Rosanna Wood joins the Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) team, taking up the position of Communications Manager, where she will be hoping to impact change.
Coming to the team with an abundance of knowledge, that has been built up through several years of working within the sporting sector in Scotland with organisations such as JudoScotland, Rosanna is looking forward to the challenge that awaits, she said: “Working in Scottish sport over the past decade, I have seen first-hand the incredible impact sport can have, not just on individuals, but on wider society.
Scottish Disability Sport plays such an important role in championing inclusion, influencing policy and creating opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sport. Joining the team felt like an incredible opportunity to contribute to that work, help drive positive change and shine a light on the people and stories that demonstrate the true impact of disability sport across Scotland.”
Rosanna joined the SDS team, on Monday 2nd November, the start of Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, exactly three weeks before Scottish Disability Sport Week (23rd – 29th November) is being held. With both campaigns showcasing the power of inclusive sports, Rosanna is joining at an exciting time.
Looking ahead to what is achievable over the coming months, Rosanna commented: “I’m really excited to help tell the stories of disability sport in Scotland and raise its profile, celebrating the people, opportunities and achievements that make it so special.
Through my work with JudoScotland, I’ve already had a glimpse of the incredible work taking place across governing bodies, clubs and communities to break down barriers and create opportunities for people to participate in sport. I’m looking forward to meeting even more of the passionate individuals making this happen, hearing their stories and helping amplify their voices.
Ultimately, I’m excited to play a part in showcasing the impact of disability sport and helping more people see that sport really is for everyone.”
With Scottish Disability Sport Week providing opportunities to showcase every aspect of disability sport. From the Power of Participation, and Overcoming Barriers, to highlighting the importance of Intersectionality, recognising the many inclusive Clubs and Communities, the growing Accessibility, and emerging Performance Pathways, each of the week long campaign’s themes offer an opportunity to celebrate inclusive sporting practices. This is something that Rosanna feels is important, saying: “Sport is about so much more than medals. It means different things to different people, whether that’s friendship, fitness, competition or something else. Whatever the motivation, sport should be a place where everyone feels welcome, included and that they belong.
But for that to happen, people need to see what’s possible. By raising the profile of disability sport and sharing the stories of individuals across Scotland, from community clubs to the Paralympic stage, we can challenge perceptions, inspire others to get involved and show that sport really is for everyone. Representation matters, and the more visible disability sport becomes, the more we can help create a sporting landscape where everyone feels they have a place.”
A further opportunity to identify barriers to participation, opportunities for growth, and good practices, within disability sport, is SDS’s National Survey. The second edition of the National Survey was launched on October 28th 2026, where by listening to people with disabilities, learning from their experiences in sport, and gaining an understanding of issues faced by individuals when attempting to become physically active, SDS can promote and shape a sporting landscape where everyone feels like they have opportunities to be physically active.
As well as being passionate about increasing awareness around Para Sport, Rosanna is also extremely passionate about every aspect of inclusive sports, including women and girls, she said: “As with all forms of representation, you have to see it to be it. Having women working throughout the sporting sector, across all roles and at every level, helps challenge perceptions, create opportunities and show the next generation what’s possible.
It’s equally important that women’s voices and lived experiences are heard and valued. By listening to those experiences, we can shape more inclusive policies, practices and interventions that better reflect the needs of everyone involved in sport.
My own experiences of sport as a teenager shaped my understanding of how easily girls can lose confidence when they don’t feel they belong. Today, that drives my mission to help create a sporting landscape where everyone feels welcome, supported and able to thrive.”
To find out how you can get started on your pathway in sport, reach out to Scottish Disability Sport at admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or contact your local SDS Branch.
To keep up to date with all things disability sport across Scotland, follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.