Using sport as a vehicle to empower change, meet the new Regional Development Manager for Fife, Kirsty Byrne.
By William Moncrieff, Communications Coordinator
Taking up the role of Scottish Disability Sport’s (SDS) Regional Development Manager for the region of Fife, Kirsty is looking forward to getting started throughout the region and hopes to, “use sport as an avenue to empower young people and adults to believe that they can achieve anything that they want to, despite any barriers.”
Helping empower athletes of all abilities is something that Kirsty is incredibly keen to continue working towards in her new position. “It’s one of the reasons that I do my job, to see the athletes and participants and seeing them know they have the ability to achieve anything that they want to.”
“To play a part in helping provide individuals with opportunities to become physically active is just so special.”
Kirsty takes up the Regional Development Manager position after formerly being in post as Branch Coordinator for Disability Sport Fife and will be continuing her role as SDS’s events Coordinator, alongside her new position.
Throughout her previous roles as Branch Coordinator and Events Coordinator, Kirsty has had the opportunity to witness athletes come through the branch and events pathway which has provided her with a unique insight into the development and continued development of athletes. Last summer at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Disability Sport Fife celebrated the golden success of their athlete, Ben Sandilands. “We have worked with Ben and his family a lot. To see him win a gold medal and set a new world record is something I will remember a lot.”
“It was a special moment for everyone in Fife and in Disability Sport Fife.”
Kirsty became involved in disability sport towards the end of her time in high school, where there was an opportunity for senior pupils to volunteer in the attached ASN school. Throughout this time, Kirsty had opportunities to help in physical education classes. It was here that she saw firsthand the benefits of sport.
“I could see straight away the important role that sport has on young people and the difference that it can make. Just seeing the smiles on their faces when they achieve something that they didn’t think they could, for me that’s a reason why I got into it”, e lained Kirsty.
In 2024 as the Fife Branch Coordinator, Kirsty played a key role in the delivery of Fife’s very first Parasport Festival. For Kirsty this was an amazing day, further showcasing the benefits of physical activity. She said: “That was definitely one of my highlights from 2024, having so many participants in the room at one time, experiencing and engaging in sports they had never had the opportunity to do before, it was really something that highlighted what is on offer around Fife.”
Furthermore, it showcased the importance of partnership working within the region. “Following on from that [Parasport festival], we had engagements (with clubs and organisations) throughout, so that participants are now involved in swimming sessions and tennis sessions as well. It just showcases what you can do when everyone comes together and celebrates sport”, Kirsty said.
This use of partnership working is something that Kirsty is keen to continue working on in her new role. “Having that conversation and sharing that knowledge of what is available and what is out there, even just being able to support each other, because ultimately at the end of the day, at the center of everything, is the participants”, said Kirsty.
If you would like to know more about the opportunities available in Fife, please contact Kirsty on: kirsty.byrne@scottishdisabilitysport.com.
If you are based elsewhere and keen to learn more about your local opportunities, please contact your Regional Development Manager
To keep up-to-date on all things disability sport across Scotland, follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and X.
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