Tag: Disability Sport

03/11/2026

Millie Boo: A Journey in Para Dressage

My riding and volunteering story

Hi, I am Millie Boo Smith. I am 20 years old and have cerebral palsy and bilateral hearing loss. I started horse riding as a form of therapy, and I am a Para Grade 2 Dressage Rider. I have my own horse George who is a retired ex racehorse, and I love riding, hacking, grooming and caring for him. I am also in my 2nd year at the University of Highlands and Islands studying a Business Equine Management degree which is interesting and very busy too.

I started volunteering for my local Riding for The Disabled Group for my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award and then carried this on as I love it as I want to give back to the community like I was supported when I was younger. I currently have over 370 Saltire Volunteering hours and was named Horse Scotland and Active Stirling Young Volunteer of the year as well as being awarded an Inspire Award by Forth Valley Disability Sport. My journey has been participant to volunteer to coach in training whilst being on the RDA pathway. I help people from a local care home interacting with horses and help others have fun and enjoyment in their lessons.

My advice to anyone especially young women and girls is to try ANY form of sport regardless of your disability. If you would rather, you can volunteer which is so rewarding. You get to meet lovely people; you can make a difference in people’s lives and makes you feel like you are doing something worthwhile. It is about what makes you happy and never let anything hold you back. RDA motto is “It’s What You Can Do That Counts” and ‘#SheCanSheWIll

03/11/2026

Ellie: From Spectator to Sports Leader

Hi my name is Ellie W , I am 19 and my sport is rugby. I am part of the young start program. I started watching the men’s six nations every year with my dad as he used to play rugby when he was younger. I thought I’d love to play rugby one day and didn’t start playing until I was 17. My friend started playing for our local women’s team and suggested that I join and we both went along for our first training session. We could train but only started doing contact at 18.

When I went into high school my mum had suggested a sports programme that was run by SSF [Scottish Sports Futures] called Twilight. It was multisport. It helped me fall in love with sport before I got involved with playing rugby. A couple of months later there was a young leaders programme that was also run by SSF to help me coach young people in sport. My coach, Maciek, from SSF encouraged me to join my clan rugby team as a participant and then help out as a coach. I have been to events and schools to talk about the clan and encourage people to come along and try it.

Maciek told me about the Young Start programme and I had to submit it that day and it sounded like such a good opportunity for me and I signed up and was very excited as I was getting to meet new people , learn new skills , develop my skills and get my level 1 rugby coaching. I had online courses the first one was communications and the second one was human connections and then we had the young start/panel residential September weekend with wheels to water , getting to try other sports , we got to know each other through ice breaker challenges , we went trampolining , had food and hung out. We did the disability , advocacy and sport course in the morning and then in the afternoon we did boccia which was very fun. I have also got to do my first aid course through young start and passed

14/04/2026

Inclusion Front and Centre in Latest COSLA White Paper

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) has recently launched ‘The Future of Public Leisure and Sport – An Investment in Wellbeing‘, the second in a series of white papers to be published in advance of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is pleased to see that Inclusion is explicitly highlighted as one of the five key themes of the new COSLA White Paper. The paper uses the SDS Call to Action as a reference and cites the multiple and complex barriers that many people face which serves to widen activity and health inequalities. The first ask is investment in national affordability programmes which SDS champions to reduce some of the cost barriers people with a disability face when accessing sport and leisure.

The paper highlights a pivotal moment for Scotland, arguing that improving population health, supporting inclusive economic growth and restoring sustainable public finances will require a decisive shift from crisis response to long-term prevention.

COSLA is urging the incoming Scottish Government to work in partnership with Local Government to unlock the full preventative potential of leisure, sport and physical activity, and to support a healthier, more equal and more prosperous Scotland.

You can read the COSLA White Paper here: COSLA-White-Paper-An-Investment-In-Scotlands-Wellbeing.pdf

Learn more about SDS’s Call to Action and the SDS National Survey.

13/04/2026

Scottish Athletes Shine at DSNI Boccia Challenger in Antrim

By Jonathan Kennedy

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is delighted to celebrate the outstanding performances of three national squad athletes who competed at the DSNI Boccia Challenger in Antrim, 6th – 8th the March 2026. All three players delivered impressive results and represented Scotland with distinction throughout the event.

In the BC4 category, Fiona Muirhead produced a standout performance characterised by consistency, composure, and determination. With the event played in a round robin format, the competition came down to the final match, where Fiona faced Penny Froude of Boccia England in a decisive showdown for the top medals. After a tense and keenly contested match, Fiona secured a 3–2 victory, claiming the gold medal and marking a fantastic start to their 2026 campaign.

