I had the pleasure this week of having a coffee at Fisher and Donaldsons in Cupar with the remarkable Caroline Baird MBE. My specific mission was to meet the new Caroline following her extensive surgery and rehabilitation at the hands of a brilliant medical team in London. From the moment I picked her up at her parents home and bid farewell to her two daughters for a short period it was obvious that Caroline is indeed a very different person. Her posture, mobility, confidence and speech have improved dramatically following a number years of restriction, pain, lack of energy, frustration and loss of confidence.

Almost 18 months ago Caroline and Dr Sammler, her neurologist at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, embarked on a journey that eventfully led to her visit to the medical team in London. Caroline was introduced to different treatments under the expert guidance of Dr Sammler but the returns were disappointing. Deep brain stimulation is routinely used in the treatment of patients with Parkinson’s with incredible success but less so for those with dystonia. Caroline did not hesitate when it was offered to her as an option and she and husband John headed south on a journey that the family most definitely believe led to the return of the Caroline of old. While everybody at home held their breath, the gritty, determined successful Paralympian of the 90s took it all in her stride.

Caroline spent approximately three weeks in hospital under care of the superb medical team. She spent 7/8 hours in surgery over two sessions and ended up with two electrodes in her head and a “box” on the upper part of her chest that controls the whole stimulation process. John has the task of controlling the process under guidance from the London medical team and to date everything has gone exceptionally well. Approximately two weeks after leaving hospital Caroline proudly walked up the Bonnygate in Cupar in her role as a Past Chieftain of Cupar Highland Games to the complete astonishment of fellow Chieftains and friends. Another example of medical progress, the skills and abilities of the medical profession and the determination of a young woman to secure quality in her life free from pain and postural challenges.

During our coffee chat we spoke about the future and despite my efforts she did not buy into my suggestion of a future in bowls preferring instead her own mission to get back on a bicycle. Caroline reminded me that she meant a bicycle and not a tricycle. True to form challenge is always at the forefront of her thinking, with an emphasis on making up for lost time. Her immediate aim is to get back to work with Cornerstone Care where she works as a support worker with tenants with additional support needs.

Introduced to Para sport by Disability Sport Fife (DSF), Caroline’s first representative honour came as a member of the Scottish Junior Squad that competed in the British Junior Swimming Championships at Stoke Mandeville. She was encouraged to try athletics and very quickly it was evident this was where she would excel. Caroline’s first major representative honour came as a member of the Scottish Youth Team that travelled to the World Games in Miami in 1989. Caroline then went on to win 5 Paralympic medals of which 4 were gold. Her first Paralympic selection was Barcelona in 1992 and she returned with a gold medal. Further honours and medals followed in Atlanta and Sydney. She also won gold at the World Championships in Berlin in ’94 and Birmingham in ’98. For over a decade Caroline was recognised as the world’s leading sprinter in the T36 Class. She achieved times and set standards that had never been envisaged for a T36 athlete with cerebral palsy. Caroline was the true superstar of women’s athletics for her generation. She pushed the boundaries and raised the standards in the T36 class under the guidance of coach, John Oulton.

Spending time with Caroline is always a pleasure and this occasion was no exception. She inspired me as an athlete and continues to amaze me as a friend of many years. Coffee time was a pleasure and one particular phrase sticks in my mind “waking up every day and experiencing the changes that have happened is like a dream come true”. Well done Caroline and her medical team plus of course her devoted husband and family who have been behind her throughout her life. Disability Sport Fife is fiercely proud of this great athlete role model.

Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife

 

The morning of Monday 7 August saw over 200 family and friends arrive at St Modan’s High School for the send-off of the Forth Valley Special Olympics team. The team, made up of 53 Athletes, 29 Coaches and a 1 to 1 carer makes up the 82 delegation members of the Forth Valley Special Olympics Team 2017. FV athletes and players will compete in the sports of athletics, indoor bowls, boccia, golf, football and swimming within the six-day competition.

The Special Olympics, this year held in Sheffield, is largest multi-sports event for athletes with intellectual disabilities and is held every four years. The Special Olympics represents a huge opportunity to showcase the abilities of children and adults with a learning disability allowing them to compete at a national level, achieve personal bests, as well as enable them to make friends, travel and socialise. More than 500 athletes are heading from Scotland to participate in the Games to join over 2,500 competitors from across Great Britain.

