This summer, from Thursday 23rd July to Sunday 2nd August, the Commonwealth Games will take place. Being held in Glasgow, Scotland, the upcoming edition of the Multi Sport event, will provide the Scottish nation with a front row seat to watch some of the world’s finest athletes perform at the highest level. Taking centre stage, the athletes will prepare to represent their countries, and everyone who has supported them throughout their journeys in sport.
Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) are not only proud to play an ongoing part in Scotland’s sporting system, throughout grassroot sport and the performance pathway, supporting Scottish athletes as they make the transition from playground to podium. But to also have a committed team of staff and volunteers that will be supporting at Glasgow 2026.
SDS’s Education and Learning Manager, Alison Shaw, will be at the Games, as part of a dedicated Athletes Services team at Tollcross International Swimming Centre, covering the swimming and para swimming competitions. Alison will play a vital role in making sure that athletes have everything they need, in order to perform at the highest level.
Looking forward to the Games starting, Alison said: “I’m most looking forward to the buzz of the Games – just being part of all the excitement is such a great feeling. I’m also looking forward to meeting other volunteers and looking after the swimmers.”
“Glasgow 2026 is going to play a huge part in creating a whole host of role models. Not only will the Games feature athletes from a range of backgrounds – including different ages, abilities, impairments, sports and cultures, but the same can be said of the staff and volunteers who are just as diverse. The Glasgow 2026 team has done a lot of work to understand the needs of different groups, including working with the SDS Young Persons’ Sports Panel to make sure that the volunteering application process and opportunities was inclusive for disabled people, ensuring there’ll be a role model for everyone at the Games this year.”
Also at the Games, will be SDS’s Central Regional Manager, Mark Stevenson, who will have a busy schedule, being Head Coach for Team Scotland’s 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball squads. Through undertaking several positions in the sport, such as Great Britain’s U23 Men’s Wheelchair Basketball team’s Head Coach, Mark has made himself an integral part of Scotland’s Wheelchair Basketball network.
With Team Scotland’s Men’s and Women’s 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball squads starting their campaigns on Saturday 25th July, Mark is excited for what is to come, he said: “I am extremely proud to be supporting the Scotland squad’s preparations. We have two great squads and are part of an absolutely amazing Basketball and Wheelchair Basketball 3×3 programme. The Commonwealth Games is the highest competition that we can compete in the Blue of Scotland, in Wheelchair Basketball, as it is TeamGB for Paralympics, European and Worlds. We cannot wait to do ourselves proud, compete with the best in the world and come home with medals.”
As Scotland’s governing body for boccia, SDS has built up an amazing network of dedicated volunteers, coaches and officials, who work to support the delivery of boccia sessions, clubs, events and competitions. One of these volunteers is Ling Man, who volunteers for Dumfries and Galloway Disability Sport, delivering boccia and swimming sessions.
At the Commonwealth Games, Ling will be part of the volunteer team at Scotstoun Athletics “As this is my first time volunteering at a major event, I am nervous at what to expect, as well as being excited to meet other volunteers and elite athletes. I do not currently know too much about what my role will be throughout the Games. However, what I do know is that Glasgow 2026 is an amazing opportunity to showcase Scotland’s passion for inclusive sport, and to demonstrate what people with disabilities can achieve at the highest level. I’m proud to be part of an event that celebrates talent, determination and community, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in making it a memorable experience.” Ling said.
Josh Thomson, SDS’s Events Manager, will also be at the Games this summer, undertaking the role of Commonwealth Games Association Assistant. Primarily providing administrative support to the Commonwealth Association of Papua New Guinea, Josh will play an important role, helping them to have a fun, successful and enjoyable experience during their time in Glasgow.
With an opportunity to have a front row seat to the sport this summer, Josh is looking forward to seeing the importance of major events in the sporting pathway “I think the Commonwealth Games is a vital sporting opportunity within the performance pathway. For young Scottish athletes in particular to see athletes in their sport competing internationally while wearing the Team Scotland jersey will be so inspiring and motivating. The chance for some athletes to get that first step onto the international stage in front of an incredible and supportive home crowd will help them so much and be a real benefit to their career development moving forward. The sharing of their knowledge and experiences from these games will undoubtedly help the next generation of athletes coming through. Overall, the games give belief to upcoming athletes that international sport can be achievable for them as well.” Josh said.
To find out how you can get started as a volunteer in sport, reach out to Scottish Disability Sport at admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or contact your local SDS Branch.
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