Perth & Kinross Disability Sport (PKDS) are delighted to be working in partnership with Aberfeldy Plus, Scottish Disability Sport and a number of local community sports clubs to make sport and physical activity accessible in Highland Perthshire so people of all ages with physical, sensory and learning disabilities or additional support needs can get active and enjoy the benefits that sport and physical activity brings.
PKDS Branch Coordinator, Graeme Doig explained “I have always been conscious of the barriers to participation faced by many people in Perth & Kinross due to it’s large geographical size meaning many people living in rural communities find it challenging to engage in weekly sport and physical activity. When I got a call from Jane Carmichael at Aberfeldy Plus, we put our heads together and came up with the PKDS Highland Perthshire Disability Sport Project.
“The project aims are to work with local community clubs to shape the development of new weekly sessions for people of all ages and abilities with physical, sensory and learning disabilities or additional support needs, to encourage more people with disabilities to take part in sport and physical activity and to engage and support local coaches and volunteers in the development and delivery of these sessions.”
The first session was on Sunday, 1st May at Wades Park in Aberfeldy, delivered by coach Gregor Ross from Aberfeldy Rugby Club and proved to be a huge hit with everyone taking part and parents alike. Jane Carmichael, Aberfeldy Plus told us “It was great fun and everyone enjoyed it. It was really beneficial and a good work out for all, the feedback from the parents and those taking part was really positive” Gregor Ross added “It was brilliant to coach such enthusiastic players, I can’t wait for next week’s session.”
Graeme continued: “Coach Gregor did a fantastic job and made sure everyone was meaningfully included in a range of fun activities whilst coaching the building blocks behind the sport of rugby. The rosy cheeks and smiling faces told it’s own story throughout the session. It truly was a fantastic example of inclusion for all.
“Rugby is just the first of many sports to be delivered as part of the project. Every 4 weeks we will introduce a new sport session to give everyone a range of opportunities to try and to be supported to join the local club for those sports they enjoy. It’s going to be a busy time and over the next few months where we will be delivering Tennis, Bowling, Cricket, Football, Judo, Canoeing, Archery, Nordic Walking, Cycling, Swimming, Climbing, Boccia, Dance and Fitness, all delivered by local coaches and volunteers in the Highland Perthshire area.
“At the end of March, we organised Disability Inclusion Training through Scottish Disability Sport for all the coaches and volunteers involved in the project which was well attended and received.
“PKDS is committed to our No Cost Participation approach which sees all our weekly sessions, development and competitive events, education courses and programs delivered at no cost to the participant. For this project, we would like to thank and acknowledge the Basil Death Trust for funding to make this project happen at no cost to those taking part.”
Every session is open to new people of all ages to come along, give it a go and get involved. No experience is required and all equipment is provided.
Please contact Graeme Doig at graeme@pkds.org.uk for more information and to get involved.
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