Gordon Reid made history when the 24-year-old Scot became Great Britain’s first ever Paralympic tennis men’s singles champion on Friday night in Rio.

In what was already an historic all-British final, world No. 3 Reid beat 18-year-old 13th seed Alfie Hewett 6-2, 6-1.

Overall, players on the Tennis Foundation’s Wheelchair Tennis World Class Programme contributed six medals to the ParalympicsGB tally in their eight days of competition at the Olympic Tennis Centre. Reid and Hewett are among three players to have completed the Paralympic Tennis Event with two medals after they claimed the men’s doubles silver medal on the penultimate day of play.

First-time Paralympian Hewett secured the first break of serve in the men’s singles gold medal match to take a 2-1 lead, but Reid reeled off five games in a row to take the opening set. Both players held serve early in the second set, but Reid’s greater experience showed in his third Paralympics as he added the Paralympic title to his Australian Open and Wimbledon titles.

“It really hasn’t sunk in yet! What an amazing week I’ve had, but to take home a gold and silver really tops off an incredible year for me,” said Reid. “I didn’t see this success coming and it was only before the US Open last year that I started working with a sports psych to help me enjoy my matches more and stop putting so much pressure on myself, both to win but also to showcase our sport.

“There’s actually a picture of Andy Murray as you go out onto Centre Court and when I watched him win gold here last month, I knew I wanted to do the same. I’m honoured to be talked about in the same breathe as him.

“The team at the Tennis Foundation have worked ridiculously hard, especially since we got out here to our holding camp and I know everyone is exhausted! But as a team we’ve smashed our medal target and I can’t wait to share this moment with my friends and family out here, who’ve all lost their voices, as well as those back home,” added Reid.

“Of course it was really strange playing against Alfie tonight but I’m so proud of him for having the most unreal Games and he should be so happy. We have quite different personalities and he gets quite quiet before a match, whereas I like to have company and chat with my team. We both played to win but I felt confident and to have this gold around my neck ranks right alongside winning Wimbledon. The atmosphere here at the tennis centre has been electric and I can’t thank everyone enough for coming out and supporting us.”

Hewett reached the final after beating three world top ten ranked players to ensure his place in British wheelchair tennis history.

“I tried to forget who I was playing today but Gordon played a really smart game and he was in control out there. I do hate losing but he’s a top tennis player and a top bloke and I’ve loved every bit of playing in the doubles with him, as well as being part of the team. We were chilling out together before the match and it wasn’t awkward at all,” said Hewett.

“I may be young but I’ve been training so hard for the past two years now and my family have been amazing supporting me and backing me all the way to achieve my dreams. I have no regrets and I honestly can’t wait for Tokyo already!

“I’m just starting to realise what I’ve done and I’m sure once I see my family and get home, it will sink in even more. Thank you so much to everyone for their support and I hope I did everyone proud. I’ve loved being part of ParalympicsGB for the first time and it will be great to celebrate with everyone this weekend.

Tennis Foundation Head of Disability Player Performance, Geraint Richards, was understandably thrilled about the way his players have performed over the eight days of competition.

He said: “It honestly all still feels like a bit of a dream but I know just how much hard work has gone into these performances, both from the players and the huge amount of colleagues we’ve had supporting the programme over this four-year cycle. We’re so thankful for all the support from UK Sport and the National Lottery and also our other partners at the BPA, LTA and EIS. It’s such a fantastic time for British wheelchair tennis and we hope to inspire many more people to take up the sport.”

Photos courtesy of the Tennis Foundation

 

Salary: £20,520 – £22,515 (subject to experience)

Location: The Lothian region – East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian and West Lothian (based in Edinburgh)

The Role:

Lothian Disability Sport (LDS) is seeking to appoint a Branch Coordinator (35 hours per week) to help carry out the work of the branch.  LDS operates as a branch of Scottish Disability Sport, covering the four local authority areas of City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian.

A registered charity we promote, co-ordinate and develop a wide range of sports and recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities throughout Lothian.

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about sport, ideally displaying experience of working with children and/or adults with disabilities.  As Branch Disability Sport Coordinator you will be required to plan, co-ordinate and deliver a number of events in a wide range of sports run by Lothian Disability Sport in conjunction with key partners.  Additionally, the successful candidate will be required to co-ordinate teams representing the Lothian branch at Scottish Disability Sport national events.

