since inception prior to the London Paralympic Games in 2012.  This year’s event is especially exciting as we look forward to the Paralympic Games in Tokyo between 25th August and 6th September, showcasing the considerable talents of thousands of para athletes from over 100 countries.

It is a fantastic opportunity for primary and secondary aged young people to experience some of the sports that are successfully showcased at the Paralympic Games.  The activities selected reflect the strong club structure in the region and will aim to ignite the transition from the event to more regular sporting activity with one or more of the session’s being delivered.  Several Scottish Governing Bodies of Sport (SGB’s) have also expressed a desire in supporting the event over the years and this further emphasises the amount of collaborative work involved.

The festival is a partnership event between Scottish Disability Sport, Edinburgh Active Schools, Lothian Disability Sport, Borders Disability Sport, Edinburgh Leisure and the Active Schools Network who work together, along with local club coaches, to offer sessions in athletics (including race running) swimming, boccia, football, orienteering, wheelchair basketball, judo, goalball and more to the children and young people from East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian, the Scottish Borders and West Lothian. This year’s event will also be supported by the Celtic FC Foundation.

Video footage has been captured from previous festivals highlighting the aims and potential impact of the event featuring testimonies from young people, parents, club coaches and professional officers.  We hope this footage will prove a useful tool in providing an accurate insight to the event – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdkfhV4KwNc

If you are interested in attending the event, please find an online entry form by following the link here.  Alternatively, you can download a paper copy of the entry form by clicking here: East Para Sport Festival 2020 Entry Form

If you have any questions surrounding this information then please contact SDS East Regional Manager Neal Herbert on 0770 939 3514 or neal.herbert@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

 

Headwell BC – a very special indoor bowling club

Last week I was delighted to report that a number of Disability Sport Fife sessions have increased their attendances considerably at the start of the new term.

Numbers are up considerably in run, jump and throws, badminton and adult swimming improvers. We are looking at capping numbers in some sessions, increasing water space in others and taking on new coaches/volunteers in another. The legacy of GOGA in Fife supported bySpirit of 2012 is clearly there for all to see.

One of the key targets of GOGA in Fife was to establish a network of inclusive sports clubs across Fife that are open, welcoming and inclusive in ethos and practice. The Enigma Gymnastics Club was one of the first to come on board and the progress made by club volunteers has been significant.

In 2017 a GOGA in Fife partnership was established with Headwell Indoor Bowling Club in Dunfermline. Up to 24 players and club members now play weekly. Three rinks of 8 or four rinks of 6 are the norm. The remaining rinks are occupied by club members not involved in disability bowls. The club is able to provide 3-4 coaches for every session. So successful is the project that the club has decided to cap numbers at 24. A remarkable achievement by a very committed group of club volunteers.

Congratulations to the very inclusive Headwell BC and many thanks to Alyn and Chris in particular who have led the programme from the start with considerable support from Headwell Club member colleagues.

Richard Brickley OBE MBE Chairman Disability Sport Fife (SCIO) Board of Charity Trustees

Try Wheelchair Curling

Come along and check out our Wheelchair Curling Try Session where we will be joined by world silver wheelchair, Bronze Paralympic medalist Aileen Neilson. The session will take place at Dewars Centre, Perth on Sunday 19th January 2019 from 10:00 – 11:00.

If you are interested or would like some more information please contact AnnMareeDavidson@liveactive.co.uk or call 01738 454700 to book your space.

The session lasts 1 hour and cost £5.10.

For more information see the Live Active website here: https://www.liveactive.co.uk/Events/try-wheelchair-curling

SDS Young Persons Sport Panel Recruitment

SDS is looking to recruit a new Young Person’s Sport Panel (YPSP) in 2020. This will be the second cohort of the YPSP since its inception in 2015.

This is a great opportunity for young people with a disability aged 16-24 to get involved a committee in order to make a positive difference in disability sport.

