A fantastic day of athletics was had as the Grangemouth Sports Complex saw 10 teams from around Scotland descend on it to participate in multiple athletic-disciplines.

This event is run in partnership with Scottish Athletics each year and is designed to be an introductory competitive outlet for those athletes at the first stages of enjoying the sport, many of who have qualified for this event by participating in local and regional events and have been selected to represent their branch area.

Teams are asked to select athletes from all disability disciplines to be eligible for the trophy which is awarded to the team who collect the most points throughout the day. SDS were delighted with the attendance and it is heartening to see that strong development is being encouraged in such an important sport.

Team Fife once again took home the trophy with the team ably marshalled by their coaches Gayle Sloan and Pamela Robson who lead regular run, jump and throw sessions in the region. All this practice clearly makes an impact as the youngsters excelled on the day with Dumfries and Galloway and Forth Valley in hot pursuit but just finishing short.

However, all participants and team support should be applauded as they all contributed to a special atmosphere at the event as the sport proved to be the real winner.

A presentation was made to Shona Malcolm OBE from Scottish Athletics to thank her for her contribution to this event for multiple years. Shona has worked tirelessly to ensure these events are the success they undoubtedly her and she will be missed as her job within the organisation changes. Nonetheless, the event will continue thanks to the structure put in place by Shona. The event is scheduled to move one week earlier next year as it falls in line with the National Sportshall Events run in Scotland by the Eveque Sportshall Team. A big thanks to Active Stirling for the use of their equipment.

The excellent partnership continues with Barclays and West Lothian College with both organisations providing tremendous voluntary support to this event. Daryll Buchanan from Barclays has produced yet another range of excellent photos for our use. Please give his page at Daryll Buchanan Photography a like. The album can be found at this link:

SDS National Sportshall Athletics Photos 2019

Don’t forget the National Cross Country Event at Bellahouston on Thursday 21st March. If you would still like to participate in this event please let us know at mark.gaffney@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

A presentation was made at the National Sportshall Athletics Event last week to Shona Malcolm OBE from scottishathletics to recognise her years of dedication to disability athletics. Shona has contributed so much to every aspect of disability athletics in her tenure, both as an officer and a volunteer and has supported a comprehensive competition pathway that offers people at every level of the sport a competitive outlet. Although her athletics role has changed and has resulted in her not directly working with us in the same capacity, everyone at SDS and in the networks very much hopes that she won’t be a stranger. Shona is someone who easily deserves to carry the ‘legend’ tag.

Shona was presented with her flowers by Caitlyn Ross, a Forth Valley Flyer and a member of our Young Person’s Sports Panel. Shona has overseen Caitlyn flourishing over the years as a very capable athlete and has brought a huge amount of expertise to Caitlyn’s development, especially in the throwing events.

SDS wish Shona all the very best and look forward to welcoming her to future events as a valued partner, volunteer – or even – spectator (though knowing Shona this would be a difficult role for her as she would always want to help!).

 

The WCF World Wheelchair Curling Championships returned for Scotland for the first time since 2005, when the event was hosted at Braehead Ice Rink. On that occasion, Scotland emerged as World Champions and as the Scots prepared to face China in the 2019 final, it looked like history was about to repeat itself. In an exciting climax to the 2019 Championships at the Peak in Stirling, Team Scotland secured the silver medal after losing out 5-2 in a hard fought final against the reigning Paralympic Champions.

Silver, however, represented a huge achievement for the host nation, who qualified from the round-robin stages with a last-gasp win over Canada before beating the defending champions, Norway, 7-2 in the semi-final. For Scottish skip Aileen Neilson and her team mates David Melrose, Robert McPherson, Hugh Nibloe and alternate Gary Logan it was an impressive finish after a faltering start to the week which saw them lose their first two matches. However, Scots regrouped magnificently and victories against Germany, Norway, Korea, USA, Russia, Estonia and Canada led to a third place finish on the table and a play-off place secured.

Scotland had lost to Slovakia in the round robin stage but they took their revenge in the play-off with a 7-6 victory after an extra end. A 7-3 semi-final victory over reigning World Champions, Norway lined up a place in the final for the Scots against the Paralympic Champions.

