Tag: boccia

24/03/2025

Women and Girls in Boccia: Rachael Page’s Story

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer

Rachael Page started playing boccia around 10 years ago, through one of Scottish Disability Sport’s (SDS’s) member branches, Disability Sport – Fife. She started playing boccia as a means to meet new people, play a new sport and experience the benefits that come with getting physically active. Rachael has cerebral palsy which affects all four of her limbs and so boccia provided the ideal opportunity for achieving the above.

It wasn’t long though until Rachael realised that she wanted to play boccia in a competitive environment: “I have wanted to play boccia competitively since I was a wee girl when I was still at high school. I absolutely love my boccia,” she said.

Alongside playing weekly in Glenrothes, Rachael has been selected to train alongside the Tayside regional team. This has resulted in her being coached by some of the best available coaches, such as Darren and Sam Thomson. Rachael remarked on how this has positively impacted her, “They’ve been brilliant, they really have. It’s good as it is showing me loads of things, for example how to throw the balls with different techniques.”

Overall, Rachael feels like this training has helped her, commenting that, “Joining the Tayside regional squad has helped me a lot.

“Playing boccia makes me feel happy. I get a lot of enjoyment out of it.”

One of Rachael’s favorite elements of the game is the social aspect.

“I enjoy it and it’s a good way of socialising and making friends with new people,” Rachael said. This aspect of the sport has been heightened recently when attending a SDS event. “I went to a women and girls event one month ago and I made a friend with a young lady called Marina who plays boccia in Annan,” she said.

Rachael went on to comment: “It was really good because we got to meet loads of different people from adults to young children. It was also nice just seeing the different ways of playing boccia, I think it is amazing.”

The impact of role models is something that Rachael has started to notice recently.

Rachael told SDS that: “My goals are to follow in the footsteps of Kayleigh Brown.”

She believes that Kayleigh is a fantastic ambassador for the sport. “I think Kayleigh is a great role model because she has a great personality and is a great player.”

Along with having her own role models, Rachael feels strongly about the importance of female role models to inspire the next generation of women and girls, commenting: “I think it’s important to have more female role models in boccia because there aren’t many females that compete in boccia and I think that it would be great to see more females play competitively in boccia as well.”

Rachael has learnt first-hand how boccia can help people to overcome barriers. “You can never say no to anyone from boccia. It’s amazing what people can do, it really is.”

Rachael has become extremely grateful for all of her experiences; from training weekly and regionally to taking part in events and making friends.

“A lot of these things are things I didn’t think I would do and I am really grateful for the opportunities that I have had.”

If you like the sound of some of the experiences that Rachael has had, and you would be interested in trying out boccia, contact your Regional Development Manager to find out what opportunitis are available in your region.

Alternatively, you can reach out to SDS’s Boccia Development Officer on: jonathan.kennedy@scottishdisabilitysport.com to find out what opportunities there are to take part in the sport as a player, volunteer, coach or official.

Make sure to stay up to date on all opportunities throughout Scotland, by following Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website.

18/03/2025

Scots Bag Gold and Two Silvers at DSNI Boccia Challenger

Three players headed over to Antrim (Northern Ireland) to represent Scotland at the DSNI Boccia Challenger event over the weekend (15-16 March).

Both Alex Medley (Perth and Kinross) and Kayleigh Brown (Ayrshire) played in the BC2 category whilst Fiona Muirhead (South Lanarkshire) competed in the BC4.

It was a great first day (Saturday 15th) from the Scots over in Northern Ireland. Alex remained undefeated throughout his first three games, taking the win over James Clowes (3-1), fellow Scot Kayleigh (7-4) and Tomas Martin (5-3).

Kayleigh and Fiona both took two wins and one loss to keep them right in the hunt for their respective titles ahead of their Sunday fixtures. Kayleigh got the better over Sian Jones (16-0) and Scott Cromie (8-0), whilst Fiona beat William Auld (10-1) and Lewis Crawford (3-1), losing her final game 2-3 to Jayne Milligan.

Sunday (16th) saw the conclusion of the Disability Sport NI Boccia Challenger event at Antrim Forum Leisure Centre. The three Scottish Players came into the day with strong chances at winning medals and duly delivered.

In the BC2 classification, Alex followed up on the previous day’s undefeated showing to take home the title by producing an 8-4 win over Scott Cromie and a 5-2 win over Sian Jones.

