Nationwide Celebration of Getting Active in Scotland

Scottish Disability Sport Week aims to highlight how and why everyone in Scotland with a disability should get active. 

From Monday 24th November to Sunday 30th November, there will be a Nationwide celebration of getting active and involved in disability sport in Scotland, through a predominantly online campaign called Scottish Disability Sport Week (SDSW). The campaign concludes just ahead of the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with a Disability on the Wednesday 3rd December. 

SDSW was launched in 2023 and it received widespread engagement across Scotland. Over 50 partners, local authorities and branches across the country committed to the campaign alongside Scottish Disability Sport (SDS). Following the huge success in its inaugural year, 2024 saw even more engagement across Scotland – with over 70 organisations getting involved in the conversation. 

The campaign aims to highlight and promote the opportunities and the impact physical activity can have on individuals, communities, clubs and society across Scotland.  

The SDSW will also provide a platform to showcase the intersectionality of participants within disability sport and share the message that everyone can participate in sport.   

The week-long campaign aims to encourage people with disabilities to improve their wellbeing by being more physically active, in a way that suits them.  

Each day of the week will be centered around a specific theme to provide a focused discussion. Monday will explore the benefits of getting active and participating in disability sports, Tuesday’s theme addresses overcoming barriers, Wednesday looks at intersectionality, Thursday highlights the impact of clubs and communities, Friday explores accessibility, Saturday provides the opportunity to talk about Performance Pathways in sport whilst Sunday gives guidance on next steps. 

Gavin Macleod, CEO of Scottish Disability Sport, said:

“SDS is once again delighted to be working closely with national partners to promote Scottish Disability Sport Week 2025 and we thank them most sincerely for their continued support.

“This year’s campaign will reflect the findings from our first National Survey, conducted in partnership with Queen Margaret University, which found that 90% of respondents did not meet recommended levels of physical activity despite 73% of respondents stating they would like to be more active.

“The finding from this National Survey has led to SDS launching a Call to Action, aimed at addressing the inequalities faced by people with disabilities across sectors. Access to inclusive physical activity and sport is a fundamental right for all people with disabilities and Scottish Disability Sport Week 2025 will play a vital role in signposting, supporting and encouraging those with disabilities to get involved in inclusive opportunities of their choice.”

The campaign builds on the success of the previous, award-winning Be Active Be Well programme, run by SDS and SAMH, that provided online activity and wellbeing sessions.  

To get involved and stay updated on Scottish Disability Sport Week, make sure to follow SDS across social media and the website: Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.