Tag: Disability Sport

22/10/2024

Commonwealth Games Federation Confirms Glasgow as 2026 Commonwealth Games Hosts

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is pleased to officially confirm Glasgow as the host city of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with six Para sports included on the sport programme.

The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games will take place in Scotland from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 2 August 2026, returning to the city 12 years after the hugely successful 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Glasgow 2026 will feature a 10-sport programme concentrated across four venues within an eight-mile corridor, ensuring an action-packed broadcast schedule across
each day of competition and making the event accessible and appealing to spectators looking to enjoy the multi-sport environment and festival feel.

With over 500,000 tickets to be made available at a future date, there will be around
3,000 of the best athletes competing from up to 74 Commonwealth nations and territories that represent 2.5 billion people – one-third of the world’s population. Para sport will once again be fully integrated as a key priority and point of difference for the Games, with six Para sports included on the sport programme.

The sports programme will include Athletics and Para Athletics (Track & Field), Swimming and Para Swimming, Artistic Gymnastics, Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling, Netball, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Boxing, Judo, Bowls and Para
Bowls, and 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball.

Credit: Glasgow 2026

The Games will take place across four venues: Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena – including the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). Athletes and support staff will be
housed in hotel accommodation.

The Glasgow 2026 Games will deliver over £100 million of inward investment into the city and is projected to support over £150 million of economic value added for the region, with a model that has been specially designed to not require public funding for the delivery of the Games. An additional multi-million-pound investment has also been secured for upgrading public sporting facilities, alongside funding for city activation projects across the city.

With the confirmation that Glasgow will host one of the world’s biggest multi-sport events and the biggest sporting event in the United Kingdom in 2026, the branding for the Glasgow Games has also been released. For the first time in the Games’ history, the logo combines the Commonwealth Sport logo with the overall visual identity of the 2026 Games – emphasising the central role of the Commonwealth Games within the wider Commonwealth Sport Movement.

The Glasgow 2026 logo features Glasgow graphic elements inspired by some of the engineering, architectural and natural elements found at the heart of the city. The three elements include representations of the River Clyde, the Finnieston Crane, and the Clyde Arc, which are all centrally aligned in the Commonwealth Sport celebration mark in the colours of the waterfront – symbolising the meeting point for sport and culture at the heart of the Games.

Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Katie Sadleir NZOM said, ‘’On behalf of the entire Commonwealth Sport Movement, we are delighted to officially confirm that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in the host city of Glasgow. The Games promise to be a truly immersive festival of sport and celebration of culture and diversity that inspires athletes and sports – with a fan experience more accessible than ever before.

‘’With the Commonwealth Games held in such high esteem by athletes, sports and nations across the Commonwealth, we have been working tirelessly with our fellow stakeholders to ensure a high-quality Games will take place in 2026 – securing this vital milestone in the career pathway for thousands of athletes.

‘’The 2026 Games will be a bridge to the Commonwealth Games of tomorrow – an exciting first step in our journey to reset and redefine the Games as a truly collaborative, flexible and sustainable model for the future that minimises costs, reduces the environmental footprint, and enhances social impact – in doing so increasing the scope of countries capable of hosting.

‘’With the reassuring legacy of Glasgow 2014 providing existing sporting, transport and accommodation infrastructure, and world-class venues and expertise, we look forward to working with the Glasgow team to deliver a very special Commonwealth Games in 2026.

‘’Our Movement’s commitment to sport for development and social change remains central to Glasgow 2026 and beyond – with full integration of Para sport a priority the
Games will continue to be an inspiring and impactful platform.’’

Commonwealth Games Scotland Chief Executive Jon Doig OBE, said “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured Glasgow as hosts of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. When we started pulling this concept together just under a year ago, our focus was on creating a Games that was different – that could be delivered to the highest quality, in the short time frame, in a financially sustainable way.

“Glasgow 2026 will have all the drama, passion and joy that we know the Commonwealth Games delivers even if it is to be lighter and leaner than some previous editions. It will be more accessible, delivered on a smaller footprint which brings our fans closer to the sporting action.

“The Commonwealth Games has a special place in the hearts of athletes around the globe, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming them, their support staff and fans from all four corners of the Commonwealth to experience the famous Scottish and Glasgow hospitality. It is an exciting moment for the city and the country.”

First Minister John Swinney said, “The Commonwealth Games is a hugely important event for Scottish sport and an exciting opportunity for the people of Scotland.

“As well as an action-packed, inclusive sports programme that will inspire and excite audiences across the globe – Glasgow 2026 will also be a cultural celebration.

“I would like to thank Commonwealth Games Scotland for their hard work and dedication to produce a viable proposal for Glasgow 2026 – and to the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia for their assistance in helping to secure the Games. I believe this epitomises the Commonwealth spirit and willingness to work together.