Kayleigh ensured it would be a Scottish one-two on the podium with her own very fine displays in her victories over James Clowes (4-1) and Tomas Martin (12-0). A brilliant display over the weekend from both players.

In the BC4 classification, Fiona continued her own strong performances with a very measured and composed victory over the previously undefeated Penny Froude (4-1). This result meant the top three athletes had all beaten each other and the medals would be decided on points difference. Subsequently, Fiona narrowly missed out on gold but took home a well-earned silver medal on her return to competition.

Further congratulations must go to the strong contingent of Scottish officials that travelled over to assist in the running of the event. They all performed brilliantly over the weekend.

Full Result –

BC1

1st – Richard Armstrong (England)

2nd – Rachel Bailey (Wales)

3rd – Darryl Pie (Northern Ireland)

BC2

1st – Alex Medley (Scotland/P&K)

2nd – Kayleigh Brown (Scotland /Ayrshire)

3rd – Thomas Martin (Wales)

BC3

1st – Rafael Young / David Ellis (England)

2nd – Lee Madison / Chris Foster (England)

3rd – Robyn McBride / Davy McBride (Northern Ireland)

BC4

1st – Penny Froude (England)

2nd – Fiona Muirhead (Scotland/South Lanarkshire)

3rd – Jayne Milligan (Northern Ireland)

25/02/2025

Women and Girls in Boccia Day 2025

By Charlotte, Events Administrator

A fantastic day of boccia was held on Saturday 8^th February 2025 at UHI Perth which saw 23 individuals from Dumfries and Galloway all the way up to Aberdeen attending to participate in a fun and positive environment! The Women and Girls in Boccia day aims to encourage any women and girls with a physical or learning disability into the sport, so they can become more active, have fun and socialise. There is also the opportunity to partake in local and national competitions if they wish to progress further in the sport.

The event was coached and supported by women coaches and officials with three guest speakers. The day consisted of lots of fun skills and drills, and this was a good opportunity to network with other female boccia players and officials about their journey into boccia.

We were fortunate enough to be joined on the day by an expert panel for a question-and-answer session. The 3-person strong panel consisted of Claire Morrison, Sam Thomson and Charlotte Medley. Boccia UK coach Claire has a wealth of experience within the sport and recently coached leading Scottish athlete Kayleigh Brown to a Paralympic quarter-final despite Kayleigh only competing in the sport for 3 years. Meanwhile Sam Thomson has become one of the UK’s leading boccia officials regular attending competitions all over the country to support the competitions pathway at all levels. Finally, Charlotte Medley shared her range of experiences as a sibling-turned volunteer coach and official. All 3 shared their stories of their involvement in boccia, and different opportunities that boccia has provided for them. The main discussion highlighted that boccia becomes like a family where you are supported by others no matter who you are or where you are on your boccia journey. Boccia is a family and when you are taking part in boccia you are not someone’s sister, wife or daughter but you are your OWN PERSON.

After the question-and-answer session we moved onto games of boccia, during this some of our participants gave officiating a game of boccia a go and wow they were good!

We would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to our event sponsor Shepard Charted Surveyors. This day would not have been possible without their generous support. Thank you to all the players and volunteers who attended this event, we can’t wait to see everyone in our boccia community again soon.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to SDS if you would like to find out more about getting involved and trying boccia. Email: jonathan.kennedy@scottishdisabilitysport.com

24/02/2025

Ling Mann Enjoying the Social Aspects of Boccia

By William Moncrieff, Communications Coordinator

Ling Mann has been involved in boccia for over fifteen years. One of her favorite elements of the sport is how social it can be and the way that the sport brings all of the boccia community together.

Ling has noticed the social side of the sport come to fruition in the past few years as the club she leads (Dumfries and Galloway boccia club) has grown. Ling explained this: “They are that keen to be together, whenever I put out information about a boccia competition, they respond and it is filled up within one or two hours. They all just love going away.”

“We are right down here at the bottom of Scotland and we travel all the way up to Aberdeen, Perth and Dundee.”

Along with training, playing and travelling, Ling and the rest of the club are finding new ways to socialise outside of the sport. “Next weekend we are all going ten pin bowling down in Carlisle. We have 54 athletes, parents and carers all going ten pin bowling together.”

“We just love the social side.”

