Tag: disability

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.

24/01/2025

Participants Wanted to Trial Children’s Prosthetic Knee

A group of researchers at Imperial College London are seeking participants to provide feedback on a new prosthetic knee for children globally.

They have been working hard with children and teenagers all over the world to understand what changes are wanted for a new affordable prosthetic knee. They want to make sure every child has access to a prosthetic limb no matter where they live.

They have made a new knee design with exciting new features in different sizes. Therefore, if you are a child or teenager with lower limb loss above or through the knee joint, they want to hear from you.

For more information and to express your interest in getting involved, please refer to this accessible document, here.

Please note that if you are accepted as a participant, all your travel expenses, including any necessary hotel stays in London, will be covered. This would include any expenses for parents and children attending.

Further information about the researches involved in the project, is available here:

15/01/2025

Kirsty Byrne Appointed Fife Regional Development Manager

Using sport as a vehicle to empower change, meet the new Regional Development Manager for Fife, Kirsty Byrne.

By William Moncrieff, Communications Coordinator

Taking up the role of Scottish Disability Sport’s (SDS) Regional Development Manager for the region of Fife, Kirsty is looking forward to getting started throughout the region and hopes to, “use sport as an avenue to empower young people and adults to believe they can achieve anything that they want to, despite any barriers.”

Helping empower athletes of all abilities is something that Kirsty is incredibly keen to continue working towards in her new position. “It’s the reason I do my job, to give the athletes and participants the ability and opportunity to achieve anything they want to.”

“To play a part in helping provide individuals with opportunities to become physically active is just so special.”

Kirsty takes up the Regional Development Manager position after formerly being in post as Branch Coordinator for Disability Sport Fife and will be continuing her role as SDS’s events Coordinator, alongside her new position.

Throughout her previous roles as Branch Coordinator and Events Coordinator, Kirsty has had the opportunity to witness athletes come through the branch and events pathway which has provided her with a unique insight into the development and continued development of athletes. Last summer at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Disability Sport Fife celebrated the golden success of their athlete, Ben Sandilands. “We have worked with Ben and his family a lot. To see him win a gold medal and set a new world record is something I will always remember.”

“It was a special moment for everyone in Fife and at Disability Sport Fife.”

Kirsty became involved in disability sport towards the end of her time in high school, where there was an opportunity for senior pupils to volunteer in the attached ASN school. Throughout this time, Kirsty had opportunities to help in physical education classes. It was here that she saw firsthand the benefits of sport.

“I could see straight away the important role sport has on young people and the difference it can make. Just seeing the smiles on their faces when they achieve something they didn’t think was possible, for me that is everything”, explained Kirsty.

In 2024 as the Fife Branch Coordinator, Kirsty played a key role in the delivery of Fife’s very first Parasport Festival. For Kirsty this was an amazing day, further showcasing the benefits of physical activity. She said: “That was definitely one of my highlights from 2024, having so many participants in the room at one time, experiencing and engaging in sports for the first time, highlighting what is on offer around Fife.”

Furthermore, it showcased the importance of partnership working within the region. “Following on from that [Parasport festival], we had engagement (with clubs and organisations) throughout, participants are now involved in swimming sessions and tennis sessions for example. It just showcases what you can do when everyone comes together and celebrates sport”, Kirsty said.

This use of partnership working is something that Kirsty is keen to continue working on in her new role. “Having that conversation and sharing knowledge of what is available, just being able to support each other, because ultimately at the end of the day, at the center of everything, is the participants”, said Kirsty.

If you would like to know more about the opportunities available in Fife, please contact Kirsty on: kirsty.byrne@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

If you are based elsewhere and keen to learn more about your local opportunities, please contact your Regional Development Manager

To keep up-to-date on all things disability sport 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.

