Hi Everyone, firstly we would like to introduce ourselves…we are Craig Smith and Samantha Gough, members of the SDS Young Person’s Sports Panel. We have interviewed each other so we can share with you a bit about ourselves and what we get up to with the panel and in our spare time.
CRAIG’S INTERVIEW
Craig plays many sports such as swimming, badminton and table tennis. Craig used to swim competitively but now mostly coaches swimming (at least before Covid) and plays badminton and table tennis.
When did you first get involved in sport?
I first got into the pool as part of treatment after surgery when I was 9. At the time I couldn’t really swim at all, but I learned and then started attending a disability swimming club
What are your goals?
I’d like to continue coaching after covid and I also think the Young Persons Sport Panel is a great way to get people with disabilities experience of sport recognised and encourage the voice of young people with disabilities to be valued by the wider sporting community.
Something interesting you might not know about Craig is:
“I used to work in a chemistry lab analysing the metal content in water samples.”
Who inspires you?
Michael Phelps
What is your biggest achievement?
Holding a British record as part of a relay team.
What are your interests and hobbies outside sport?
I am studying audio technology at Glasgow Caledonian University. I like to do many hobbies outside sport including cooking, playing guitar and listening to music.
Why did you get involved in the panel and what do you hope to achieve?
I was part of the SDS Young Start programme and heard about the YPSP through that. I got involved because I think young people have a really important insight into what makes sport so beneficial for people with disabilities. It is really important that they are able to share their experience and are able to use their ideas to make sport more accessible and even more beneficial for people with disabilities.
Where are you from originally?
I am originally from Fife but I currently live in Glasgow.
SAMANTHA’S INTERVIEW
Who inspires you?
Stephen Clegg is an inspiration to me as he is visually impaired swimmer and has helped me through difficult times at training.
What is your biggest achievement?
I eat a full packet of mini eggs in one sitting. I got UK player of the year in goalball – this is a massive achievement because It was my first year playing goalball.
What are your hobbies?
I do a lot of volunteering for a local charity and help make food parcels for the families that need them. I also deliver zoom activity sessions such as adult bingo, kids bingo, family quiz, kids craft, and adult craft to help families to stay connected.
My other hobbies are art, dance, horse riding, B1 tennis and many more
Why did you get involved in the panel and what do you hope to achieve?
To bring awareness of visual impairments and blind athletes and encourage more people to get involved in sport.
Where are you from?
I’m from Edinburgh, Midlothian.
What sports do you play?
I play goalball, and I’m a swimmer.
How did you get involved with sport?
I started swimming when I was 3. I just started playing Goalball in 2019 at a taster session in Dundee.
What are your goals within sport?
My goals are to bring awareness of visual impairment and blind young people and using my own experience to change the future.
I also would love to run my own goalball club and bring awareness of the sport.
What are you doing outside of sport?
Volunteering.
1 interesting fact that people might not know about you is…
My interesting fact is I love cats.