The social boccia club is proving to also have an impact on the wider community. “It’s not just the athletes that love going out and showing off their sport, it’s the parents and carers as well. One of our athletes’ grandparents are making paddles and calipers for us.”

Ling first started coaching boccia after attending a Boccia Leaders Course, as she wanted to get the local disability group in Dumfries and Galloway involved in the sport.

Boccia is a very inclusive sport, “everyone can play it”, said Ling.

“I always encourage my parents, carers, whoever comes along to play alongside us, just so they know what it feels like.”

“I feel it’s very inclusive and everyone that I’ve taught, loves it.”

Ling is now a qualified referee in boccia and even this role proves to be very sociable, commenting: “The refereeing group have become a family as well.”

“When we meet up, it’s always about how good it is to see each other and that the ‘family’ is back together.”

She continued to say, “we are all going over to Ireland in March to referee. There is seven of us going over from Scotland.”

Outside of the social elements of the sport, Ling gets great pleasure from seeing participants develop. She said: “Winning medals is great but seeing them [players] achieve things is great.”

“It’s about seeing people come in to participate and knowing that it is fun for everyone.”

Although Ling is travelling over to Ireland this year, it is not the first time sport has provided her with opportunities to travel as part of a team. “I even got over to Abu Dhabi for the Special Olympics. that was for bocce, but I got there through boccia [as part of the support team]. I would not have got over there to represent Great Britain if it wasn’t for boccia.”

If you would like to attend Dumfries and Galloway Boccia club to gain all of the social benefits, contact Dianne Campbell (the Regional Development Manager for that area).

If you stay outside of Dumfries and Galloway, you can find out what boccia opportunities are available in your local area, by contacting your Regional Development Manager.

Make sure to stay up to date on all opportunities throughout Scotland, by following Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website.

10/02/2025

Meet SDS’ New Events Administrator, Charlotte Askham

By William Moncrieff, Communications Coordinator

Passionate about disability sport and providing opportunities for all, Charlotte Askham is the latest addition to the Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) cohort, joining the events team alongside Josh Thomson (Events Manager) and Kirsty Byrne (Events Administrator).

Charlotte is a current member of the Young Persons’ Sport Panel (YPSP). Although Charlotte has only recently joined SDS, she is familiar with the events programme after playing a key role in the delivery throughout 2024. Helping out with events was an opportunity that came through being part of the YPSP, an experience Charlotte regards as being very beneficial: “I’ve definitely come a long way from where I started. I was very shy and didn’t want to put myself up for things and now I am putting myself down for anything that comes up.”

Opportunities to get involved in SDS events and develop your skills, is something that Charlotte believes to be a key benefit of sitting on the YPSP.

She said: “Half the stuff I have done, like going to conferences, helping with events, being that first person you see when you come to an event, that was quite scary at the start, but through working with the panel and working with other people and doing these opportunities, it has definitely helped in learning new skills.”

“If it wasn’t for the panel I wouldn’t have done half of this,” said Charlotte.

Charlotte also explained that there is a social benefit to the panel: “We just get on so well, even if we don’t see each other all the time, we still pick up conversations. It’s just amazing.”

Charlotte was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome when she was in school. This diagnosis resulted in her joining the Young Start programme, which provided her with the chance to gain new skills and further her love for sport.

“I am passionate about disability sport because I was new to having a disability so that’s why I wanted to join the YPSP and the Young Start programme to kickstart my coaching journey,” Charlotte explained.

Along with helping with events, Charlotte has become a key member of SDS member branch, Forth Valley Disability Sport, by regularly volunteering.

“One day something just clicked and I knew that I had found my people and my passion for disability sport. I am involved with a lot of ASN/Disability sport sessions and events with Forth Valley Disability Sport and Falkirk Active Schools. It gives me a buzz that I am working in an area that I absolutely love working in. The same goes for working with SDS.”

“From day one I knew these were my people and that’s where I belonged and I can’t thank the whole team enough for everything they have done to help and support me on this journey,” said Charlotte.

Moving forward, Charlotte is excited to join the team: “I’m definitely looking forward to working at more events and getting stuck in with the team.”

