It is with great sadness that SDS has learned of the sudden and untimely passing of John de Courcy.
John was a true volunteer and friend to SDS, having been involved with people with a disability from the 1970s to the current time. He was volunteering as recently as last Tuesday, helping to organise the final round of East Cross Country series for young people with a disability.
John was involved with people with a disability from the 1970s, working with people with cerebral palsy at the New Trinity Centre in Edinburgh. He moved on to a post in the University of Edinburgh where he remained until his recent retirement. In this role, John influenced and inspired many undergraduate teachers to include young people with a disability within PE. John always maintained his links with disability sport and although originally involved in wheelchair dance, it was as an extremely accomplished athletics coach that he attended the 1984 and 1988 Paralympic Games in New York and Seoul respectively as a team coach.
In the 1990s, John coached one of Scotland’s most successful Paralympic athletes, Stephen Payton, to triple world championship/Paralympic gold medals in 1994/96 respectively and holder of three world records over 100/200 and 400. John also supported discus thrower Keith Gardner to achieve success in the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics.
Through the 90s until the present day, John was involved in athletics for people with a disability. He was part of the initial SDS athletics group that worked in partnership with Scottish Athletics to develop the sport for people with a disability. He ran the National squads for athletes with a disability for many years, supporting athletes and coaches to aspire to achieve their full potential. He would also meet individual athletes for one to one coaching sessions. John was always to be seen supporting national and local events where athletes were competing. His influence on many young and developing athletes cannot be overstated.
In 2005 John was the Head Coach to the athletics squad as part of the Scottish Team that travelled to Connecticut, USA to compete in the CPISRA World Games. That team returned home with 13 gold, 14 silver and 7 bronze medals and all those who attended will remember the huge contribution of John to those Games. His encouragements, support and good guidance to all athletes were exceptional as were his team spirit, motivation and wicked sense of humour.
John was also the ‘life and soul’ of the SDS Summer Sports Camp. He has been a key volunteer at the camp since its inception almost eighteen years ago and there are many young people who have benefitted from John’s enthusiasm and encouragement.
Reluctant to accept any accolade or recognition for his achievements, great lengths had to be gone to so as to ensure John arrived at SDS AGM of 2010 to be awarded the Glasgow Trophy in recognition of his service to disability sport.
Outside of athletics, John supported and mentored many individuals, having a huge influence on many lives. It is perhaps his infectious enthusiasm for helping people, along with his humility that has endeared John to so many. He was a true volunteer and gentleman who gave so much of his time to others. His unassuming manner and willingness to support has had a positive impact on so many people. He will leave a large gap in the world of disability sport in Scotland and be sadly missed.
Ian Mirfin MBE, Paralympic lead for Scottish Athletics said: “John made a massive contribution to athletics for people with a disability and the wider athletics community in Scotland. He will be sadly missed. Our condolences and thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Gavin Macleod, CEO of Scottish Disability Sport said: “John was a true gentleman and a committed supporter of Scottish Disability Scotland for many years. He supported many young athletes to meet their full potential and introduced many more to the sport that he loved. He will be sadly missed by all at SDS and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
Details of funeral arrangements will posted when we have them.