The benefits of being on the panel include:

  • Personal development
  • Enhance curriculum vitae
  • Support other young people with a disability
  • Opportunity to network
  • Social opportunities with like-minded people

Who are we looking for?

  • People living in Scotland
  • Young people with a disability aged between 16-24
  • Committed and enthusiastic about disability sport?
  • People with up to 4 hours a month to commit
  • Ability to attend quarterly meetings (in person or online)
  • Who want to make a difference in disability sport
  • Ability to commit to a 3-year term from 2020-2023

If you would like to apply, please see the information and application form below, or contact us on 0131 317 1130 or admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com if you would like this in a different format. Please note that alternatively you can submit a video to answer the application questions using the form below.

Please read the application information before completing the application.

The closing date is 14 February 2020 with interview on 17 March between 1600 and 1900 in Edinburgh.

Application information 2020

Application form 2020

Respected Staff Member Retires from Education Services

Colleagues, former colleagues and friends gathered together at Bilbirnie House Hotel on Friday afternoon to pay tribute and offer best wishes to Judy Black from Freuchie who recently retired from her teaching post at Kilmaron School in Cupar.

Judy was highly respected as a Fife Council member of teaching staff. During her career she made a significant contribution to the learning of pupils at Bell Baxter HS DAS, Southwood Primary and Kilmaron, working with pupils with pupils with physical impairments or severe and complex needs in particular. Judy is highly respected for her patience, composure, innovative approach and excellence in delivery style.

Judy was Disability Sport Fife’s first teenage volunteer. I arrived in Fife in the mid 70s and worked with Judy’s late mother Jean when she was my key contact at Age Concern in Glenrothes. Jean introduced me to Judy and the rest is history. Through time she became our most loyal, reliable and committed young volunteer.

Judy progressed from helping out as a volunteer at the Fife Sports Institute Saturday morning multi activity session for participants with spina bifida to Disability Sport Fife’s first weekly swimming session coach supported by Fife Council. Judy was a founding member of the Disability Sport Fife “rent a gala” team when it was organising up to ten local and national swimming galas for swimmers with disabilities all over the country.

It was inevitable that Judy would be called up for the Scottish Disability Sport monthly squad coaching team and thereafter travel with the junior and senior teams to competitions at Stoke Mandeville, Darlington and Sheffield in particular. Experiences gained from supporting national swim squads and volunteering at Tulliallan multi sport training weekends prepared Judy for the challenges of international team travel. International selections followed and Judy’s career highlights were travelling with the Scottish Youth Team for the World Young Games in Miami in 1989 and then Team GB for the Barcelona Paralympic Games in 1992.

During her professional and voluntary career, Judy has influenced the lives of many participants with different impairments and fellow volunteers and professional colleagues. Judy has always been incredibly industrious and hard working and one of the most well liked individuals in our movement. I do not recall coming across anybody who has anything other than positive comments to make about this very genuine, caring woman.

Isla Lumsden, headteacher at Kilmaron coordinated proceedings for Judy’s farewell at Kilmaron during the day and at Bilbirnie House Hotel later in the afternoon. A school poem was read out and reference made to testimonials about Judy from colleagues, parents and school partners. Isla was enormously positive about Judy as a senior staff colleague and emphasised how much she will be missed by pupils, colleagues, parents and partners. Isla emphasised how Judy has influenced Kilmaron and the wider community. Judy’s legacy will involve high standards, innovative learning practices, child centred learning, loyalty, compassion, consistency, adaptability and high energy. A true teaching professional in every sense.

Judy may have left Fife Council and is now embarking on the next phase of her full and active life but Disability Sport Fife is hopefully that she will continue to support our members in some capacity as a volunteer, where she started out 40 years ago. In the meantime, thank you Judy for your friendship, expertise, commitment, loyalty and for simply being the individual we all respect and admire.

Richard Brickley OBE MBE Chairman DSF (SCIO) Board of Charity Trustees