If you also would be interested in getting involved with SDS’ events, make sure to register your initial interest to become a volunteer or camper at this year’s Summer Camp. The Summer Camp provides both participants and volunteers with some fantastic opportunities to get involved in a week of fun and adventure throughout the Scottish Highlands, the camp takes place at Badaguish, near Aviemore, from the 9th – 11th July. To become a volunteer make sure to register your interest by the 28th of February, and likewise to take your first step towards becoming a camper, register your interest by the 23rd of March.

To keep up to date with all things disability sport across Scotland, follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and X.

28/01/2025

The Power of Boccia: Duncan McIntyre’s Story

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer

Sport offers everyone something different. For Duncan McIntyre, sport has provided him with so much: from competing in local matches in Tayside to playing in national from travelling around Scotland to playing in national competitions and travelling around Scotland.

One of the most significant benefits that boccia has provide Duncan with, is the opportunity to socialise and to gain the many benefits that being part of a club can offer.

Duncan is 63 years old and had a stroke approximately eleven years ago. In the aftermath of this, Duncan wanted to still push himself and experience the physical and psychological benefits that sport and physical activity can provide.

This resulted in Duncan being introduced to Perth Eagles Boccia Club and a boccia group called the Sparks. Duncan explained, “I went to the Sparks and they introduced me to boccia. I am very grateful for this”.

Through playing boccia, Duncan has seen a real increase in his opportunities to become physically active and socialise. “I play once a week with the Eagles and on a Saturday with the Sparks for team games.”

“I like being part of a team, it is nice.”

Duncan believes that his introduction to boccia has played an important role in his social life, commenting: “I am a lot more social through boccia”.

One of the many attributes a club can provide is managing to create a collective group of individuals with similar interests. This is certainly something that Duncan has found, saying: “There is a great group of people.”

Graeme Doig, the Regional Development Manager for Tayside and Branch Coordinator for Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) Member Branch, Perth and Kinross Disability Sport, expanded by saying, “Perth Eagles boccia club offers local opportunities for people with disabilities to come together to get active in the sport of boccia. We have worked hard to create a culture and sense of belonging at the club where everyone is welcome and encouraged to meet new people, learn new skills, gain confidence and most importantly, have fun.”

Alongside meeting fellow players throughout the Tayside region, Duncan has had the opportunity to meet and compete against some of the country’s finest boccia players. “I’ve actually met Stephen McGuire, I played him at Inverclyde”, Duncan said. Meeting the now BC4 Paralympic champion has been a highlight for Duncan.

“It’s a good experience to meet these kinds of guys.”

A further highlight for Duncan came this year, when he became the 2024 SDS National non-BISFed Open Champion, where he came out trumps in the Senior Athletes with a physical disability competition.

Duncan has found himself traveling over Scotland competing in boccia, saying: “I’ve been to Dumfries and I have been to Aberdeen.” Similarly to the 2024 non BISFED Scottish Open, Duncan didn’t leave empty handed. “I got a silver in Aberdeen and me and Alex (Meddley) got gold in Dumfries”, Duncan explained.

Alongside the social aspects of boccia, Duncan has found himself gaining far more from the sport. “There are the physical benefits as well. When I had my stroke, I could only use one hand. It has made it stronger”, said Duncan.

The continued development of Duncan is something that Graeme Doig has also noticed. “It’s been amazing to see Duncan’s progress over the years with us, he’s always had that competitive edge about his play. When he started, I could see his potential straight away and to be crowned National Boccia Champion in 2024 was an incredible achievement and fantastic recognition for all his dedication and hard work he puts into his sport.” Graeme said, before adding: “Duncan is a very popular member of Perth Eagles and with fellow competitors across the country with his friendly, caring and supportive approach.”

To find out more about boccia opportunities throughout your area, reach out to the SDS Boccia Development Manager Jonathan Kennedy on, jonathan.kennedy@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

To find out what other sporting opportunities are available throughout your area, reach out to your Regional Development Manager.

To keep up to date on the latest disability sport news and opportunities across Scotland, follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and X.

27/12/2024

Boccia 2024 Recap: A Year of Sport

By William Moncrieff, Communications Coordinator

What a year it has been for boccia across Scotland. Throughout the year, events, partnership working and sponsorships along with new playing opportunities and developing clubs have all played a factor in increasing the interest in this rising sport.

EVENTS

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) would like to thank all coaches, volunteers, officials and athletes for the role that they have played in the event schedule this year. It would not have been possible without their ongoing support.