A key element of the job will be to increase awareness of the work of Lothian Disability Sport and to promote the activities organised by the branch, as well as responding to enquiries from the general public.  You must have excellent interpersonal skills as you will be liaising with key staff from the four local authorities in Lothian as well as with leisure trusts, voluntary organisations, local clubs, coaches, volunteers and other key partners.

The post will involve travel throughout the Lothian region and it is desirable that the post holder provide their own transport – appropriate travel expenses will be paid.  The post is initially offered on a three year fixed term basis and will be based at Norton Park, Edinburgh.

For more information, please contact LDS Chair Helen Bruce on admin@lothiandisabilitysport.co.uk or 0131 475 2364. Apply online here.

Closing Date: Wednesday 12th October 2016 (12noon)

Interview: Week commencing Monday 17^th October

Downloads

Application Form

Job Description and Employee Specification

 

 

Disability Sport Fife (DSF) has teamed up with Badminton Scotland to organise a “Big Hit” Festival on Friday 11 November at the Michael Woods Sports & Leisure Centre in Glenrothes. Registration forms have been circulated to schools across Fife to encourage the participation of participants with additional sports needs of secondary school age.

DSF has a long association of partnership working with Badminton Scotland with leader workshops supported by the Big Lottery being one of the most successful initiatives. Glasgow will host the 2017 World Badminton Championships and part of the aim of the Festival will be to highlight this great event.

Badminton Scotland will provide two hours of quality coaching for participants between 10.00 and 12.00 hrs on November 11th. Expected participants will be pupils who have already been exposed to badminton teaching and/or coaching within school time or as part of the DSF sessions programme. Pupils of all levels of ability are welcome. The Festival is free to all participants. Badminton is now a major part of the sessions and events programme in Fife and this opportunity will be of particular interest to pupils already involved.

DSF is also delighted to announce the addition of a new coach led badminton session to the DSF weekly programme on Tuesday afternoons at Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre between 14 30 and 15 30. Experienced badminton coach Julie Hogg has joined the DSF coaching team and will lead the session. DSF is delighted that Julie has agreed to join Alex Bird and Euan Bell as DSF badminton coaches. Potential participants should register their interest with Richard or Norma in the DSF office.

DSF is particularly grateful to Jane Russell of Badminton Scotland who has been very involved with recent partnership initiatives with DSF. Jane and the DSF President met recently at the DSF office to finalise the Big Hit Festival arrangements.

Richard Brickley, MBE
President, Disability Sport Fife

With the excitement of the Paralympics underway we are delighted to announce details for the forthcoming 2016 Central Parasport Festival.

Date: Tuesday 25th October 2015
Time: 10.15am – 2.45pm (9:45am arrival and registration)
Venue: Grangemouth Sports Complex, Grangemouth FK3 8JB

This festival is targeting pupils within a mainstream school setting in the Central area, with a physical, visual or hearing disability, between P1 – S6. The key intention of the event is to provide a multisport opportunity to these pupils and identify talented individuals within specific sports as well as channelling pupils onto local, regional clubs/programmes.

We would like to welcome back all pupils who have attended in the past, along with engaging new pupils to attend for their first experience. We will also have performance athletes on the day for an inspiring Q and A session.  You can see a promotional video from this year’s East Parasport Festival by clicking on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AzP4sztaDY.

Booking information

Please download and complete the following document:

• Parent Information Letter and Consent Form

Closing date is Wednesday 5th October. Please return forms directly to:

Cheryl Willet
Central Sporting Partnership
Gannochy Sports Centre
University of Stirling
FK9 4LA

Or email to cheryl.willet@scottishdisabilitysport.com

Alternatively you can complete the form online here.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about the event or disability sport in Central Scotland, please contact:

Cheryl Willet – cheryl.willet@scottishdisabilitysport.com / Phone: 07577 830360

 

Go Kids Go are running free wheelchair skills workshops in Scotland and will be delivering at Leith Academy, Edinburgh on Monday 17^th October (10am – 3pm).  The sessions are open to young people from the age of 2 -18 years.

The aims of the sessions are to help young wheelchair users become more independent in their chair. Throughout the day they will get the chance to learn new skills, play games/sports and meet other young wheelchair users. The workshops are also a great opportunity for parents/carers and siblings to join in too!