22/12/2024

Moving to LGBTIQ Inclusion at LEAP Sports Conference

Blog by Hollie Fullerton, SDS YPSP Administrator

On the 30^th of October I was absolutely delighted to attend the 2024 LEAP Sports Conference in Stirling on behalf of Scottish Disability Sport and the Young Persons Sport Panel. LEAP Sports Scotland is a charity dedicated to improving inclusion in sports for all LGBTIQ+ people living in Scotland and breaking down the barriers that queer people face in sports. The acronym ‘LEAP’ represents: Leadership, Equality and Active Participation in Sports. At its core, LEAP’s values greatly align with Scottish Disability Sport, because both organisations want to make sport a better place for those who often experience discrimination, exclusion, and barriers to participation in sport. I have been following LEAP’s work closely since I took part in one of training courses on inclusive sport. They hold a conference every two years, so when the opportunity came up through the panel to attend this conference, I was so excited to be able to go!

The conference was kicked off by Hannah Bardell, who then introduced Maree Todd, the Scottish Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport. After this, the first panel began, focused on lived experience of LGBTIQ+ sport, and entitled ‘Our Community, Our voice’. The speakers included: Colin Arthur, Atlas Martin, Osman, Reuben Jarvis, and Carolina Sousa E Sa. It was a great way to begin the day, giving insight into their very varied experiences with sport and how each had supported other LGBTIA+ individuals to get involved in physical activity. I took away the key message that at its core, sport should be for enjoyment and socialisation through exercise, and so we should really focus on participation over segregation.

The next talk was my favourite of the day, entitled: ‘Breaking down the fear and the barriers’ by Dr. Sheree Bekker and Professor Stephen Mumford, known for their work on the Feminist Sport Lab. They discussed the ways in which sport is historically and structurally patriarchal and explored how equity can be achieved through restorative justice. They concluded that sport must be entirely reconstructed with new values and ethics in order to build a better future for all athletes. You can read more about their work on their site: https://www.feministsportlab.com/

The next talk came from Fergus Guppy who had studied transgender athletes in order to better understand their unique physiology. This work was so interesting to hear about as there is very little scientific data available on transgender athletes, so having more will help future researchers draw more accurate conclusions, as well as allowing key decision makers in sport to be better informed when they are creating inclusive policy.

There were many workshops to choose from, and I got to hear about the great work going on at Scottish Paddle, Scottish Curling, and Live Active Sport in Perth and Kinross. All three organisations mentioned their inclusive offerings, so if you’re interested in getting out on the water, hitting the ice rink, or trying out Floorball with the Perth Parrots, I would definitely recommend them all!

After a delicious lunch from the Stirling Court Hotel, we then heard from Paralympian Robyn Love who is on the GBR Wheelchair Basketball team. I was especially excited to hear all about Robyn’s time at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, having been there myself to watch the thrilling final between the Netherlands and the USA – This was my first time watching Wheelchair basketball live and such an amazing match to witness! Robyn was very funny and personable, answering questions and talking about her experiences leading up to the games with Hannah Bardell. What I hadn’t expected from Robyn’s talk was how eloquently she explored the barriers to sport for parents, discussing how even at such an elite level, it can be very hard to juggle parenting with training – having recently welcomed a new child with her partner Laurie Williams who is also on the same GBR wheelchair basketball team! Their story was so special to hear about and I can’t wait to see what comes next, especially with wheelchair basketball set to feature in Glasgow’s 2026 Commonwealth Games. I just hope I can get tickets!!

The afternoon continued with talks on LBTI+ Women in Sport, followed by speaker Michele Mommi from the EGLSF, before the best panel of the day (not that I am biased!) titled Visible and Proud. This panel discussion included out and proud members of the sports development community, including Alex Johnston, Amy McDonald, Keith MacLeod, Cara Shearer, and SDS’s own Head of Development: Lynne Glen. Hearing such experienced and established members of the sports community talk about the importance of belonging in our environments was very powerful. Lynne made a great contribution relating to tackling funding silos, and how all organisations should have the same core visions of making all sports environments inclusive, accessible, and welcoming places to be.

The final panel of the day answered the question: ‘Moving to LGBTIQ+ Inclusion: How is it Going?’ and featured speakers Lou Englefield, Jess Williams, Macolm Dingwall-Smith, and Hugh Torrance. This panel left me with two key takeaways from the day: don’t be afraid to challenge existing barriers, and focus on participation over regulation.

