The 2019 Scottish Boccia Championships took place on Saturday 4 May 2019 at Napier University in Edinburgh.

The event saw the very best of Scottish talent compete for the opportunity to play against each other for the right to be crowned Scottish Champion and earn a place at the UK Championships, which will be held in Northern Ireland from 14 – 16 June 2019.

The BC1 and BC2 competition was combined, with results only against players within the same classification counting.

Following the pool stages, the BC1 final was contested by Reegan Stevenson (West) and Murray Mallice (Central).  It was a tight affair, with Mallice taking a 2 shot lead into the final end.  However, the ever improving Stevenson showed his experience by winning the final end by three shots and ultimately re-claiming his national title by a shot.

The BC2 competition was another well contested event. Following the pool stages, the final witnessed experienced Callum Glasgow (Central) come up against the returning Lewis McConnell (West), who was making his first appearance in four years in the competition.  In a close encounter, it was McConnell who came out top to win his third national title. The bronze medal was taken by Innes Martin, who overcame the experienced Jim Anderson OBE.

The BC3 event is always strong with so many top players competing.  Sadly, the competition was deprived of the opportunity to see World number 11 Patrick Wilson (East) in action, who had withdrawn from the competition on the day.  Following the group stage, the predicted final saw world number 23, Scott McCowan (West) come head-to-head with his brother, and world number 2, Jamie McCowan (West).  In a very close encounter, it was elder brother, Scott, who came out on top to earn the bragging rights to become national champion.  The bronze medal match was contested by national squad players Sean McCann (East) and Hannah Craig (Tayside).  In a fairly one sided match, Hannah was more consistent and claimed the bronze medal.  A notable mention must go to newcomer, Ross MacNeil (West), who has vastly improved over the past few months and made a good account of himself in an extremely competitive class.  One to watch in the future!

The BC4 competition has a history of being strong in Scotland and this year the standard was particularly high.  Following a tough pool stage, the final was contested by World number 2, Stephen McGuire (West) and Rio 2016 Paralympian, Kieran Steer (Fife), who has recently returned to the sport following a break.  Steer, who has never beaten McGuire in a competitive match, took a 2-0 lead after the first two ends.  McGuire played a superb knock-on in the third to take a point, meaning it was 2-1 going into the last.  Eventually, McGuire showed his experience by taking three points in a short end, winning the contest 4-2. Steer can be pleased with his performance and is getting back to his best.  The bronze medal match was contested by relative newcomer, Tyler McLelland (Fife) and the more experienced Ross Munro (West).  Although very completive, National player, Munro, showed his experience to come out on top.

Selections for the UK Championships will be made in the coming days.

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS)would like to pay thanks to Napier University and all the dedicated officials and volunteers who continue to support the event.  We are also indebted to the Police Scotland Cadette volunteers who did a sterling job time-keeping and offering general support throughout.

For more information on the sport of boccia, please contact the SDS head office on admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or 0131 317 1130.

#ScottishBoccia

The Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) and Scottish Indoor Bowling Association (SIBA) National Indoor Championships took place at Falkirk Indoor Bowling Club from the 27 – 29 April 2019.  The event offers an opportunity for players with a physical, visual and learning disability to compete for the national title.

The event is grateful for the ongoing sponsorship from Coop Funeralcare and we are indebted for their continued support.  We are also delighted to announce that they will continue their support for the 2020 event.

These national championships are a significant event on the calendar as it allows players to compete within their classification group.  This opportunity is limited within the Scottish para bowls programme.

Physically Disabled B6 Men

Eight bowlers competed but it was no surprise to see two of the most experienced B6’s contest the final.  Reigning champion, Billy Allan overcame Henry Spiers 21-10 in the semi final to set up final with George Guthrie, who defeated newcomer, William Nichol, 21-14.  The final was a close contest that could have gone either way, however, the experience of Billy Allan shown through as he retained his title.

