Fife athlete surpasses all expectations

Christine Burns from Kirkcaldy is one of the longest serving members of Disability Sport Fife. At one time she was one of the leading sprinters in Scotland and on several occasions she represented Scotland in the Four Nations International for swimmers and athletes with learning disabilities hosted by the four Home Countries. Christine represented GB at the International Games in Madrid in 1992.

For a number of years Christine opted out of physical activity but during the life of GOGA in Fife, supported by Spirit of 2012, she has most certainly opted back in again. Inspired and supported by support staff from Central Fife Community Support Services and GOGA in Fife, Christine is a regular on Wednesdays and Thursdays for multi sports and improvers swimming at the Michael Woods Sports & Leisure Centre. Christine has also signed up for the GOGA in Fife pedometer programme inspired by Paths For All and almost every day she proudly records her steps with staff support.

Over the past few weeks however Christine has taken it upon herself to travel independently from Kirkcaldy to Glenrothes on public transport to join in a mainstream Hydro spin class led by Fife Sports and Leisure Trust staff member Debbie Mills. Debbie and Christine have struck up a special relationship for a class that involves cycling and exercising in water in the training pool with the moveable floor at the Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre. She is now considering joining a Ceilidh dancing group in the same centre.

This is the first occasion in all the many years of Christine’s involvement in physical activity and sport that she has travelled on her own in pursuit of exercise. Christine continues to be a real success story of

GOGA in Fife. Well done to the staff from Health and Social Care and Fife Sports and Leisure Trust who have enabled this inclusive active recreation initiative to happen.

Richard Brickley OBE MBE Chairman DSF (SCIO) Board of Charity Trustees