The official send off for the Forth Valley team did not disappoint, with a host of family and friends, as well as the Clackmannanshire Provost Tina Murphy, Stirling Councillor Alasdair Tollemache and local, regional and national partners waving the team off.  Tina Murphy gave best wishes by throwing Scottish ‘good luck’ teddies into a sea of excited athletes.

Forth Valley Disability Sport would like to thank all family and friends that have supported their fundraising efforts, and the many local companies and funders that assisted the team including M-Line for transport, RJM Sports for team kit, Awards for All, Schuh Trust and EDF Energy. Also a special mention to the local and regional clubs within Central Scotland who have worked extremely hard to ensure our FV athletes attended the Special Olympics this year: Forth Valley Flyers, Falkirk Indoor Bowling Club, Right on Target Boccia Club, Bridge of Allan Golf Club, Stirling City All Stars and Enable Arion Swimming Club.

Lastly a BIG thank you to Forth Valley Disability Sport, especially Graham Harvey and his team, for their continuous efforts to ensure that the FV athletes and clubs gain the best possible experience at the Special Olympics this year. Please follow the ongoing success of the Forth Valley team on their twitter @ForthValleyDS.

The Special Olympics will be hosted in the city of Sheffield from Monday 7th to Saturday 12th August. Tuesday 8th August sees the opening Ceremony take place at Sheffield United FC.

For more information on the Forth Valley Special Olympics team please contact Graham Harvey at info@fvds.org.uk, or for more information on disability sport in Central Scotland contact Cheryl Willet (Scottish Disability Sport Regional Manager) at cheryl.willet@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

In June 2017, Active Schools East Dunbartonshire in partnership with Sports Development organised the inaugural ‘Celebration of Sport’ Event.  The aim was to create a specific event for pupils with additional support needs.  Active Schools invited pupils from both ASN schools and mainstream schools.

The Allander Leisure Centre in Milgavie was the venue for the day.  The morning session was for pupils with  learning disabilities and the afternoon session for pupils with more complex needs.  Pupils participated in the sports of Football, Athletics and Boccia.

Support was on hand from local clubs and thanks go to Victoria Park Athletics Club, Springburn Harriers, The Tennis Aces, Milngavie Football Club and Lori Ure from SDS.  All participants were given a ‘goody bag’ on departing the event in order to provide further information on how to get involved in local clubs.

Overall, 28 pupils attended with additional support needs.

 

It is plannedto run this event again in 2018, to further enhance the link between local clubs and schools, but to also continue to identify pupils in mainstream schools with additional support needs.

Two year fixed term contract with the option to extend subject to funding

Salary £22-25,000

Scottish Rowing is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual to fill the role of Regional Development Manager for the West Region. The successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to grow the sport across the region which includes Glasgow, Renfrewshire, Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, Dumfries and Galloway, North and South Lanarkshire and will share our passion and vision for the development of rowing. This role will require leadership, planning, delivery and communication skills along with the ability to network successfully within the sport and with all current and potential partners and relevant agencies

For a full job description, candidate specification, application and monitoring forms see our website.
http://www.scottish-rowing.org.uk/index.php/about-us/vacancies

OR contact Carol Ann Ellis, Scottish Rowing Administrator.
Telephone: 01698 250206
Email: office@scottish-rowing.org.uk

Application Process:

Applicant to return completed application form, CV and Monitoring form by email to office@scottish-rowing.org.uk, or by post to Scottish Rowing, Scottish Rowing Centre, 366 Hamilton Road, Motherwell, ML1 3ED.

For more information or an informal discussion please contact Mark Senter on 01698 250206 or email mark.senter@scottish-rowing.org.uk

Applications for this position close at noon on Friday 18th August 2017.

Interviews will be held at the Scottish Rowing Centre, on week commencing Monday 28th August 2017.

Scottish Rowing is committed to selecting staff solely on the basis of their ability to do the job for which they are being recruited, and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Banff Swimming Pool

Saturday 26th August 2017

Registration 1200 – First race: 1330

Relaxed, fun  and supported opportunity for athletes with a disability to try a short distance triathlon

To view the flyer please click here

To sign up please click here

 

 

 

On Wednesday the 5^th of July, young people with disabilities from all over Scotland congregated at the National Sports Centre Inverclyde for what can only be described as an action packed few days! On arrival participants were split into 3 teams who then competed against each other over the 3 days to see who would be crowned Summer Camp Champions for 2017!