Physically Disabled B7/8 Men

This extremely competitive class is well populated with bowlers and for the first time in the events history, a playdown had to be held to reach the championships.  Eight bowlers eventually made the cut which set up an evenly balance competition.  The semi-final stages saw reigning champion, Johnny Boy Wardrope come up against the very experienced Jocky Hughes.  The Ayrshire men had a great battle but Wardrope came out on top, 21-14.  In the other Semi-Final, Commonwealth Games Lead, Garry Brown, was defeated by newcomer to para bowls, Garry Hood.  Hood is a v very experienced bowler and overcame his opponent 21-19 in a very tight affair.  In the final, Wardrope started quickly and took a commanding lead, 13-4 before Hood retired due to tiredness.  Another title for the very improving John Wardrope!

Physically Disabled B7/8 Ladies

The female section is lacking players and this year’s championships were contested by last years Champion, Barbara McMillan and newcomer (to Scotland), Pauline Wilson.  Wilson has recently moved to Glasgow from Wales but comes with bags of experienced, as she skipped the Welsh team at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast 2018.  They contested a very close 21-19 final in Pauline’s favour.

Visually Impaired B2/B3 Men

Four players contested this section following a selection process by our partners at Visually Impaired Bowling Scotland.  Ian Graham (Kathleen Sweetland) defeated Robert Graham (Ken Johnson) 21-10 in the first semi-final, whilst Robert Barr (Sarah Jane Ewining) defeated Billy Edgar (George Miller) 21-5 in the other semi-final.  This set up a final between two experienced players, but the outcome was a win for Robert Barr, who retained his title.

Visually Impaired B2/B3 Ladies

Four players contested this section following a selection process by our partners at Visually Impaired Bowling Scotland.  Melanie Innes (Grace Whitton) defeated Mary Stevenson (Chris Morrow) 17-9 after reaching the 2:15 time limit, whilst Sylvia Johnston (Ron McArthur) defeated Eleanor Clarke (Doreen Strachan) 15-9.  The final was played out in good spirits but in the end, Melanie Innes was too strong, winning 21-4.  Innes continues to improve and was delighted to claim the national title.

SDS is would like to thank our former Disability Bowls Inclusive Performance Manager, Ron McArthur, who has been the driving force behind this competition. Ron continues to support this event in a voluntary capacity, and we are extremely grateful for his continued input and expertise.

Learning Disability Sections Male A, Female A and Open Section B

The competition for players with a learning disability has now closed these championships for the last two years. The quality of play was unrelenting throughout and all players proved to be a credit to their representative areas. It proved to be a host of familiar names competing on the day as all three defending champions pitched up to retain their titles in the face of stiff competition from the leading bowlers from other areas.

Pamela Mitchell and Daryll Stewart (both Fife) defended their titles in dominant style. Pamela won all her matches in a round-robin group of five players finishing ahead of Glasgow’s Sandi Todd to claim the trophy and gold medal adding yet another title to her considerable haul in both the outdoor and indoor formats of the game. Daryll was in similarly imperious form and defeated Glasgow’s Jordan Donnachie – who himself had an outstanding championship – in the final by 16 shots to 6. It was left to Lothian’s Euan Wright to complete the full house of defending champions retaining their trophies, and he did it in style, overcoming local favourite Lee Duncan in the final by 11 shots to 4. To wrap things up Team Fife retained the Co-op Funeralcare Trophy they won in its inaugural year in 2018.

SDS is would like to thank our former Disability Bowls Inclusive Performance Manager, Ron McArthur, who has been the driving force behind this competition. Ron continues to support this event in a voluntary capacity, and we are extremely grateful for his continued input and expertise. SDS are also grateful to Falkirk Indoor Bowling Club for their continued excellence as hosts and to all umpires, markers and team support for their substantial efforts in supporting this event.

Photo courtesy of John Wardrope

Understanding boccia and classification can be challenging, so we have created this resource to help partners identify individuals ‘who can play’ the sport both competitively and internationally.  This will hopefully breakdown barriers and improve participation rates within the sport in Scotland.