In the final, the Chinese had been the top qualifiers from the round-robin stages of the tournament and took the lead early, when they registered a single at the 2nd end followed up with a steal at the next. The Scots fought hard to reduce the deficit but the Chinese rink skipped by Wang Haitao established a 5-2 lead going into the last of the eight ends, where they were able to run the Scots out of stones to lift their first world title.

After the final, Scotland skip, Aieen Neilson said: “We had really high hopes ahead of this final of coming away with that gold medal. However after our start to the week if I had been offered a silver medal I would have been happy with that. Obviously finishing on a loss isn’t easy, but getting on the podium on home ice in front of all our supporters is fantastic.

“If there had been key shots made, when I had a chance for a two or if I had put a better guard on at the seventh it might have been different, we had chances, however we did make it a close final,” she said.

“They were worthy winners and they were probably the best team here this week, however we became more consistent as the week progressed and we did manage to make sure we were peaking in our performances at the end of the tournament.

“Overall, to have that gold medal experience and to have my second silver at a world champs and this time on home ice with lots of Scottish supporters, it doesn’t get much better than that. This silver medal is all the more special because of that and it is something that I will never forget.”

British Curling Head Wheelchair Coach Sheila Swan, who had previously coached the Scottish team at World Championships in 2011 where they won the silver medal said: “It is a game of small margins and we maybe weren’t as sharp as we were in our last few games. China didn’t give us many chances and when we did get them, we didn’t quite manage to capitalise on them. The shot their skip made at the 7th, when he feathered past the guard to make his two, that epitomised how tight that game was.

“They were the form team this week and reigning Paralympic Champions and a team we don’t see on tour much, so difficult to judge how they are playing. But you know coming into this week that you are playing the best eleven teams in the world and you have to expect tough games. There is a tinge of disappointment, but overall it is great to have won silver and we just have to build on this week and come back and get that illustrious gold medal next time,” Swan added.

In the bronze medal game, Korea beat defending World Champions Norway 10-3 to take their place on the podium in Stirling.

 

Scotland results after the round robin: 7W 4L

Scotland v Switzerland 4-5

Scotland v Latvia 7-8

Scotland v Germany 9-7 (EE)

Scotland v Norway 7-4

Scotland v Korea 7-6

Scotland v China 3-7

Scotland v USA 7-6

Scotland v Slovakia 5-9

Scotland v Russia 5-4

Scotland v Estonia 9-3

Scotland v Canada 5-3

 

Play-off result:

Scotland v Slovakia 7-6 (EE)

 

Semi-final result:

Scotland v Norway 7-3

 

Gold medal match:

Scotland v China 2-5

 

 

SCOTLAND TEAM:

Aileen Neilson (skip) – 47yrs, born East Kilbride, lives Strathaven

David Melrose – 52yrs, born Haddington, lives Duns

Robert McPherson – 50yrs, born Motherwell, lives Bellshill

Hugh Nibloe – 37yrs, born Stranraer, lives Stranraer

Gary Logan – 47yrs, born Berwick-upon-Tweed, lives Cornhil on Tweed, Northumberland

Photo courtesy of Scottish Curling

Three members of the SDS Young Persons Sport Panel – Lewis McConnell, Caitlyn Ross and Colette Martin – attended the World Wheelchair Curling Championships at the PEAK on Wednesday 6 March 2019. The group attended to support panel ambassador Aileen Neilson and team Gary Logan, Robert McPherson, Hugh Nibloe and David Melrose, as they played against the USA in the number 10 draw of the round robin matches of the tournament.

It was a very exciting and tense game of curling to watch as the Scottish team got off to a strong start winning the first end 2-0. After some close shots in the ends to follow, Scotland were still leading at the half way point 4-3. The YPSP kept waving their flags of support as the USA went on to equalise in the 5th end before they went into take the lead by 1 point in end 6. As the teams went into their last end of the match Scotland were 6-4 down but Aileen skipped the team to victory as they won the end by 3 points and to a final result of 7-6 to Scotland. This win moved Scotland up to joint 5th position in the table with Canada and Switzerland. The team will play their next round of matches against Slovakia and Russia on Thursday.

Panel member Colette Martin said: “It was great to see a world championships in your home country and to see Wheelchair Curling played at the highest level. It was great to see our panel ambassador, Ailien in action as well!”

