Spotlight on Sport: Celebrating the work of SCA and their commitment to accessibility and inclusion

In the first of our new Spotlight on Sport series we are delighted to highlight the work of the Scottish Canoeing Association (SCA), an organisation committed to delivering an even more inclusive sport across multiple areas from grassroots engagement to the pinnacle of disability sport.

The following is a just snapshot of the exciting projects and programmes that the SCA run to make the culture of paddlesports more inclusive and accessible for those who would like to experience the unique thrill of being on the water.

Collaboration & Partnership Working

Over the past 3 years SDS and the SCA have been working collaboratively to produce a joint plan and partnership agreement to ensure inclusion is at the heart of policy and practice.

Here the SCA have recently established a disability equality group which is part of the wider equality work.

Infographic of SCA Equality Group
SCA Equality Group

Stuart Smith, CEO of the SCA said:

“We believe that the wide range of activities available means that paddlesport offers something for everyone – and we are delighted to continue to work with SDS to find more ways to make our sport more accessible. This applies to grassroots sport as well as those aspiring to compete, including those with Paralympic ambitions.”

Club Support

In 2018, SCA Development Manager Roger Holmes led an exciting programme to support 3 clubs in Scotland to become more inclusive. Embracing the support were Aberdeen Kayak Club, Forth Canoe Club and Fife CAG holding a series of sessions to attract participants with a disability to get on the water.

Roger was on hand to provide practical advice regarding adapting equipment and building confidence and engagement with participants – demonstrating that all clubs can be welcoming and inclusive for paddlers with a disability. It soon became obvious that there was plenty of expertise within clubs and further potential to grow further opportunities. In 2020,it was hoped to work with a club in Orkney, however the pandemic has postponed this for now.

You can view the Inclusive Canoeing video here to see how an inclusive culture can make a positive difference to people with disabilities.

Inclusive Canoeing 2019 from WeeFlee Productions on Vimeo.

Physical Accessibility

With the support of SDS, the SCA was instrumental in securing a grant to make Pinkston Watersports in Glasgow an accessible and inclusive venue. By 2022 the venue will be made fully accessible for all participants with disabilities to access the water and enjoy the social, psychological and physical benefits of paddlesports.

Roger Holmes from the Scottish Canoe Association stated:

“I am absolutely delighted that the sportscotland facility fund and SUEZ Communities Trust have provided funding to enable Pinkston Watersports to become fully physically accessible to all paddlers. We have also secured funding for adaptive equipment that can be loaned to clubs and individuals using the centre. Further news is pending regarding the development of accessibility at the SCA facility at Grandtully”.

Paddleability – Training for Inclusion

SCA have delivered an inclusive training module over the past 8 years, Paddleability, with over 400 people completing this training to date. There is a network of Tutors in place to deliver this training across Scotland and online This training supports volunteers and coaches to have confidence and competence in working with paddlers with disabilities.

Each year a collaborative programme, Wheels to Water is used  to offer practical training for coaches and volunteers to support  participants with disabilities to taste their first experience of paddlesports.

Pathway to performance

For those who demonstrate potential and a desire to perform at the highest level, there are opportunities within the performance structure of the SCA to progress and perform.

One such shining light is Hope Gordon, who transitioned from swimming into paracanoe through the performance structures where she is now part of the British Canoeing World Class Performance programme at Holme Pierrepont in Nottingham.

You can listen to Hope’s incredible journey on the SDS Paracast here: Part 1 | Part 2

Following from Hope’s successful transition to canoeing, the SCA is now looking to develop more sustainable and repeatable pathways for paracanoe in partnership with SDS, sportscotland and British Canoeing.

How can you get involved in paddlesports?

The SCA is constantly working towards a genuine culture of inclusion which welcomes paddlers in Scotland to engage, participate, progress and perform.