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is promoting the hashtag #ScottishBoccia on social media to market the sport further.  Get involved!

If you have any questions regarding the sport or would like further information please contact the SDS office on 0131 317 1130 or admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

Boccia Who_Can_Play

A new tartan has been produced by Lachcarron of Scotland in celebration of 50 years of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) providing therapy through horses. The tartan was launched at an Anniversary event in Edinburgh by RDA President, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal. The Princess met with volunteers and participants from around the country and was presented with her very own RDA tartan scarf by brothers Andrew and William McLeod.

In addition to launching the tartan, the event was an opportunity to celebrate 50 years of RDA in Scotland. There are 54 individual RDA groups in the country, supporting almost 3000 adults and children with physical and learning disabilities to benefit from horses. In her address to guests, The Princess thanked the volunteers – over 2,500 in Scotland – without whom RDA would not be possible. She acknowledged the whole team effort that it takes to help make such a real difference to people’s lives through riding and carriage driving.

Kim McCutcheon, Edinburgh and Borders Regional Chair for RDA, said “The tartan has been designed to incorporate the charity’s colours and it was lovely to launch it at a special celebration alongside our wonderful volunteers and participants. It would be fantastic to see the tartan worn across the whole of the UK and by purchasing a scarf you are helping to support another 50 years of therapy through horses.”

The event was kindly held at the People’s Postcode Lottery office in Charlotte Square, Edinburgh. Clara Govier, managing director of People’s Postcode Lottery said ‘It has been a honour to support Riding for the Disabled in celebrating their fiftieth year here in Scotland, and see the launch of their new tartan. They are an incredible charity, working across Britain to improve the lives of thousands of people. They are hugely popular with the players of People’s Postcode Lottery and have received over £2.5 million in funding since 2013.’

Celebrations for RDA’s 50th anniversary are continuing throughout the year around the UK.

The 42nd Disability Sport Fife (SCIO) AGM and Awards presentations were held at the Michael Woods Sports & Leisure Centre on Monday 29th April. Over 80 athletes, coaches, volunteers, families and others attended.

The business of the AGM was led by Paul Noble MBE and the review of the year and presentation of awards coordinated by Richard Brickley MBE.

There were 25 award categories and 33 awards presented by Gavin Macleod, CEO of Scottish Disability Sport, and Emma Thomas-Hancock, Director of Delivery at Volunteering Matters, plus Fife Paralympians.

Julie Hogg from Dunfermline received the Eddie Campbell Coach of the Year award for her commitment to the development of badminton for players with additional support needs in schools and in the community. Julie has inspired and developed the skills and abilities of learners in the west of Fife in particular.

Gayle Sloan from Dunfermline received the Ann Swann Emerging Coach of the Year award for her commitment to DSF weekly sessions in central and west Fife. Gayle is a Scottish Athletics Level 2 coach and has contributed significantly to the growth in interest in track and field across Fife in the past five years.

Kay Maxwell from Dunfermline received the Adam Morley Special Recognition Award for her commitment to swimming teaching and coaching at Carnegie Leisure Centre and for her regular support of Fife swim teams at national championships. Kay is standing down this year from her weekly coaching session after over 10 years of commitment to DSF learners.

Presenting the coaching awards are Gavin and Paralympian Craig Rodgie.

Carolyn Clunie from East Fife Community Support Services was awarded the ambassador of the year trophy for her commitment over many years to encouraging and supporting service users to become involved in active recreation and sport. Carolyn is a Charity Trustee of the new DSF (SCIO) and has been the team manager of the Fife Track and Field squad that has performed so well over so many years at the SDS Track and Field Championships at Grangemouth Stadium.

Carolyn is flanked by GB Paralympian Iain Matthew and Emma.