Venue: Leith Academy, 20 Academy Park, Edinburgh, EH6 8JQ

Date:     Monday 17^th October 2016

Time:     10am – 3pm (packed lunches are required)

If you would like to attend as a professional or know of any families that would like to come along, then please do not hesitate to contact me on roy@gokidsgo.org.uk or 01482 887 163.

Click here to download flyer..

The 19^th annual Discovery Games took place with success across Dundee between 4^th and 11^th September. Athletes had the opportunity to compete in equestrian, powerchair football, boccia, bowls, table tennis and swimming.

A testament to the fantastic event led by Gordon Quinton and Darren Thomson, clubs from across Scotland travelled to attend the prestigious competitions. Attendance was high at all events with 63 individuals competing in boccia alone.

Alongside the incredible number of athletes in attendance was an impressive volunteer workforce. From referees to timekeepers, many gave up their free time across the week. A testament to the fantastic ongoing work by Dundee City Disability Sport.

[supsystic-gallery id=’13’]

Quotes from Gordon Reid after beating Frederic Cattaneo of France 6-0, 6-2 to reach the men’s singles quarter-finals at the Rio 2016 Paralympics. Gordon players Gustavo Fernandez of Argentina in the last eight on Tuesday 13 September.

“I think that was one of the best matches I’ve ever played and I’m really loving it out there on Centre Court. I’m soaked through right now and it was the hottest we’ve had it so far but to have only dropped five games in singles so far is really great.

“I’m feeling relaxed and confident out here and I think my recent Grand Slam success, particularly at Wimbledon this year, has helped on that front. I’ve got good momentum and form coming into the Games and I’m used to have plenty of singles and doubles matches going on.

“The Paralympics are still the pinnacle of wheelchair tennis and I do feel a bit of pressure to perform well and showcase the sport and entertain the crowds. But they seemed to be absolutely loving it last night when we had a packed house for the doubles and I know lots of people back home are tuning in on Channel 4 so I hope we can create more wheelchair tennis fans for the future.”

Gordon and Alfie Hewett also play Japan’s Shingo Kunieda and Satoshi Saida in Tuesday’s men’s doubles semi-finals after beating Daniel Caverzaschi and Martin de la Puente (ESP) 6-2, 6-0 in Mondays quarter-finals.

Gordon Reid:  “It’s been a pretty good day so far with two wins and not too much time spent on court. We were playing really well as a team and our confidence continues to grow when we’re on court together.

“Nothing has changed, we’re still here for that gold medal and we’re feeling good about it. The matches are getting serious now but that doesn’t change how I prepare, I just need to keep doing what I’m doing.”

Photos courtesy of the Tennis Foundation

Three young Lothian athletes represented the region at the recent 2016 School Games, which were held in Loughborough University Campus from Thursday 1^st September to Sunday 4^th September.  Ruairi Logan (wheelchair tennis), Josh Manson (wheelchair basketball) and Christian Buchanan (swimming) experienced varying levels of success south of the border, however all three will be more experienced in their sports as a result of their participation at the multi sport event for the UK’s elite young athletes of school age.

The event seeks to create an inspirational and motivational setting that not only provides our elite young sports people with the opportunity to thrive and perform at the highest levels, but encourages more young people to take part and succeed in sport. The event consists of some 12 sports and around 1,600 young athletes.

Christian Buchanan (East Lothian Swim Team) picked up a bronze medal in the 100m breaststroke (1:29.53) and was within one second of his personal best in the 200m Individual Medley (2:52.67), missing out on the top three.  The Scotland Wheelchair Basketball Team found it tough going, losing both pool matches (46-52 v England South and 35-73 v England North).  However the young Scots, including current Lothian Disability Sport Young Person of the Year Josh Manson, redeemed themselves somewhat in the 5/6 playoff match, defeating Northern Ireland convincingly 49-27.  Wheelchair tennis player Ruairi Logan secured some gold medal success, progressing through to singles final stage, dropping only two games along the way.  Ruairi carried this excellent form into the final, winning against Josh Cooper 4-1, 3-0 before the young opponent was forced to retire.  The young player from Edinburgh and the 2015 LDS Young Sports Person of the Year, complimented his singles gold medal with a silver in the doubles, losing out with partner Leo McLeod to duo Ben Johnson-Rolfe and Clayton White.

The School Games provides an opportunity for athletes to experience the unique multi sport atmosphere with 11 of the 12 sports being facilitated at the University campus and reinforces the Olympic and Paralympic values, complete with opening and closing ceremonies.  With the Paralympics in Rio taking centre stage, many of the young athletes who were involved at the School Games will have aspirations towards Tokyo in four years’ time.