Good luck to Aileen and the rest of the Scottish team in the rest of the competition!

The horsescotland National Equestrian Awards 2019, very kindly sponsored by RHASS, took place on Friday 1st March at Doubletree Dunblane Hydro.

These prestigious awards celebrate and honour the outstanding contributions within Scottish equestrianism, providing an opportunity to both acknowledge and congratulate the success, performance, effort and sheer determination shown by so many throughout the year.

Following a drinks reception, horsescotland Chair, Grant Turnbull, welcomed over 300 guests. Grant stated “ I am delighted to be involved in such a progressive equestrian community in Scotland and it it is tremendous to see the support of so many of our Member bodies. The quality and number of award nominations received this year has exceeded all expectation”. Special thanks were given to RHASS for their continued sponsorship support.

Highly respected ex National Hunt Jockey, Peter Scudamore MBE, took to the stage after an excellent meal and entertained everyone with an interesting and humorous speech.

Finally, the waiting was over and the winners were announced. Awards were presented by RHASS chairman, Allan J. Murray and Peter Scudamore MBE.

RDA Chief Executive Ed Bracher, followed on by thanking horsescotland for helping to celebrate the 50th anniversary of RDA in Scotland before presenting the RDA Scotland Outstanding Contribution award to Susie Elliot MBE. Ed expressed his gratitude by saying “Thank you so much to horsescotland for marking our 50th anniversary in this way and allowing us to show off the power and importance of our volunteers”

The full list of winners (Photography – Sinclair Photography):

Equestrian Business of the Year
Lindores Equestrian – Celebrating 30 years in business this year, Lindores Equestrian has supported not only the equestrian community but also Scottish tourism. They have listened to demands and needs and continually develop the business in response. Their focus on customer care is exemplary.

Employee of the Year
Jamie Turnbull – Jamie has made a significant contribution to Scottish Racing as an assistant trainer. His hard work and dedication helped produce the 2017 Grand National winner and in 2018 he worked with the team to produce a total of fifty winners. It is clear that he is an integral and pivotal part of the team at Arlary House Racing.

Youth Coach of the Year
Sean Henderson – Through his coaching, Sean has demonstrated a great ability to inspire confidence and to encourage riders to develop, participate and enjoy their sport.

Young People’s Coach of the Year
Jennifer Burnett – Over the past 10 years, Jennifer has coached over 200 horse and rider combinations. As a result, the Scottish Junior Tetrathlon girls team is consistently in the top four and the boys team have won twice.

Participation Coach of the Year
Martin Arnott – Martin shows a genuine desire to see both the horse and rider develop regardless of their experience or age. By building on traditional coaching approaches and using video review techniques, he helps riders to acquire the knowledge to train their own horses. He has also developed links internationally and delivered the UKCC platform in the United Arab Emirates.

Performance Coach of the Year
Andrew Hamilton – The judging panel were surprised that Andrew had not won this award before. He was one of the first in Scotland to complete the UKCC level 3 coaching certificate. A former British International Showjumper, he has been influential in working with riders at all levels.

Youth Performer of the Year
Nicole Lockhead-Anderson & Shaunie Greig – Joint winners, Nicole and Shaunie’s hard work has certainly paid off over the last year. Amongst several notable individual victories throughout the year, they were part of the gold winning British Pony Team, Team LeMieux, at the Pony European Championships, Bishop Burton in August 2018.
Award collected by Lucy Moss (British Showjumping Scotland) and Claire Lockhead-Anderson

Performer of the Year
Graham Babes – A member of the horsescotland elite performance squad, this young man has had many international successes in the last year. Graham was part of the British Young Rider team which took silver at the European showjumping Championships.
Award collected by Sandra Low-Mitchell

Youth Volunteer of the Year
Alexandra MacMillan – Alexandra is a dedicated young lady who has consistently proven herself to be reliable and competent with a true desire to learn. She has covered many miles in her volunteer role and is also an aspiring young judge.

Volunteer of the Year
Fiona Roebuck – Having spent 29 years as a volunteer on the the committee of the National Pony Society Scotland, Fiona is now the current Chair. Over the years she has shown unbounded commitment and continues to push forward the development of the Society. She dedicates her time to supporting the running of the light horse sections at various agricultural shows and following fifteen years of stewarding at the Royal Highland Show was recently elected Regional Director of the Light Horse section.

