To continue the celebrations of Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) had a chat with Gemma Lumsdaine. Gemma is a key influencer in disability sport, not just being a talented athlete, but also being the Chair of SDS’s first ever National Advisory Forum.
Along with helping shape the future of disability sport in Scotland, Gemma is competing in Wheelchair Rugby, making her as fearless on the pitch as she is when in the meeting rooms, read how she feels about being an athlete, competing in a predominately male sport, and how important the National Advisory Forum is below:
Question – How important is it to have a Scottish National Advisory Forum?
Answer – Massively important. I’m a huge believer in the saying “nothing about us without us.” Disabled people are the experts in our own experiences, yet too often we’re left out of conversations and decisions that directly affect us. The Forum is an opportunity to change that and make sure disabled people’s voices are not only heard, but genuinely listened to and acted upon to improve the future of sport, physical activity and social for disabled people in Scotland.
Question – How proud are you to be the Chair of the Forum?
Answer – Honestly, I’m ridiculously proud! It’s a real privilege to be trusted with a role where I can help amplify the voices of disabled people across Scotland. As a disabled woman in a leadership position, representation means a lot to me, and I hope it shows others that they belong in these spaces too.
Question – What are some of the challenges of being a female athlete in a predominantly male sport (Wheelchair Rugby)?
Answer – It can feel like a bit of a boys’ club at times. One of the biggest challenges is challenging assumptions about what women, especially disabled women are capable of in such a physical sport. There’s also a lack of female representation, and you can’t be what you can’t see.
Question – What is your favourite thing about sport?
Answer – For me, sport is about so much more than winning. It’s about community, confidence, friendships and discovering what you’re capable of. I also love the competitive side there’s nothing quite like the adrenaline and excitement of a Wheelchair Rugby match!
Question – Who was your first sporting role model?
Answer – Tanni Grey-Thompson. She achieved so much in sport and has done so much to champion disability inclusion. She’s been a huge inspiration to
Question – What is your biggest achievement in sport?
Answer – Being selected for the first-ever Women’s Wheelchair Rugby World Championship is definitely one of my proudest sporting achievements. To be part of such a historic moment for the sport is incredibly special. Not only is it a huge personal achievement, but it also feels like an important step forward for women in Wheelchair Rugby, and I’m proud to play a small part in that journey.
Question – Why is a week-long campaign like Scottish Women in Sport Week important?
Answer – Because women in sport deserve to be celebrated, visible and valued. It’s a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the amazing women and girls making an impact in sport, while also recognising that there’s still work to do. It’s particularly important that disabled women and other underrepresented groups are part of that conversation, so that everyone feels seen and included.
Question – In 2026 the first Women’s Wheelchair Rugby Championship will be held. How significant is this?
Answer – It’s a massive moment for the sport. Women have always been part of Wheelchair Rugby, but this gives us a dedicated stage to showcase the talent that’s there and earn ranking points.I hope it inspires more women and girls to get involved and shows them that there’s a place for them in the sport.
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.
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