In the BC1 category, Alex Medley competed in an exceptionally close and competitive field. Despite delivering high quality play throughout the round-robin stages, Alex narrowly missed a podium position, finishing in 4th place.

Layla McCloskey was the third member representing SDS where she competed in the BC2 category. This was Layla’s first event competition as a member of the SDS National Boccia Squad. Building on strong momentum after finishing 2025 on a high at the UK Boccia Championships, Layla continued her impressive play by reaching the 5th/6th playoff matches in a highly competitive field.

Squad group photo, consisting of (from left to right) Peter McGuire, Layla McCloskey, coach Claire Morrison, Fiona Muirhead, SDS boccia development officer Jonathan Kennedy, Alex Medley. They are all looking to the camera and smiling. Peter, Fiona and Alex are in their wheelchairs, Layla is sitting on her frame whilst hugging Claire. Claire and Jonathan are standing up.

The DSNI Boccia Challenger offered invaluable experience for all three Scottish athletes as they continue their progression within the national programme. Performances of this calibre help build important momentum as they embark on their 2026 season. A big thank you to Disability Sport NI for hosting the event.

SDS is the national governing body for Boccia in Scotland and is dedicated to the growth and success of the sport at all levels.

If you are interested to learn more about boccia and your local opportunities, please contact Jonathan Kennedy, the Boccia Development Officer, via email on Jonathan.Kennedy@Scottishdisabilitysport.com; or call on 07830158253.

08/12/2025

Paralympic Pathway Manager: British Curling

British Curling Vacancy: Paralympic Pathway Manager
Location: National Curling Academy, The Peak, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ Contract
Type: Part Time Maternity Cover until January 2027 (hours negotiable)
Salary: Circa £35,000 (pro rata)
Responsible to: Paralympic Head Coach

British Curling – Paralympic Pathway Manager

British Curling is seeking a self-motivated, innovative, and strategically minded team player to lead the delivery of a pioneering Paralympic pathway system. In this influential role, you will work closely with our Paralympic Head Coach to identify and develop emerging talent for the next Paralympic cycle and beyond.

The successful candidate will join the organisation at a critical and exciting moment as we move into the final lead-up to the Paralympic Winter Games. Since its establishment following the success of the Beijing cycle, the Paralympic Pathway has already experienced significant growth and early achievements. The next phase is to build on this strong foundation and amplify momentum pre-, during, and post-Milan–Cortina, while using the platform of the Games to promote the programme and attract new talent into the sport.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious individual with outstanding communication and organisational skills to help shape a world-leading performance environment. You will play a central role in strengthening and sustaining a pipeline of world-class Paralympic athletes within an organisation renowned for its ability to identify, develop, and support talent that can excel on the world stage.

About British Curling British Curling is the governing body responsible for delivering medal-winning performances at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as at World and European Championships. As one of Britain’s most successful Winter Olympic sports, we are proud to be the only British high-performance programme based in Scotland.

Candidates will ideally bring a passion for curling, a strong interest in performance sport, and the drive to help shape and elevate a world-leading Paralympic pathway.

To apply: Please click here to download the job description from the British Curling website. To apply for this exciting opportunity please email: performance@britishcurling.org.uk with a CV and covering letter outlining your skills and experience demonstrating your suitability to the role.

Please submit your application with the specific reference PPM25 in the subject line.

For further information and any specific enquiries regarding the role can be directed to Dave Leith, Performance Director dave.leith@britishcurling.org.uk

Closing date for applications: Friday 19th December 2025
Interviews will be held w/c 5th January 2025

British Curling is committed to selecting and appointing staff solely on the basis of their ability to do the job for which they are being recruited and we welcome applications from all sections of the community. British Curling encourages job applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, religion, belief or sexual orientation.

27/11/2025

NHS Try Sport Sessions: Creating Opportunities throughout Tayside

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer.

Starting in 2019, Perth and Kinross Disability Sport, Scottish Disability Sport (SDS), NHS Tayside and local clubs have been working in partnership to deliver NHS ‘Try Sport Sessions’ to individuals with physical disabilities that are not taking part in sport/physical activity or participants seeking new sporting opportunities.

Any of the participants that are attending these sessions, have been invited through NHS Physio Therapist referrals. This allows the organisers to tailor the sessions to participants’ needs.