Club of the Year
Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA – There are many equestrian clubs in Scotland who offer exceptional support and facilities to participants. However, this club really stands out. They are committed to ensuring club members gain more than just equestrian aptitude by giving them life skills for the future.

Team of the Year
South of Scotland Select – Unbeaten in Scottish and British competition this team represented Britain in the 2018 European championships finishing fourth in their category. Highly motivated and very involved in their sport, most of the members are already coaching others towards future success.

Equine Breeder of the Year
Reay Campbell – Highly respected, Reay of Caledonia Dressage Horses has bred exceptional foals through her excellent breeding programme, providing many equestrians, not just in Scotland but further afield, with the opportunity to excel. She is a dedicated individual with many years of experience.

Owner of the Year
Gordon Grainger – Gordon has gone way beyond just providing a horse. By supporting the rider in all aspects of training and competing, his horse has gone on to compete and win. Rider and horse have so far excelled to become British Elementary Gold Freestyle Champions and British Elementary Gold Champions.

Writer of the Year
Emma Cheape – Through their writing to a national audience, an increase in participation has been reported along with increased support for charities. Emma has brought equestrianism to a wider audience through traditional print and online media

Equestrian Photo of the Year
Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA – Equi-Power’s photo submission achieved over 1200 likes on the horsescotland Facebook page. A firm favourite with our public voters.

Lifetime Achievement
David Blair & Tom Best – Previousl school teachers, Tom and David became involved in equine breeding when they formed Waxwing Stud in 1972. Their Welsh Section A and B ponies are renowned for having excellent temperaments and trainability. Many have gone on to become winners, including Horse of the Year Show Supreme Pony Champion ‘Waxwing Thumbs Up’. Their continued passion and dedication to the world of breeding, showing and judging coupled with their willingness to share their knowledge and expertise makes them very worthy winners of this award.

Board Special Recognition
Ursula XII – Special recognition goes to an outstanding equine who recently retired from an exceptional career in showjumping. This Scottish sport horse mare was bred in 2001by Mary Turnbull and was originally produced by horsescotland performance programme rider, Mark Turnbull. Her career was furthered under the ownership of Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham. This exceptionally talented mare, along with top Scottish rider Scott Brash, went on to secure many wins at top level showjumping worldwide.
Award collected by Anne Logan and Mark Turnbull

RDA Scotland Outstanding Contribution
Susie Elliot MBE – A volunteer for over 50 years, Susie has inspired countless others. Her selfless commitment and dedication has enabled many at both regional and national level to develop and succeed.

PHOTOS (left to right)
Photographer – Sinclair Photography

1. Equestrian Business of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE, Lindores Equestrian, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
2. Employee of the Year: Jamie Turnbull, Peter Scudamore MBE, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
3. Youth Coach of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Sean Henderson, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
4. Young People’s Coach of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Jennifer Burnett, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
5. Participation Coach of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Martin Arnott, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
6. Performance Coach of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Andrew Hamilton, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
7. Youth Performer of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Lucy Moss (British Showjumping Scotland) collecting on behalf of
   Shaunie Greig, Claire Lockhead-Anderson collecting on behalf of Nicole Lockhead-Anderson, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
8. Performer of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Sandra Low-Mitchell collecting on behalf of Graham Babes, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
9. Youth Volunteer of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Alexandra MacMillan, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
10. Volunteer of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Fiona Roebuck, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
11. Club of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
12. Team of the Year: South of Scotland Select, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
13. Equine Breeder of the Year: Allan J. Murray(RHASS) , Reay Campbell, Peter Scudamore MBE
14. Owner of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Gordon Grainger, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
15. Writer of the Year: Allan J. Murray(RHASS) , Emma Cheape, Peter Scudamore MBE
16. Equestrian Photo of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
17. Lifetime Achievement: Peter Scudamore MBE , David Blair, Tom Best, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
18. Board Special Recognition: Peter Scudamore MBE, Anne Logan on behalf of Scott Brash and Owners – Lady Harris and
    Lady Kirkham, Mark Turnbull on behalf of Turnbull familly, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
19. RDA Scotland Outstanding Contribution: Ed Bracher (RDA Chief Executive), Susie Elliot MBE