In conclusion, there was a fantastic range of talks, workshops, and panels on during the day, and I am so grateful to SDS for enabling me to attend this professional learning event. I gained great insight into the current discourse surrounding LGBTIQ+ inclusion in sport and what actions we can take to break down the barriers to accessing equitable sport and physical activity for all. This was actually the first ever professional conference I have attended, and I hope any future events are as welcoming, inclusive and accessible as the LEAP 2024 conference was!

18/12/2024

John Dambrosio Finalist for UK Coaching Awards

Hamilton Judo Club Inclusion are so proud that our Head of Coaching Development, John Dambrosio was nominated and chosen as a finalist of the UK Coaching Awards Change a Life category. This is quite a remarkable accolade and achievement as John was the only Judo Coach to make the finalists in all categories and was also the only Scots person in all categories.

Most pleasing is that the nomination came outwith Judo by South Lanarkshire Disability Sport in recognition of the great work this year that John and his team have completed through the Hamilton Judo Club Inclusion Development Programme for Disability / ASN and Social Care Groups which was featured early in JS Facebook.

16/12/2024

Job Opportunity: Head of Business Operations at Scottish Rowing

JOB OPPORTUNITY: Scottish Rowing are looking for a Head of Business Operations.

Closing Date: 5th January 2025
Salary: £40,000 – £43,000 FTE (subject to experience)
Contract Type: Part-time (0.6 FTE)
Permanent Location: Hybrid (Office based at Scottish Rowing Centre, 366 Hamilton Road, Strathclyde Park, Motherwell, ML1 3ED)

Application Pack: available here.

About Scottish Rowing
Scottish Rowing is the Governing Body for rowing in Scotland. Our vision is a successful and thriving rowing community and our mission is to support and empower people in Scotland to enjoy rowing and achieve their potential.

Since 2022, Scottish Rowing has gone through an exciting period of significant change with the introduction of a new Olympic discipline, the expansion of the performance programme and a specific focus on extending the reach of the sport into non-traditional rowing communities.
We are about to undertake our next strategic review – setting the direction for Scottish Rowing for 2026-29 and beyond – and are seeking a Head of Business Operations to join the Senior Leadership Team and lead on key matters of organisational health and with the aim to improve
business effectiveness.

Scottish Rowing currently employs a team of 13 staff with the organisation based at the Scottish Rowing Centre – its own dedicated training facility and office space at Strathclyde Country Park, near Motherwell. The Head of Business Operations will be responsible to the Chief Executive Officer and will oversee the business operations of the organisation including governance and compliance, support for the CEO, Chair and Board, office management including HR, membership systems, corporate planning and reporting, and risk management.

As this is a new role within the organisation, we are looking for an individual with experience in setting up business systems and processes with a strong focus on efficiency and a passion for continuous improvement. This will be a unique and exciting opportunity to help shape
the future of one of Scotland’s leading Olympic sports.

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.

30/11/2024

Gemma Lumsdaine on High Performance and Active Representation

By William Moncrieff, Communications Coordinator

For Gemma Lumsdaine performing at the highest level has always been a goal. That is what made it even more special when she got a phone call from her coach to let her know that she was going to be part of the Great Britain Women’s Wheelchair Rugby team.

“I was crying down the phone to the coach, just so much happiness about the whole thing and obviously pride as well. I’ve always wanted to represent Great Britain since I’ve been very young, it’s always been a goal of mine.”

Gemma found out that she would be representing Great Britain in wheelchair rugby at the Women’s Cup three weeks ago. This was the second time that she would be representing the home nations after she contributed to the team winning the same tournament last year, which will provide a further bit of pressure for the team. With the clock ticking down to the tournament kicking off in early December, Gemma has been hearing lots from family and friends.

“Yeah, everyone has been really excited around me, you know when you’re an athlete it’s not just you that is getting selected or goes through the highs and lows, it’s your family, your friends, your coaching team, we just experience everything together. I think they are just really excited for me to get out there and be with the women and retain our title from last year hopefully.” Gemma explained.