Flynn (participant) has found the sessions to be incredibly impactful. His mum, Jenna, commented:

“It has been incredible to watch Flynn go through his journey with sport.

“Flynn recently joined Cubs and it was a bike ride one week but Flynn can’t ride a bike, so he took a frame runner. He was excited to tell everyone about it and show them what he could do.” Jane Dernie, a member of NHS Tayside’s Physio Therapy team, commented on how enjoyable the day is for all involved: “The physiotherapists in Tayside love our yearly Try Sport Session that is done in partnership with Disability Sports. It enables us to join in and have fun with the children we are involved with, it lets us see their abilities and it lets us introduce new children to the Disability Sports community.”

The sessions are held yearly at Perth UHI’s Academy of Sport and Wellbeing and provide no cost for participation, with approximately 15 participants attending.

Graeme Doig, SDS’s Regional Development Manager for Tayside, and Perth and Kinross Disability Sport’s (PKDS) branch coordinator, has been a driving force throughout the delivery of this initiative. Graeme believes that developing strong links throughout the region has been a considerable factor in the programme’s continued success.

“Partnership work with NHS Tayside, Scottish Disability Sport and PKDS is crucial, not just helpful, for creating our Try Sport sessions that are safe, inclusive, evidence-based and connected to the wider community sport pathway.

“It ensures the sessions meet participants’ real needs and have the support and reach required to succeed”, Graeme said.

This focus on partnership collaboration has resulted in local clubs attending the ‘Try Sport Sessions’ to support with delivery, providing participants with an opportunity to try a variety of activities. Furthermore, their involvement helps strengthen routes into continued involvement in sport and physical activity. These local clubs include Perth Strathtay Harriers, Perth Eagles Wheelchair Sports Club, UHI Perth Climbing Centre , Salle Ossian Fencing Club , Perth Eagles Boccia Club , and Badminton Scotland.

These links into local clubs have been hugely beneficial, with participants grasping the opportunity to get involved following the ‘Try Sport Sessions’.

“I attend the Perth Eagles Wheelchair Sports Club every week and Perth Strathtay Harriers for Frame Running. My favourite sport to participate in is Wheelchair Basketball”, Flynn said.

Jenna followed this up by adding: “As Flynn can’t run or jump we didn’t think sport would be an option for him. We were directed towards Graeme Doig and Flynn started to attend the Eagles on a weekly basis and he immediately loved it. He quickly made friends and we found ourselves involved in a wonderful community.”

Eilidh, another participant, has been enjoying the opportunity to get involved in sport. She said, “After the Try Sport Session I have found my strength grow due to joining the Perth Eagles and Lothian Phoenix.”

Involvement in the ‘Try Sport Sessions’ and linking in with local clubs has been hugely beneficial for the participants.

“My newfound strength has helped me in day-to-day life by giving me more stamina to perform daily tasks and enjoy extra curricular activities”, Eilidh explained.

Whereas for Flynn, the social opportunity provided through sport has benefited him. He said, “There are lots of different sports to take part in and you can choose which one. I also like being part of a team.”

Understanding the many benefits that sport and physical activities provide, is a further reason why the NHS Physio’s are advocates for the Try Sport Sessions. Jane said, “Learning how sports can be adapted, and enjoyed by the children we look after is important as it helps us direct them towards Disability Sports.”Jane went on to add: “We witness the physical and social benefits that children and their families gain from getting involved with Disability Sport weather it be participation or competitively.”

Seeing the long-term impact that the NHS ‘Try Sport Session’s’ have had on participants, reinforces the importance of continuing to provide inclusive opportunities. Graeme commented: “For coaches, physios and our partners, watching that growth isn’t just enjoyable—it’s a reminder of the impact inclusive sport has on wellbeing, confidence, and long-term participation.

“It reinforces why these sessions matter and motivates us all to continue improving and providing new opportunities.”

Lynne, Eilidh’s mum, agreed with this: “Without these sessions we would not be on this incredible journey, so I think they are really important to let people with disabilities find their own path.”

Along with providing participants with physical, social and psychological benefits, the programme offers a wide variety of sports which allows for participants to take that first step on the performance pathway. This has had a positive effect on Eilidh.

She said, “The biggest highlight is the introduction to many sports, and I found my passion for wheelchair basketball, which I have now represented my country at U14 level. It has also given me many new friendships and a newfound confidence.”