SCOTTISH SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIPS

The national events calendar kicked off on March 20th, with the Scottish Schools Championship. The event went well and there was no drop in the number of entries from the inaugural championship (in 2023). It was a great day at The Peak, Stirling, with branches being able to showcase their talent and put forward the same representation as previous years.

Across the day there was some great boccia on display, with athletes keen to come up trumps in all classifications. Starting with athletes with an Assistive Device, gold went to Sophia Walsh, silver to Ellie MacLaren and bronze to Logan Millar. In the athletes with a Learning Disability classification, gold went to Eleanor Little, silver to Scott Chafey and bronze being won by Kate Burton. In the final classification, athletes with a Physical Disability, Layla McCloskey came out on top to take the gold medal, followed by Emma McManamon with silver and bronze going to James O’Brien.

SCOTTISH OPEN

Next up was the Scottish Open, which took place on the 5th October. It was a great championship with athletes from all over Scotland coming together to showcase their respective boccia abilities.

In the BC2, Perth and Kinross’s Alex Medley came out victorious, winning gold. Kayleigh Brown (nee Haggo) finished second and bronze was awarded to Lewis McConnell.

In the BC3, gold went to Paralympics GB’s Patrick Wilson and Meredith Greenwood. In second place and picking up the silver prize was the duo of Ross MacNeil and Stewart MacNeil.

In the BC4, gold went to Paralympic champion Stephen McGuire. Silver was won by Tyler McLelland with bronze going to Fiona Muirhead

The Open had a Development Draw which acted as a further opportunity to develop young talent across Scotland. The event also enabled up-and-coming athletes to experience a national tournament, which gave them valuable exposure.

In the Development Draw, the Physical Disability Competition gold went to James O’Brien, silver to Murrin Widley and bronze being won by Layla McCloskey.

In the Development Draw, Assistive Device Competition, gold went to Zac Cameron and Kevin Davidson, silver to Ellie McLaren and Lisa Mclaren, and finishing in bronze was Caoimhe Potter and Katie Macmillan.

SDS NATIONAL NON BISFED SCOTTISH OPEN

Next up was the SDS National Non BISFed Scottish Open. The event took place on October 26th, with athletes from Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland competing.

Starting in the athletes who use an assistive device competition the Scotts had a strong Showing, with Ross & Stewart MacNeil winning gold with Becky and Fiona Tyler winning the silver.  The junior athletes with a physical disability winner was Oliver Hastings from England with silver going to Emma McManamon and bronze to James O’Brien.

Next up was the Senior athletes with a physical disability. The winner was Duncan McIntyre, silver was won by Connor Dixon.

The female Learning disability Champion was Sarah Digby, with silver going to Zoe Irving and bronze won by Casey Wilson. The event finished with the male learning disability competition. The champion being Hayden Keir, silver going to Jordan Shepherd and the bronze medal going to Jean Pierre Cossigny.

UK CHAMPIONSHIPS

On the 15th of November the UK Championships began. Taking place at the renowned facilities owned by Sportscotland at Largs, Inverclyde. It was a great championships with 39 players arriving on the west coast of Scotland in a bid to come out victorious. The day had 7 Scottish athletes. With Paralympic trio winning medals. Winning BC3 Gold was Patrick Wilson. Finishing on top in the BC4 and taking home Gold was Stephen McGuire. Kayleigh Brown had another strong compitition and finished Silver in the BC2.

BOCCIA DEVELOPMENT DAY

The Inaugural Invitational Boccia Development Day took place on the 30th of November. This day saw five of Scotland’s up and coming athletes being invited along to learn from two of Scotland’s most prolific boccia coaches from the national set up. The day served a purpose of getting young athletes and providing them with an opportunity to develop their skills and abilities, with a possibility that this will result in the athletes being able to continue along the national performance pathway.

PARIS 2024 PARALYMPICS

The Paralympics took place from the 28th August to 5th September. Three Scots were selected to represent ParalympicsGB: Kayleigh Brown, Patrick (Paddy) Wilson and Stephen McGuire.

What a Paralympics this was, with Kayleigh Brown achieving her childhood dream and becoming the Paralympian she always wanted to be. Kayleigh put in a really strong showing throughout the group stages and was defeated in the Individual BC2 quarter finals, 8 – 2 by Gischa Zayana. In the BC1/2 team competition Kayleigh Brown was joined by Claire Taggart and David Smith. The team had a good run to take them through to the quarter finals. Despite being down early in the match the trio battled back to take the game down to a nail-biting finish where they were beaten by the BC1/2 Indonesian team in a 7 – 7 tie break.

