It was all about disability sport and embedding inclusion within sport and physical activity programmes when the Local Professional Officers Disability Sport Networking Group met virtually on Wednesday 8 February. 113 sports development professionals from 31 local authority areas came together to share good practice and identify how we can all work together to engage more participants with disabilities in Parasport Festivals and community sports clubs.
Representatives from Active Schools, Community Sports Hubs, Sports Development and SDS Member Branches discussed the key topics of Parasport Festivals and inclusive approaches within Community Sports Hubs and clubs.
The day began with Graeme Doig, Tayside Regional Manager presented an overview of the SDS Parasport Festival Programme, the support available to participants post event and the impact the programme has had on participants.
Gemma Lumsdaine, recently selected player for the first ever female Wheelchair Rugby Team and will compete in Paris later this year gave an inspiring overview of her experiences in sport and the difference sport and physical activity has made to all areas of her life including her identity, mental health and social network.
The second session of the day was kicked off by Greg Welsh and Audra Booth, both Community Sports Hub Officers in Aberdeenshire who shared their experience of working with partners to offer opportunities to participants with disabilities within mainstream clubs in Aberdeenshire.
In both the morning and afternoon sessions lots of great discussion took place, with many officers sharing best practice. Many conversations provoked ideas which will be shape future practice across the country.
SDS Boccia Development Officer Joshua Thomson, provided an overview of the forthcoming inaugural National Schools Boccia Competition and an update on training for Community Sports Hub Officers and the Inclusive Club Resource E-Learning Module was given from Alison Shaw, Regional Manager for Grampian and Shetland.
Gavin Macleod SDS CEO said “We were delighted to see the large numbers once again in attendance at the recent Local Professional Officers Disability Sport Networking Group. This demonstrates the significant commitment to equality and inclusion at a local level and the role that SDS continues to play in embedding inclusion for participants with disabilities within strategic planning and operational delivery.”
If you would like further information about the meeting or the next meeting of the group, please contact admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or telephone 07800 523 740.