To celebrate National Volunteers’ Week (2nd–9th June), SDS are highlighting some of the many volunteers throughout Scotland, who have devoted time and effort to help provide more opportunities in disability sport throughout their region.
Coby Keith has been a valued volunteer for Scottish Disability Sport’s (SDS) member branch, Grampian Disability Sport, having represented the branch over the last 18 months. This has been due to Coby’s consistent volunteering work with Aberdeen Amateur Athletic Club (AAAC) and their para-athletics sessions. These sessions play a vital role in supporting athletes with physical, sensory, and learning disabilities in a range of track and field events.
Coby finds himself contributing to the club, community and sessions in many ways. His duties include:
Providing hands-on support during training sessions, helping athletes safely and confidently participate in events such as wheelchair racing, frame running, and throwing events.
Assisting coaches with setting up and packing away equipment, ensuring sessions run smoothly and on time.
Offering encouragement and one-to-one support to athletes.
Helping to build athlete’s confidence, motivation, and enjoyment of sport.
Promoting inclusion by helping to create a positive, respectful atmosphere where every athlete feels welcomed and valued.
Working with para-athletes has deepened Coby’s understanding of inclusive sport and the importance of creating accessible, empowering environments. Along with volunteering deepening Coby’s understanding, it also provides him with a sense of pride “Volunteering at AAAC has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud to contribute to a club that promotes opportunity, achievement, and community for athletes of all abilities.” Coby said.
Coby has developed strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability skills throughout his time as a volunteer, and he takes pride in being a consistent, positive presence for the athletes each week.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
If you would be interested in volunteering within disability sport in Scotland, check out all the current opportunities on the SDS website, here.
SDS NATIONAL EXHIBITION EVENT
If you would be interested in finding out more about SDS and how sport and physical activity can support you, sign up to attend SDS’s first ever National Exhibition Event. The event is free and is being held at the University of Stirling on Saturday 14th June. The event will allow people from all over Scotland to interact with all elements of SDS in one place.
You can also find out more about what sporting opportunities are available in your community by contacting your Regional Development Manager. To keep up-to-date on all of the ongoing work, make sure to follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website.