Paddy Wilson qualified for the Paralympics through a bipartite slot. Paddy put in an impressive showing in the group stages to finish in second place. However, Paddy was defeated in the quarter finals despite a strong performance, going down 4 – 1 to Damien Iskrzycki.

It will be hard to forget about BC4 athlete, Stephen McGuire’s tournament. From qualifying through a bipartite slot, to being the first Scottish athlete to win a Paralympic medal in boccia. A dream he has waited 20 years to fulfill.

Stephen wasn’t the only McGuire making waves out in Paris with brother Peter commentating in the BC4 final, giving all the McGuires a moment to look back on with pride.

NATIONAL BOCCIA DAY

National Boccia day took place on 27th of September. The day saw each home nation pick their own theme to engage the boccia community. SDS chose to raise the topic of communities. Boccia plays a vital role in growing and connecting communities, from friendships to support networks. Throughout the day, SDS member branches, clubs, athletes, volunteers and officials all showed how the community of boccia has impacted them.

SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIP

In 2024, Scottish boccia had a first by receiving financial support from Shepherd Chartered Surveyors. This was provided to support further boccia development throughout Scotland. The backing from Shepherd will help fund SDS’s ongoing commitment to providing opportunities for people of all abilities, to try and participate in boccia across the country.

Throughout 2024, SDS have continued to work with Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland. The organisation has worked hard to develop the sport of boccia within their network to ensure that more individuals can continue to gain the psychological and physiological benefits of boccia. Currently the organisation has got over 300 regular participants playing boccia in their bases, with 20 boccia sessions being delivered within their peer groups.

SDS made decent progress in 2024, in the education sector. Working alongside the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA), updates were made to the list of activities in which young people can assessed as part of their PE qualifications at National 3 through to Advanced Higher level in school.

This has resulted in school pupils throughout the 2024 -25 school year being able to have their performance assessed in Paralympic sports such as boccia, goalball and other wheelchair, powerchair and Parasport activities.

CLUBS AND OPPORTUNITIES

In 2024 Forth Vally Right on Target boccia club were made an associate member club of SDS. This was due to the club continuing to provide a service that is up to date with relevant legislations, policies and procedures. Furthermore, the club committed to continually meeting SDS’s minimum operating requirements.

Throughout 2024 SDS has received feedback from organisations, about the rising popularity of boccia. This can be seen by the work that Scottish Student Sport have put into developing a strong playing base; with boccia being their fifth most popular sport in 2024, with 181 sessions and over 2000 participants taking part across their associated Universities and Colleges.

The popularity, interest and demand for boccia has continued to grow throughout 2024. The 2023-2024 boccia audit showed that there is currently 39 opportunities to get involved in boccia. These opportunities are found within 18 local authorities across Scotland.

If you would be interested in finding out more about these opportunities, you can do so by reaching out to your Regional Development Manager. This manager will be able to provide you with information on local opportunities to get involved as a volunteer, coach, official or player.

Alternatively, you can contact SDS’s Boccia Development Officer, Jonathan Kennedy by email: jonathan.kennedy@scottishdisabilitysport.com

Make sure to stay uptodate on all opportunities throughout Scotland, by following Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website.

16/12/2024

“It was a year where dreams came true.”

2024 – a year in sport, for Claire Morrison.

By William Moncrieff, Communications Coordinator

What a year 2024 has been for Claire Morrison, a current board member of Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) and performance coach with Boccia UK. Claire attended the Paris 2024 Paralympics, helping Paralympics GB reach new heights on the boccia court.

However, the year started off with uncertainty, with Paralympic qualification looming over athletes and coaches: “The year started off with a focus on trying to qualify the BC4 pair (Stephen McGuire and Fiona Muirhead)”, Claire explained.

Things were looking good when Kayleigh Brown achieved her lifelong dream and qualified for the Paralympics. However, this news was followed quickly by a disappointing result where the BC4 partnership of Stephen and Fiona didn’t manage to qualify as a pair. Meaning Claire’s and the coaching team’s plans had changed. “When the pair didn’t qualify the focus shifted to Stephen trying to qualify as an individual.”