On day 1 the teams went head to head into the gym, competing in the “SDS Superstars” event. This activity required the team members to work together and think outside the box as athletes had to complete various challenges using heavy weights. The participants and staff then competed in a 200m time trial on the rowing machines which certainly brought out the competitiveness of the athletes and staff. It was like the teams were competing for gold in Rio! After a very busy afternoon everyone was feeling pretty tired, thankfully a barbeque and sunshine helped everyone to recover. Wednesday night saw the teams compete again, this time doing activities such as boccia, goalball, hockey, golf and many more.

After a great night’s sleep in the newly refurbished accommodation the participants were raring to go for day 2. With the competition heating up it was all to play for with teams taking part in an orienteering challenge full of clues and riddles which made everyone think hard and work together to gain the points. Campers also took part in Archery where there were definitely some future stars of the sport taking part with some fantastic shooting on display. Cycling proved to be a big hit as the three teams battled it out in a time trial round the course. I’m not sure who was more determined to get the fastest time… the staff or the campers. Blazing saddles helped to give every participant the opportunity to cycle with a variety of adapted bikes to suit everyone’s needs. After a quick break for lunch the athletes were back at it with one group doing water sports whilst the other did their SDS Superstars Challenge.

The water sports involved a variety of activities from an exhilarating trip around the loch on a speed boat to a more sedate paddle in a canoe or kayak. Despite the rain everyone smiled from ear to ear all afternoon.

Soaking but satisfied everyone headed back to Inverclyde for some ice cream which helped fuel our brains for the evening quiz. With each team excelling at different rounds the quiz was closely contested but the green team eventually won through.

The last morning saw the final chance to grab some last minute points. The Military Mayhem challenge was organised by non-other than camp legend John De Courcy! Teams were put through their paces having to create a marching routine, shoot targets and complete an assault course as a team, which included running with an injured soldier in a sling! The staff thoroughly enjoyed this activity as they got to dress up and get saved by the young people! There was some great cohesion on show from all the teams throughout the tasks

After the morning’s tasks, everyone sat down for lunch before the highly anticipated reveal of the SDS Camp Champions 2017! With excitement and anticipating filling the room Mark announced the placings for the camp. In third place was the Red team, closely followed by the Green team and the Blue team were crowned SDS Summer Camp Champions for 2017!

Apart from the fierce competition, Summer Camp is all about giving young people with disabilities the opportunity to try new sports, meet new people and learn new skills. Throughout my time at summer camp I have seen so many people develop and grow into fantastic young athletes. Summer camp has given me lots of opportunities and helped my personal development as well as motivating me to continue to improve myself physically and mentally. None of this would be possible without the support of Celtic Football Foundation and the National Lottery Big Fund Scotland, so a massive thanks from me and all the other participants!

 

By Gemma Lumsdaine

Young Person Sport Panel Member 

Two para bowlers from the Scottish Borders are all set to compete at the National Championships in Ayr on Friday 27th July. Mike Nicoll and Daniel Porter have been invited by Scottish Disability Sport selectors to compete in the Para-Bowls events at Ayr Northfield, presenting an excellent opportunity to showcase the Para side of the sport to hundreds of spectators over the weekend of 27th/28th July.

Porter, 26, will be participating at the Championships for the first time having only become involved with Para Bowls in February this year after attending an East of Scotland Development Day. The Galashiels Bowling Club player kicks off his Championships in the B7/B8 Category against John Hughes on Friday 28th July at 12.30pm and will be looking to spring a few surprises on his debut.

Nicoll is slightly more experienced in the world of Para Bowls having recently returned from the Gold Coast in Australia where he represented Scotland at the 8 Nations and Para Sport event – an event that will have a bearing on Commonwealth Games qualification. The Jedburgh bowler, who was also part of the Scottish team who competed at the Home Nations International in Wales in April this year, will be hoping for a repeat of last year’s result in Ayr – the Borders man claiming victory in the competitive B6 Category and begins his defence tomorrow at 12.30pm against Andrew Semple. Although Nicoll has enjoyed success in Para Bowls, he too has only been involved for a relatively short period highlighting the opportunities for bowlers with a disability.

This year’s National Championships in Ayr includes the Men’s B6 and Men’s B7/B8 categories, in addition to the Ladies Open Class Competition. However for the first year, the Championships are extending the competitive opportunity to male and female players with a visual impairment with the introduction of the B2/B3 classification. This development highlights an exciting time for Para Bowls in Scotland with the Commonwealth Games just around the corner in 2018.

It is a fond farewell to Colin Duthie, who has retired from his role as Sports Development Officer for South Ayrshire Council.  Colin had worked for the council since the early 2000’s, undertaking various different work, but his main role and passion were disability sport where he made a huge impact on the people of South Ayrshire.  His enthusiasm, knowledge and persona will be greatly missed.