Disability Sport Fife is proud of the relationship it enjoys with inclusive bowling clubs throughout Fife. Clubs are located in local communities and accessible to bowlers with a physical, sensory or learning disability. Historically clubs such as Fair Isle, Lumphinnans, Windygates, St Andrews, Abbeyview, Headwell Indoor, Beveridge Park, East Fife Indoor, Strathmiglo, Kinghorn, Burntisland, Cowdenbeath, Lundin etc have supported DSF members in their efforts to develop their skills and abilities as area, national and international champions.

One of the most recent Fife clubs to join the list of inclusive bowling clubs is the Dovecot Bowling Club in Glenrothes. Members Mike and Joan Mowatt attended a DSF workshop for inclusive coaches and that started the ball rolling. The Association of Fife Rotary Clubs provided a bursary for the purchase of essential equipment and a small group of young players jumped at the opportunity to receive quality coaching from club members. The fruits of their labours are already paying dividends.

First to emerge was Briony Clark from Glenrothes who was immediately called up for the Fife bowls squad to successfully defend the 2016 Inter Area Bowls title at the Beveridge Park Bowling Club in Kirkcaldy in July. Briony then went on to compete in her first Fife Indoor Championships at the East Fife Indoor Bowling Club. At that same event Steven Anderson won the first title for the Dovecot bowlers with a win in the men’s section C competition. Newcomers Robert Anderson and Adam Faulds also made a favourable impression in their first Fife championships.

DSF is committed to involving younger players in the sport of bowls and the Dovecot BC development has made a significant impact within a short period. West Fife Community Support Services have committed to a carpet bowls development programme and ten new bowlers competed on the short carpet at the Fife Championships. This was their first experience of the Fife event and they will be back in November in Glenrothes for the DSF Carpet Bowls Championships. Yet again a group of new young bowlers taking up the sport that is regarded by many as one of the most inclusive on the DSF schedule.

Photo: Young bowlers with Mike Mowatt from Dovecot Bowling Club

Richard Brickley MBE
President, Disability Sport Fife

Behind every successful athlete there is a committed family and this is certainly true in the case of emerging wheelchair athlete Calum Sloan. Calum’s parents and two brothers have been behind him throughout his sporting career. Training and competing can be a challenge when specialist equipment is involved but Calum consistently receives the best of attention. Disability Sport Fife (DSF) is indebted to the many parents and significant others across Fife who provide essential back up to performance athletes and recreational participants engaged in physical activity, including sport.

DSF benefits immensely from parents and significant others in so many ways. Calum’s mum Gayle for example is now a fully committed volunteer coach with DSF and the Fife Sports and Leisure Trust (FSLT). Gayle started volunteering when DSF set up the Thursday run, jump and throws session at Pitreavie Athletics Centre for young athletes with a physical or sensory impairment. As the session developed and more youngsters signed up, Gayle completed her Level 1 Athletics Award. With DSF coach Pamela Robson has her mentor, Gayle has developed into a confident, enthusiastic and valued DSF volunteer assistant coach.

Run, jump and throws have introduced Gayle to coaching but it has not stopped there. To date she has attended additional athletics workshops, badminton and boccia leaders awards, classification and Sports Coach UK workshops etc. The Level 2 Athletics award is on her radar for the future and she has taken full advantage of her new skill set by signing up as a volunteer coach at the Thursday morning FSLT multi sports sessions for adults with additional support needs at the Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre. Almost 60 adults attend the session weekly and Gayle is a key volunteer member of the coaching workforce. In addition Gayle has helped to co tutor a schools boccia Festival and will be involved in an October holiday athletics session in the west of Fife.

Volunteers are critical to DSF and many play their part as coaches, leaders and officials. Parents often become invaluable volunteers and then develop as coaches and officials. As Calum has progressed along the sporting pathway, Gayle has enhanced her skills and increased her confidence as a multi sport coach. The Sloans are just one of the Fife families that DSF respects immensely, values enormously and depends on consistently. Volunteering to coaching or officiating is an exciting and rewarding consideration for all parents and significant others.

Photos: Gayle being presented with an award  at the 2016 DSF Awards Evening by the Provost and Julie Hogg from the Russell Hogg Trust.

Richard Brickley MBE
President, Disability Sport Fife