For Stephen, things were still looking turbulent as his only option of going to Paris was via a bipartite slot; the first time that World Boccia had done this.

On July 1st, Stephen found out that both he and fellow Scot, Patrick Wilson (BC3), received bipartite slots. To mark a fourth Games for Stephen.

“I was absolutely delighted, because he was sitting 3rd in the world rankings at the time, having won one world cup, having come second in another and won a Challenger in the season so far. It was one of those ones where you thought, there should be no reason why he doesn’t get a slot, based on his form that year, his position in the rankings and overcoming injury.”

The Paris Paralympics started on August 28th, and Stephen was continuing his form, nicely working his way through the pool stages to advance to the quarterfinals. “The quarter final was going to be one of his biggest tests as he was probably going to be facing a Paralympic medallist and he just absolutely blew him away. Stephen just went out on court and played one of the best games I’ve ever seen him play”, reflected Claire.

Next up was Stephen’s semifinal and despite a shaky end to the game, he found himself proceeding through to the BC4 Paralympic final. On the morning of the final Claire said: “I remember saying to him, ‘whatever happens today, it is going to be a good day. You’re going to get your Paralympic medal’ ”, said Claire.

In the final Stephen took the first end 3-0, against Colombia’s Edilson Chica Chica. The Colombian fought back in the second end drawing level (3-3). Stephen remained calm and bounced back, dominating the third end with five points (8-3). The Colombian had to pull something special out of the bag to leapfrog into the lead. However, Stephen only allowed him to score two points, resulting in Stephen claiming the title, 8-5.

The win for Stephen was a 20 yearlong dream coming true. “It was amazing, it gives me goosebumps now even just thinking about it. All that work, all that perseverance has come together. To be in that moment with him was unreal”, Claire said.

What made the moment extra special was that Stephen’s brother, former Paralympian Peter McGuire, was commentating on the BC4 final with Channel 4.

“At the time, I thought to myself that once that day was finished, that’s my tears done. Then I heard Peter’s commentary piece and that just set me off again”, said Claire.

At the same time, Kayleigh was making strides at her first Paralympics. Claire took the time to reflect on Kayleigh’s debut Games.

“That first game that Kayleigh played, where she went out there and became the Paralympian that she always wanted to be, in some ways for me that was as big as Stephen winning the gold medal.”

Claire continued to say: “She narrowly lost her first game but the way she held herself, the way she embraced that environment was fantastic.”

Kayleigh put in a fantastic shift, to make it to the quarterfinals but Gischa Zayana (INA) put an end to her individual Paralympic campaign, taking the game 8-2.

For Claire to be selected to represent ParalympicsGB as part of the coaching staff is always special. “It is such an honor, I’ve always loved sports and I loved the Olympics but as soon as I got involved with disability sport and SDS, the Paralympics became such a big part of my life, as a spectator and now as a coach.”

“Even now when I go to something like a training camp it means so much when I put my GB kit on, I have to pinch myself.”

For Claire it has been an amazing year. “We hear so much about the power of sport and that has played out so much throughout my life, there is such a sense of pride.”

Now coming to the end of 2024, it is moving into award season and Claire picked up Coach Of The Year at the SDS, Scottish Women In Sport and Sportscotland award ceremonies.

“Again, that is something that I am proud of. Being in the spotlight isn’t something that sits naturally comfortably with me. It has been amazing to get the Scottish Disability Sport Coach of the Year Award and now the Scottish Women in Sport award, purely because you know that I know that the athletes really value what I have done.”

However, for Claire these awards mean a lot more than personal recognition: “It is really important as you know, being in different environments – whether it’s being a women in sport or being involved in Parasport – these are amazing experiences and opportunities for everybody. If I get a bit of recognition, it’s not really about me, it’s about boccia and it’s about Parasports.”

Reflecting on the year, Claire remarks: “It was a year where dreams came true. I know that sounds cheesy, but in a sentence that’s what it was and it’s truly remarkable.”

If you have enjoyed hearing about Claire’s journey throughout 2024 and would like to get involved as a coach, participant, official or volunteer, please contact your Regional Development Manager or contact SDS by email: admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or call: 0131 317 1130.

Make sure to stay uptodate on all opportunities throughout Scotland, by following Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website.