Colin started out in disability sport himself doing equestrian where he represented Scotland and Great Britain, doing extremely well in a very tough sport.  To this day he is involved in equestrian as a trustee and active member of Carrick RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) where his support is invaluable.

Along with Gordon Rainey, Colin founded South Ayrshire Access to Sport (SAAS) in 1999, which at the time was a branch organisation of Scottish Disability Sport, and would provide activities, support and funding to the local people who wanted to get involved in disability sport.  SAAS was a charity and Colin and others would actively fundraise for the group.

At the same time Colin was heavily involved in Ayrshire Sportsability (ASA), which was established in 2001, as one of the founding members and represented the Council on the board.  ASA initially started out providing opportunities for children and young people with disabilities in all three of the Ayrshires, but has since moved on to include adults, and SAAS is now under the wing of ASA who are now the branch of SDS.  Colin is still actively involved in SAAS and ASA and this will undoubtedly continue for as long as possible.

Cars, bikes and going fast have always been Colin’s passion and he was instrumental in setting up Disability Motorsport Scotland (DMS) where he is also a trustee and races for DMS in Superlap Scotland at Knockhill.

 

Colin is an extremely pleasant, caring, friendly and patient individual who always has time for others.  His desire for disability sport and helping others get involved and realise their potential is second to none. He has always been a great supporter of SDS and everyone who knows him wishes him well for the future.  See you soon Colin!

Keeley Cerretti and Ryan Gregson (both from South Lanarkshire) were lucky to get a place in the Junior Amputee Football Camp in Poland.  They were put forward by Ashley from Finding Your Feet, and there were 58 other children (only three girls) from across Europe.  Keeley and Ryan travelled with their dads (David and Stephen respectively) to the camp and everyone had a fantastic experience across the three days, making many new friends.

The training was based at the Soccer Arena in Warsaw and was split into sections based on age group, with first class coaching making it fun and challenging for all involved.

Both families were impressed with the organisation of the camp, and got a friendly welcome from all the officials, coaches and volunteers representing the European Amputee Football Federation. It was also managed really well with designated assistants to help with arrangements and translation etc.

This was a great experience for both Keeley and Ryan and David (Keeley’s dad) said he was really inspired by the kids and how he will remember the joy they had and the smiles on their faces.

Keeley’s quote from her experience: “I really enjoyed playing football with boys and girls my own age.  I also met a new friend called Chloe from Ireland (now pen pals) and I loved the fact that Donald Trump was in Warsaw at the same time as me.”

The camp is supported by UEFA and is in its second year, with the first taking place in Dublin in 2016.

For anyone interested in finding out more about Amputee Football in Scotland see the website below

www.amputeefootballscotland.co.uk or the next training session is:

Petershill Sports Complex, Springburn
Sunday 30^th July
10-2pm.

Kelso Gliders have been crowned 2017 Borders Boccia League Champions following a dramatic final day at the Queens Centre Galashiels.

Contested over five successive days, five teams, Eyemouth Pirates, Hawick Hawks, Peebles Bears, Gala Gladiators and new addition Kelso Gliders took part in this year’s tournament with each fixture comprising of six single matches, three pairs and two triples games.

The final round, on Friday, proved to be the pinnacle day, as Peebles Bears and Kelso Gliders were the only two teams to have won three matches and after a count back on games points for, the Tweedsiders were proclaimed eventual winners with the Bears taking the well-deserved runner-up spot.

Alan Oliver, Disability Development Officer, Live Borders, said: “The playing standard of this year’s league has improved dramatically and the majority of the matches went to the wire.

“To create a league structure for the Borders Boccia Club members is an honour and testament to how well the sport has developed throughout the region in the past four years.

“It is also a further testament to how well the league format works and the success and self-development it brings to all players.

This is the second season of the Borders Boccia League, which is made up of teams within the Borders Boccia Club. The organisation of the league is conducted by Oliver and support is provided by the club’s committee, Scottish Borders LAC Team and local volunteers.

Oliver added: “The league again demonstrates the need for a competitive element, as it provides players in the Borders with the opportunity to compete as a team in a competitive environment, but more importantly it brought all players from the club to socialise.

“It is our ambition for our players to progress up the Boccia pathway and have the opportunity to be selected for regional and National squads, but also to encourage players to attend competitions further afield.”

Quite possibly the only Boccia league in Scotland, over 48 players ascended to the Queens centre for every league fixture to play multiple games against each area.