“While Glasgow 2026 will look quite different to previous Games, we can, and we must, use this as an opportunity to work collaboratively to ensure that this new concept brings a strong and sustainable future for the Games. The Scottish Government is committed to playing its part in building that new vision.”

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said, “It’s fantastic news that the Commonwealth Games Federation has formally confirmed Glasgow as the host city of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. This is good news for the Commonwealth Games and yet another opportunity for Glasgow and Scotland to demonstrate their ability to put on world class sporting events.

“There will be a great competitive programme across 10 sports, and I for one can’t wait to see our talented Scottish athletes in action in front of a home crowd.

“The UK Government has actively supported the proposal to bring the 2026 Games to Glasgow, and is providing up to £2.3 million contingency towards security costs. This is a great example of the UK and Scottish governments working together to deliver for Scotland.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said, “We’re thrilled to welcome the Commonwealth Games back to Glasgow for 2026, where Scotland’s renowned hospitality and unwavering passion for sport will once again light up the city on the world stage.

“The UK Government has long supported the Games, and we’re proud to have played our part in making Glasgow 2026 a reality, backing the Scottish Government, Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation to deliver a world-class event.

“Together, we are dedicated to creating an unforgettable Games that will inspire athletes, fans and communities across the country for generations.”

Glasgow City Council Leader Susan Aitken said, “The 2026 Games are an opportunity to set out a new blueprint for the future of sustainable, accessible Commonwealth sport – and it should come as no surprise that the organisers believe Glasgow is the place they can make that happen.

“Our city has a track record that is second to none when it comes to staging major events – and, in particular, working with organisers to make sure new competitions and formats get off to the best possible start.

“Glasgow benefitted greatly from hosting the Games in 2014 and officials have shared expertise and experience with both Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation as they have developed their plans for 2026.

“These Games will be, by design, different from those the Glasgow hosted a decade ago – but the city will play its part in helping make them a success on their own
terms.”

Make to follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website.

15/10/2024

Dundee Hosts Discovery Games and Boccia Engagement Soars

September was a busy month for boccia with competitions, Parasport festivals and courses spread throughout the month.

Discovery Games

The Discovery Games were held at Dundee International Sport Complex (DISC). It was a busy day with 63 players across three sections. There were 37 Female players and 26 Males which lead to over 110 games being played over 12 courts. A successful day made possible by the many volunteer helpers and officials making the day run smoothly.

Congratulations to the medallists in each section, the medallists were: –

Section A

1^st Paul McIntyre
2^nd Fiona Muirhead
3^rd Scott McIntyre

Section B

1st Zoe Irving
2nd Eleanor Little
3rd Kate Burton

Section C

1st Ross MacNeil
2^nd Becky Tyler
3^rd Ellie Maclaren

Well done everyone who competed and a thank you to Dundee City Disability Sport for making it happen.

Boccia at the Motability Big Event on Friday and Saturday

Over the 13^th and 14^th of September Scottish Disability sport was an exhibitor at the Motability event held at the royal highland show. Boccia was one of the activities that were on offer throughout both days. This offering allowed new people to experience boccia and play the sport. As a result of this fantastic day boccia has been experienced and introduced to even more people.

National Boccia Day

On Friday the 27^th of September was National Boccia Day. Scottish Disability Sport focused on the aspect of communities that boccia can create. It was fantastic to see how many branches, clubs and people got involved on the day sharing all their stories of what boccia means to them and their community on social media.

Boccia at Parasport festivals in Aberdeen and Fort William.

It is that time of year again when parasport festivals start. There were two Parasport festivals in September. One in Aberdeen and the other in Fort William. Both Parasport festivals had an offering of boccia for their participants. This allowed people to experience boccia, some for the very first time, and introduce them to the sport. Many different games and challenges and lots of fun was had by participants. With some looking to find boccia opportunities now in their area.

Boccia Officials Course

This year SDS had to put on a second Boccia officials course due to a high demand. This course was held in Dundee and had 8 people on the course. After the course, the delegates will need to officiate at one event to be fully qualified. This is fantastic news as more officials will allow more events to happen. Without officials there would be no competitions. Thank you to everyone who signed up and completed the course. The future of boccia in Scotland is looking strong with more officials getting qualified to allow more competitions to happen throughout Scotland.

08/10/2024

One Month Ago: Sammi Kinghorn’s Journey at Paris 2024

By Veronica Buccino

One month ago, on Sunday 8th September, the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games came to a close. Scotland was represented by 21 Scots in ParalympicsGB’s team. The Scots had an impressive medal haul, winning a total of 20 medals in the French capital: 11 golds, 8 silvers, and 1 bronze.