Eight-year-old Flynn’s aspirations are set. “Flynn says he will be a Paralympian in the future and it’s amazing to hear him have ambitions connected to sport”, Jenna commented.

If you are interested in finding out about opportunities to get involved in sport and physical activity in your region, you can reach out to your Regional Development Manager.

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

20/09/2025

Scottish Disability Sport Calls for Urgent Action to Remove Barriers to Sport and Physical Activity

Today, Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is launching a four-point Call to Action that is calling on organisations across Scotland to take urgent action to remove the significant barriers faced by people with a disability in accessing sport and physical activity.

The four-point Call to Action follows the publication of a new national survey by SDS, which highlights the ongoing inequalities experienced by people with a disability and the impact this has on their quality of life.

The national survey revealed that 40% of people with a disability in Scotland are worried about losing their benefits if they are seen to be more physically active. With nearly 1 in 5 respondents doing no physical activity each week, yet 73% expressing a desire to do more, the results from the survey highlight concerns around the benefits system, rising living costs, public transport and more.

SDS is urging government, local authorities, health boards, education providers, leisure trusts and third-sector organisations to recognise the rights of people with a disability, as set out in Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and to collaborate on systemic change.

Key actions called for include:

Plan to include

Reduce inequalities for people with disabilities through inclusive strategy, policy, development and proportionate funding.

Invest in systemic change to remove barriers to accessible travel, affordable and accessible facilities and inclusive spaces.

Deliver an inclusive whole system approach

Every person with a disability has the right to take part in quality inclusive physical activity, physical education and sport.

A health and social care system that prescribes appropriate physical activity opportunities at every stage of the individual’s pathway.

A benefits and social care system that equips individuals to be active

Provide safeguards to reassure people with disabilities that being active will not negatively impact any government financial assistance.

Those in receipt of Self-Directed Support in Scotland should be able and encouraged to use their budget to engage in physical activity and sport.

Champion intersectionality through a person-centred approach

Collaborate with partners across sectors to champion intersectionality within policy, strategy and development.

Ensure the needs of people with disabilities with intersecting identities are considered and met by co-design with those with lived experience.

95% of survey respondents believe physical activity helps their mental health and wellbeing yet over 90% do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity, with less than half of survey respondents receiving encouragement from a health or social care professional to be more active.

Gavin Macleod, CEO of Scottish Disability Sport, said, “This Call to Action is a really important piece of work for Scottish Disability Sport, as it is based on the evidence gathered from our first ever National Survey which we delivered in partnership with Queen Margaret University. The evidence clearly shows that there are four urgent priorities that must be addressed to create a more inclusive and active society for people with disabilities. These four Calls to Action will influence our work and the work of our many partners in Scotland and beyond.”

SDS calls on a systemic change to create a more inclusive and active Scotland.

You can view the full Call to Actions in full detail, via this PDF here.

05/09/2025

JOB ALERT: Trusts and Grants Fundraising Post

Renumeration: £20 per hour
Hours: 15 – 20 hours per week (subject to agreement)
Duration: 12 months fixed term, with a potential for extension depending on success.
Contract Type: Contract for Services (on a Self-employed basis)
Responsible to: SDS Head of Policy
Deadline: 12pm, 26th September 2025

Interviews: Wednesday 8 October 2025 (Time TBC)
Workplace: Remote or office based working is available. SDS are based at Forthstone
Office, 56 South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh, EH12 9EB.

FULL JOB DESCRIPTION CAN BE FOUND HERE.

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is looking for a talented Trusts and Grants Fundraiser to inspire funders to support SDS in achieving our vision to ensure sport and physical activity in Scotland are welcoming and inclusive for participants with disabilities. SDS is the Scottish governing and co-coordinating body of all sports for people of all ages and abilities with a physical, sensory or learning disability.

Our strategic plan, which directs our work, can be found here on our website.

Are you a sensitive storyteller, enthusiastic fundraiser, confident collaborator and dedicated researcher? You will design compelling funding applications, innovate new ways to connect with Trusts and Foundations, and steward vital income for our projects and services.

This role will enable SDS to grow its impact, strengthen donor relationships, diversify funding sources, and support long-term financial sustainability. Do you –

Have a strong track record of securing funding via trusts and grants for organisations in the
third sector?
Have the ability to create engaging and innovative storytelling to evidence the positive
impact of funding for people with a disability in Scotland?
Have the knowledge and expertise to harness new ways of connecting to trusts, foundations
and philanthropists?

You will be part of a dynamic and energetic team at SDS who support people with disabilities in Scotland to engage in sport and be more active.

