A fantastic day of athletics was had as the Grangemouth Sports Complex saw 10 teams from around Scotland descend on it to participate in multiple athletic-disciplines.
This event is run in partnership with Scottish Athletics each year and is designed to be an introductory competitive outlet for those athletes at the first stages of enjoying the sport, many of who have qualified for this event by participating in local and regional events and have been selected to represent their branch area.
Teams are asked to select athletes from all disability disciplines to be eligible for the trophy which is awarded to the team who collect the most points throughout the day. SDS were delighted with the attendance and it is heartening to see that strong development is being encouraged in such an important sport.
Team Fife once again took home the trophy with the team ably marshalled by their coaches Gayle Sloan and Pamela Robson who lead regular run, jump and throw sessions in the region. All this practice clearly makes an impact as the youngsters excelled on the day with Dumfries and Galloway and Forth Valley in hot pursuit but just finishing short.
However, all participants and team support should be applauded as they all contributed to a special atmosphere at the event as the sport proved to be the real winner.
A presentation was made to Shona Malcolm OBE from Scottish Athletics to thank her for her contribution to this event for multiple years. Shona has worked tirelessly to ensure these events are the success they undoubtedly her and she will be missed as her job within the organisation changes. Nonetheless, the event will continue thanks to the structure put in place by Shona. The event is scheduled to move one week earlier next year as it falls in line with the National Sportshall Events run in Scotland by the Eveque Sportshall Team. A big thanks to Active Stirling for the use of their equipment.
The excellent partnership continues with Barclays and West Lothian College with both organisations providing tremendous voluntary support to this event. Daryll Buchanan from Barclays has produced yet another range of excellent photos for our use. Please give his page at Daryll Buchanan Photography a like. The album can be found at this link:
SDS National Sportshall Athletics Photos 2019
Don’t forget the National Cross Country Event at Bellahouston on Thursday 21st March. If you would still like to participate in this event please let us know at mark.gaffney@scottishdisabilitysport.com.