Pamela Robson from Burntisland and Balwearie HS was presented with the GOGA in Fife volunteer of the year award for her services to the Get Out Get Active programme in Fife supported by Spirit of 2012. Pamela is involved in many areas of a programme that attempts to encourage inactive individuals with additional support needs to become involved in active recreation inclusively.

Fife AC President Lesley Thirkell and Fife AC coach Ron Morrison were presented with the Olympiad Trophy as DSF member organisation of the year. DSF enjoys a very special relationship with the club. As well as supporting individual DSF athlete members, Fife AC volunteers are heavily involved in the delivery of the DSF cross country and track and field programmes.

In the photo Gavin is flanked by Lesley and Ron.

The Aileen Harper Trophy is presented to the Junior Sports Person of the year. Aileen was an exceptional Paralympian excelling in archery, track and field, wheelchair slalom and wheelchair dancing. This year’s outstanding junior is Connor Brown from Woodmill HS who excelled in the year past in cross country, karate, judo, football, swimming and rugby to name but a few of his sports.

Leo Cord from Balwearie HS was awarded to Penman family trophy as the top footballer of the year. Leo was top scorer in the 2019 DSF 7s tournament held at Kirkcaldy HS and led the Balwearie HS team from the front.

Junior Endeavour awards were presented to fours rising stars in junior sports and they are: Finlay Davidson (athletics and badminton); Skye Davidson (athletics, badminton and equestrian sports); Katie Pake (swimming); Calum Robertson (athletics, cross country and swimming).

Presenting the awards are Gavin, Emma plus Paralympians Iain Matthew and Paul Johnston.

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

The British Para Swimming International Meet took place at Tollcross International Swimming Pool from Thursday 25 – Sunday 28 April 2019.  The event is one of the most important on the calendar for our para swimmers and provided a qualification opportunity for the World Championships in London later this year. 

There were 32 Scottish athletes (29 based in Scotland, 3 Non-Residents who train in England) representing 21 clubs (18 Scottish & 3 English).   

The event saw three Scottish athletes post the qualification standards for the World Championships which will take place in London in September. 

• Stephen Clegg – S12 100m Butterfly 
• Toni Shaw – S9 100m Butterfly 
• Scott Quin – SB14 100m Breaststroke 

The Scottish swimmers were in fine form on home soil, and none more than Scott Quin (GBR/Warrender Baths Club), who set a World Record in his favoured 100m SB14 Breaststroke event, in the heats, with a time of 1:05.28.  Whilst he didn’t better that time in the final, he did secure gold in a time of 1:05.53.  

After the race, Quin stated: 

“I’m happy with the way I swam tonight. I’ll sit down later with Kostas (Kalitsis) and evaluate things. It was always going to be very hard to go what I went this morning which was a 65.2. The final was 65.5 and that’s the first time I’ve posted 65s twice long course. I wasn’t really expecting to go faster tonight. 

“I did feel more relaxed tonight, but I do want to go away and analyse a few things and see where I can control myself a bit better. But it’s still very consistent and I’m not going to criticise myself.  I’m also really happy I executed the things Kostas (coach) asked me to do. Normally my brain wonders a wee bit and I stray away from the race plan and Kostas has to pull me back from things I want to do. Overall it has been a very positive day and I feel I’ve nailed most of the target goals for this first part of the season.” 

Speaking about the World Para-Swimming World Championships in September, Quin finished by saying:

“I’m excited that the Worlds will be in London. The last major event there was London 2012 Paralympics and I just missed out on that.” 

Alison Peasgood picked up a gold medal at the Milan World Paratriathlon Series, in her first ever outing alongside paratriathlon guide, Nikki Bartlett.

A gruelling training schedule over the past couple of months has paid dividends as Peasgood posted one of her quickest runs.Having exited the water a few seconds clear of eventual PTVI silver medallist, Susanna Rodriguez, the 2016 World Champion continued to open the gap to finish over a minute clear of her Spanish rival.

For more information please see the British Triathlon website.