She is equally as excited and proud to be there and represent Scotland, saying: “It’s just me, I am the only Scot in the team, so I am flying the flag, everyone else is English so I am flying the flag for the Celts.”

With wheelchair rugby being a predominantly mixed gender sport there isn’t always the same opportunities to provide young disabled women with active representation. This is something that Gemma is really excited for.

“I’m also really passionate about getting women and girls into sport, especially disabled women and the intersectionality of it. I think it’s really important and special in many ways”, s said.

Having this representation is something that Gemma is really passionate about and something that she views as being paramount: “Of course it’s about you know, pushing yourself and achieving my goals, but it’s bigger than that, it’s about actually showing young disabled women who are struggling with their identity or not sure if they are sporty, not sure of what they can achieve with their disability, but showing they can.”

Over the coming years Gemma is keen to continue along the performance pathway. “Ultimately my goal is and has been to compete at the highest level, for example the Paralympics is the highest level, equally there is the Worlds and Europeans (championships), and that is a longer-term goal that I am setting my sights on.”

“It’s a long journey, these things don’t come over night, there are setbacks and highs and lows, it’s working towards being the best athlete I can be.”

If you have enjoyed hearing Gemma’s story and are keen to find out what sporting opportunities are available near to you, so you can start on your own journey in disability sport, contact your Regional Development Manager. SDS would like to wish Gemma the very best of luck in France.

29/11/2024

The Motability Scheme Making the Power of Sport and Boccia Possible

By William Moncrieff, Communications Coordinator

For Avril Starmore, moving to Shetland was a decision based on being closer to family. Then, she found boccia. She had no idea the impact boccia would have on her life.

Avril moved to Shetland from Dunfermline. This move wasn’t always plain sailing though, the lack of public transport and the rural nature of the island presented difficulties when trying to get out and into the community.

Avril was a Motability Scheme user, which proved to be an essential part when finding her love for boccia and the wider Shetland community.

“The car helps me get to boccia clubs, there is a ramp built in that I go up with my wheelchair then I can transfer onto the driver’s seat. If I didn’t have that I wouldn’t be able to get out.” Avril explained.

She went on to say, “If I didn’t have a Motability car there is no way I would get out into the community and clubs.”

Avril found out about boccia through Ability Shetland: “I came to Shetland three and a half years ago, I started going to a few of Ability Shetland’s clubs and I started volunteering with them just over a year ago.”

Now that Avril has been involved with boccia and dedicating her time to the sport she has decided to progress forward with her coaching.

“I’ve recently done the boccia leaders course and now I am learning to become a boccia coach”, she said.

This has led to Avril being a key member of the Ability Shetland delivery and volunteer team. “I’ve been going out to show boccia at various schools, day centres and clubs.”

Avril still uses many of Ability Shetland’s clubs. “I still go every Friday night to play, and then I go out through the week to deliver.”

Avril really enjoys being part of a team, but more so she loves getting to introduce people to the sport of boccia. “The way their faces light up when they manage to do something”, is her favorite thing about volunteering.

Making sessions fun and entertaining is something that Avril tries to always put at the forefront of her deliveries. “They keep thinking that I’m glueing the balls to the cones throughout the sessions, to challenge them to knock them off, they keep saying, ‘you’ve glued them on’, but I haven’t.” She joked.

Now Avril wants as many people to gain the benefits of boccia. “It’s about getting the word out about boccia. Up here a lot of people hadn’t heard about it until a short while ago, I know that I hadn’t heard of it until I moved here”, she said. This is a task she views as being possible.

“Last year we went to Dundee to play, there were loads of players and clubs down there it was great.”

This love and commitment that Avril has shown towards the sport of boccia throughout Shetland has led to her being nominated for an Eric Liddell Award. She went on to win the award for her dedication to the sport which has seen her deliver to over 100 school pupils in the last year alone. The enthusiasm she has for the sport is known to be contagious, and sure to be a contributing factor in many more people taking up the sport.

If you would be interested in finding out more about boccia you can contact SDS’s Boccia Development Manager at:

jonathan.kennedy@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

If you would like to try volunteering, please contact your Regional Development Manager.