Today we celebrate some of the amazing women that support one of our most important events of the year, our residential summer camp. Unfortunately given the present circumstances we were unable to run the event this year however we are looking forward to hopefully returning to the Badaguish Centre near Aviemore in summer 2021. This event is hugely important to SDS as it supports our participants into developing their confidence and independence in a beautiful and challenging outdoor environment. For many of our participants this is their first time away from home so having some incredible support staff is crucial. Here are three of the very best from our team:
Helen Clark
Helen joined us in 2018 when we sent out an S.O.S for additional medical support for the camp and is now a firm fixture at the camp. Helen is a force of nature and has been a superb addition to the camp. She has recently completed her mental health diploma in lockdown and is a mother of two. One of her daughters has a disability and has attended the camp.
Why did you get involved in sport?
I’ve always been involved in sport of some kind. For the camp, there was an opportunity to get involved with the urgent need for medical support and this was within my capabilities. I really wanted to give back as a parent of a child with a disability and to support these kind of events as they offer the children so much. I wouldn’t change any of it for the world, it is such a powerful experience and to be involved with the children at camp is joyous. I am gutted it wasn’t able to run this year but I’m already looking forward to next year and keeping my fingers crossed.
Best SDS Summer Camp moment?
Being up at Loch Insh doing the watersports with the group. Seeing children achieving things that they might not have expected they could; watching them having so much fun together and forging new friendships and just being typical teenagers is so rewarding.
What are the best things about being involved in sport in Scotland?
For me the best things about being involved in sport is seeing the joy on the faces of young people who have overcome various challenges and seeing them prosper in a supportive environment is everything.
Jo Jackson:
Jo was recommended to us by our Performance Manager at the time Becky Bisland. Now Becky did many excellent things whilst at SDS but she may have peaked with this intervention. Jo has been with us for the last five years and I’m not sure how we ever managed without her!
Why did you get involved in sport?
I’ve always loved boats, but mostly just messing around them and sailing for family holidays in Greece. The most significant moment for me was participating in the Clip Around the World yacht race, which is 10 months of sailing yachts round the world. I had great fun and it totally rebuilt my confidence after a difficult period. In my role as a nurse I got involved as a Nurse Practitioner for Team Scotland at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. I was involved in the set-up one of the medical villages on site and lived in the village for five weeks with the athletes and coaches. I am also involved in the Ellen McArthur Trust which supports young people in rebuilding their confidence after cancer.
Best SDS Summer Camp moment?
It’s all amazing! The one that made me smile and laugh the most was having one of the participants – who was a powerchair user – in the front of a bike I was cycling around the camp. He had never had this type of experience before and the laughter and smile on his face throughout brought it all home as to why these projects exist. Simply magnificent!
What are the best things about being involved in sport in Scotland?
Being able to use all my life skills learned as a nurse and as a mother to be able to let young people push their boundaries, increase their confidence and realise that sport and the great outdoors can very much be their domain. Sport and physical activity enrich people’s lives so much.
Kirsty Byrne
Kirsty came to us whilst a student at Edinburgh University studying Sport & Recreation Management.
Why did you get involved in sport?
As a little girl, my mum and dad would forever find me dancing around the living room. As an enthusiastic 3-year-old, they had to find something for me to do to burn off some energy, and so dance classes seemed to be the logical solution. 18 years later I have been part of a Grand Champion University Dance team and have loved every second.
Best SDS Summer Camp moment?
The best moment of Summer Camp, despite being part of the winning team for two consecutive years, has to be the self-confidence and growth I see in the children. Some of the children arrive at the camp very hesitant to interact and for many this is the first time they have been away from parents and carers. Seeing the increased confidence, blossoming lifetime friendships and the loss of inhibition and anxiety in the children from when they arrived to when they depart will forever be so rewarding to me.
What are the best things about being involved in sport in Scotland?
For me, the best thing about being involved in sport definitely has to be the friendships that are formed and the sense of team spirt and community that comes with the sport. Sport gives you an opportunity to escape from anything going on in the real world and there’s no better way to do that than with the friends that are made.
If you would like to know more about this event or any of the other twenty-plus national events on the SDS calendar please contact the Events Team at events@scottishdisabilitysport.com or visit our website at www.scottishdisabillitysport.com.