To apply, please submit your C.V. and a cover letter indicating your suitability for the role to:
Mark Gaffney, SDS Head of Policy at mark.gaffney@Scottishdisabilitysport.com

If you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Mark at the email above or by phoning: 0131 317 1130

01/08/2025

Vacancy: Disability Inclusion Officer with basketballscotland

basketballscotland are looking for a passionate and proactive individual to lead our work in making basketball more inclusive and accessible for people with disabilities across Scotland. This role will focus on breaking down barriers to participation: supporting the growth of wheelchair basketball; engaging directly with people with disabilities and their families; and, helping shape environments where everyone can belong and thrive.

You’ll be someone who’s not afraid to challenge the status quo, especially when it comes to creating equity and inclusion.

You’ll take responsibility for driving change, work closely with others to co-design better solutions, and always look for ways to improve, with a particular focus on people with physical, learning and sensory disabilities. Most of all, you’ll believe in the power of sport to bring people together, working with courage, compassion and purpose to help make that a reality.

Job Title: Disability Inclusion Officer
Salary: £24,000 – £26,000
Location: Flexible, but with the expectation to be in Head Office (Corstorphine, Edinburgh) on a Thursday
Reports to: Social Impact Lead
Hours: We are open to Full-time or part-time. Core hours are 10:00 – 15:00 with flexibility regarding when you complete the rest of your hours, subject to line manager agreement.

For more information about the role including key responsibilities, please consult the recruitment pack.

For further information or to ask any questions, please email: hr@basketball.scot

07/06/2025

Celebrating Marie Cheyne on #VolunteersWeek

To celebrate National Volunteers’ Week (2nd–9th June), SDS are highlighting some of the many volunteers throughout Scotland, Who have devoted time and effort to help provide more opportunities in disability sport throughout their region.

Marie Cheyne’s efforts in volunteering have been impacting individuals living in the Grampian region for over 25 years. This is down to her efforts running an Inclusive swim school (The Broch Seals), which teaches/coaches over 90 children and young adults every week to swim. Marie’s swim school provides a vital service within SDS’s member branch, Grampian Disability Sport, as her sessions offer their ASN swimmers with an opportunity to compete.

Marie also organises and runs several impactful events throughout the region. Including regional qualifiers for swimmers with a disability and an event for 80+ swimmers that takes place at Fraserburgh Swimming Pool.

Along with playing an integral part in the branches swimming events, Marie is now the trustee of the board, as her knowledge and expertise are viewed as being essential to have on the committee. Wizzy Mills, the Regional Development Manager for Grampian and Shetland, explained the impact that Marie has had throughout the region.

She said: “Through her leadership, innovation, and determination, Marie has played a vital role in promoting inclusivity and ensuring that disability swimmers are supported, celebrated and given the platform to succeed. Marie’s contributions are recognised and valued by all involved.”

Marie has also put countless hours in to ensuring that swimmers across Grampian have an opportunity to compete in the sport, this is through her work as the Team Manager for The Grampian Disability Swim team. This involves coaching and taking athletes to regular competitions.

In 2025, Marie has devoted her time to fundraising and so far she has raised enough money to put on another ASN/Disability swimming competition. Wizzy commented: “The participants are extremely appreciative of Marie’s dedication, vision and commitment to creating inclusive opportunities and events for disability swimmers. Her tireless efforts have significantly enhanced access to the sport, fostering an environment where every athlete can thrive.”

A further event that Marie runs, is an event in partnership with Active Schools Aberdeen City and Active Schools Aberdeenshire called, the Grampian Beginners Gala for children with a disability who want to compete at a beginner’s level. This event allows children to use flotation devices at a shorter distance; they are also allowed the option for carer assistance if needed. This event is always well attended by individuals across the region, with all swimmers, volunteers and parents leaving with a smile after experiencing Marie’s infectious passion for the sport.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

If you would be interested in volunteering within disability sport in Scotland, check out all the current opportunities on the SDS website, here.

SDS NATIONAL EXHIBITION EVENT

If you would be interested in finding out more about SDS and how sport and physical activity can support you, sign up to attend SDS’s first ever National Exhibition Event. The event is free and is being held at the University of Stirling on Saturday 14th June. The event will allow people from all over Scotland to interact with all elements of SDS in one place.

You can also find out more about what sporting opportunities are available in your community by contacting your Regional Development Manager. To keep up-to-date on all of the ongoing work, make sure to follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website.