Scottish Disability Sport continues to follow the advice given by the Scottish Government and sportscotland on the return to sport process. The positive news is that we continue to head in the right direction currently as restrictions continue to lift however, we do not underestimate how challenging the last 15 months have been for many of our participants, athletes, officials, coaches and volunteers.
The position remains that the vast majority of all physical face-to-face national events including engagement days, para-sport festivals and national championships will recommence from 1 September 2021. All education and training sessions will continue to take place online until the end of August. As a multi-sport organisation advice from sportscotland, the sport-specific governing bodies, Active Scotland and the Scottish Government has been considered.
The exceptions to the above statement are as follows:
- A programme of non-residential regionalised outdoor activity days in August for young people aged 10-17 that will run in place of the typical residential SDS Summer Camp
- The CP Football squad will return to squad training outdoors on Sunday 13 June at Stenhousemuir
- Regional swimming squads have started to return from Thursday 6 May
A decision on the return of the National Boccia Squad will be made following the meeting of the Boccia Sub Group on Wednesday 27 May. All Scottish boccia clubs should follow the Return to Boccia guidance issued by SDS thus far. Further information for branches, clubs, officials, coaches and players on the return to boccia please watch the Return to Sport videos detailing the best practice before, during and after sessions.
The return of further regional and national squad training will be considered on a case by case basis depending on the nature of the sport, the environment and the underlying health conditions of the athletes. Guidance and advice from sportscotland, the sport-specific governing bodies, Active Scotland and the Scottish Government will also be considered. SDS will provide ongoing support and guidance on the return to sport in Scotland. It is essential we continue to remain alert to the ever-changing environment and SDS will endeavour to keep you up to date throughout.
Many thanks to all the participants, athletes, officials, coaches and volunteers for the support and patience you have all shown throughout this difficult period. SDS has organised a series of workshops to support the return to sport. Please find more information on the flyer attached.