29/11/2024

Blog: Layla McCloskey – Studying Boccia at School

A few months ago, the SQA published new guidance outlining the steps schools and colleges can take to help make its National Physical Education qualifications more accessible to learners with physical disabilities.

Working with Scottish Disability Sport, SQA has updated the list of activities young people can be assessed in as part of their PE qualifications at National 3 through to Advanced Higher level.

For the 2024-25 school year, learners can have their performance assessed in Paralympic sports such as Boccia, Goalball, and other wheelchair, powerchair, and parasports activities, which can then contribute towards their final grade.

One such pupil who hopes to achieve a Higher with boccia, is Barrhead High School student, Layla McCloskey.

Layla will be writing a blog to share her experience and document this journey.

BLOG: LAYLA MCCLOSKEY

Hello My name is Layla McCloskey, and I go to Barrhead High School just outside Glasgow

I am studying Boccia and Frame running as part of my PE. I am working towards a national 5.

I think it is brilliant that Boccia and Frame Running are part of the curriculum as it gives me and other young people an opportunity to be included in sports. To participate in two sports that I love and will hopefully gain qualifications for my future.

I have been able to introduce a sport to my peers that I am very passionate about. Already another pupil has taken up Boccia as part of their SQA exams and will give other pupils in the
future to take a sport that is so inclusive.

I would hopefully like to coach Boccia in the future and introduce the sport to many other schools.

It’s great to be able to achieve a qualification within my learning environment

For more information about the SQA update, visit here.

18/11/2024

Two Scottish Champions Crowned and a Silver Medal at the UK Boccia Championships

By William Moncrieff, Communications Coordinator

Sunday the 17th of November saw the UK Boccia Championships conclude. The final day of the tournament had some fantastic boccia on display, with 39 players representing Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland battling it out for medals.

The seven strong Scottish squad featured in the BC2, BC3 and BC4 tournaments. Here is how they got on, on Sunday.

Paul McIntyre (Forth Valley) took on Penny Froude in the BC4 playoff. After a closely fought match Penny came out victorious, defeating Paul 3 -2. Paul returned later on in the day in the 5th/6th place play off against fellow Scot, Tyler McLelland. It was an extremely close match, going to a tiebreak. Paul went on to win the tie break seeing him finish in 5th place overall (4-4)

Tyler McLelland (Fife) kicked off his final day taking on Louis Saunders in the BC4 playoff. Narrowly losing 3-2, Tyler ended up finishing in 6th place in the BC4 after a hard fought match in the playoff.

The day continued on for the McIntyre brothers with Scott taking on Jayne Milligan in the BC4 7th/8th place playoff. Unfortunately, Scott lost 7-8 in a close game, the Forth Valley boccia player will be returning home with an 8th place in the BC4.

Alex Medley from Perth and Kinross won his final match of the week, 6 – 4 to see him cap off his championship with a 7th place finish in the BC2.

Ayrshire’s Kayleigh Brown (nee Haggo) won her first match of the day against James Clowes (7-1) to advance through to the BC2 final, against Reshad Saraj.

It was an intense final with the last ball deciding the medals. Reshad took the gold with Kayleigh settling for silver.

Fellow Paris 2024 Paralympians – Patrick Wilson and Stephen McGuire – put on a cracking show in the BC3 and BC4 finals.

After success in the semifinal (beating Sally Kidson 4-3), Paddy faced William Arnott in the BC3 final. As expected, it was a closely contested game but the Scot put in a stellar performance to bag his second UK Championship title of his career.

After a 10 – 1 win over Penny Froude, Stephen faced Sophie Newnham in his final. Sophie made the Paralympic champion work hard in the BC4 final which proved to be yet another, very close and riveting face-off which came down to the last balls of play. A bit of luck was on Stephen’s side as he took the title, 3-2.

Many thanks to all the athletes, assistants, coaches, officials, volunteers that made the Championships such a huge success.

SDS would also like to say a huge thank you to all the event sponsors: Associated Seafoods Ltd, BioMar Ltd, Blackadders LLP, Blacks Haulage Solutions Ltd, Cefetra Ltd, Glenarm Organic Salmon, Inverlussa Marine Services, Loch Duart Ltd, LCL Shipping Ltd and Mowi Scotland. Without you, the UK Boccia Championships would not have been possible.

If you missed the championships or would be interested in catching up on some of the action, you can watch the livestream from court three: day one and day two.