Sammi Kinghorn (Para athletics) had a very memorable Games, contributing five medals (four individual) to the overall tally:

Gold – Women’s 100m T53 – Time of 15.64 (PR) – Day 7

Silver – Women’s 800m T53 – Time of 1:42.96 – Day 4

Silver – Women’s 1500m T54 – Time of 3:16.01 – Day 5

Silver – Women’s 400m T53 – Time of 53.45 – Day 8

Silver – 4x100m Universal Relay – Time of 46.01 (ER, AR), with Zach Shaw, Jonnie Peacock, and Ali Smith – Day 9

With her gold in the 100m, the 28-year-old set an incredible new Paralympic record time of 15.64 seconds.

Following the end of the Games, Sammi said: “It’s been the most amazing week I could have ever dreamt of. I really hoped that I could come close. The girl that I was racing, Catherine Debrunner, is incredibly strong and I knew it would be very hard. She was a tenth faster than me going throughout the year. I’m absolutely buzzing that I was able to take the win”.

She surprised herself by finding the podium in the 1500m T54, considering she had never competed in that event at a world championship or at the Paralympic Games.

She said: “I decided to throw myself in there and see what happens. I really kind of thought that I’d probably come fourth, could maybe squeeze a bronze if everything goes right. So to win a silver in that, I was just absolutely buzzing. I feel like I just kind of rode that feeling into the 100m”.

Sammi will never forget the moment when she started her first race in the Stade-de-France: “The whole stadium just erupted, and it was so incredibly loud, it was amazing. We went in for our 4×4 relay, and there were 70,000 people in that stadium all screaming”.

Coping with external pressures and battling the Scottish climate, it is fair to say that the Scot has ample of resilience. “I love training. I love that feeling on my body. I think I’m very lucky that is something that I really love. And I also get very nervous before races and I tell myself that, when they say, ‘on your marks’, I want to roll up with confidence, knowing that I’ve done everything I can to be here. And if I don’t get up and train, then I don’t deserve to be there”.

After winning one bronze medal at the previous Games (Tokyo 2020), Sammi has shown that she is getting stronger and stronger. It will be exciting to see what lies ahead for the Para athlete in the imminent future.

Make to follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website.

05/10/2024

Hope Gordon on Her Medal Win in Paris, Representing Scotland and the Importance of Female Influences in Sport

By Bethany Lee

Hope Gordon had an incredible 2024 Paralympics in Paris, leaving with a shiny silver medal in the women’s VL3 200m final alongside her ParalympicsGB teammate Charlotte Henshaw who took the gold.

Hope is now a three-time world silver medalist in Para canoe, storming through the world rankings.

Post-Paris, she hopped on a zoom with Scottish Disability Sport to tell us all about her Paralympics journey, how it feels to represent Scotland and what sport means to her.

So, have you recovered from the excitement and exhaustion yet of the Paralympics?

I’ve not really had time to sit by myself and think about it all since I got back. I’ve definitely tried to catch up on some sleep, especially after the homecoming in Birmingham, I had two days just to chill and I think I slept for 23 hours.

That must’ve been very needed. Take me back to that moment when you realised you had just won a Paralympic silver medal.

Well, we’ve kind of had the top two spots for the past few years, me and Char. Obviously we both want to win, but I was happy that she got it, and it was just really cool to get those top spots for ParalympicsGB. This is my first Paralympic medal so that was really special.

I also think to have so many family and friends in the stands, and knowing there’s a lot more watching back home, was really cool. It almost means more to me seeing how much it means to other people.

You were the only Scottish para canoer in the ParalympicsGB team – how does it feel to be able to represent Scotland?

I’m always so proud to fly the flag for Scotland within our team. Hopefully we will get more Scottish athletes within the system, I know there’s a couple that have just started out in a boat now, so hopefully over the next few years we see more racing. Maybe I’m the first, but I definitely don’t think I’ll be the last, so that’s the important thing.

It’s special to be the only one, and my family always makes sure there’s some Saltires in the crowd so that makes it easy for me to spot them!

And obviously you’re a brilliant para Nordic skier as well, did you feel different going into Paris after competing in the 2022 Winter Paralmypics?

It was a bit daunting going to the Winter Paralympics being so new to the sport and racing against massively established athletes. I was definitely a wee fish in a big pond, and it was quite significantly out of my comfort zone; but equally I actually think that benefited me going into Paris this year.

Even though it was a much bigger event, all I need to do is just paddle in a straight line as fast as I can and there wasn’t anybody on the start list in Paris that I hadn’t raced before so I kind of knew what I was doing, which wasn’t the case in Beijing.

You were the first female para-Nordic skier on the ParalympicsGB team. Do you think things have changed for female athletes?

I think with Paris this year what was really good was that we had the same events. In Tokyo within paracanoing, the guys had an extra event than the girls which obviously wasn’t great, especially since it was the event that I probably would have done. So, it’s a big step forward even from Tokyo to Paris and within our sport to have the same amount of events.

Within our team, the girls are super strong and it’s really cool to be a part of that. We got 8 medals, and the girls got 6 of those so it’s a strong team, especially on the female side.

On the Nordic side, it was a bit different being the only one. It’s just about taking opportunities and trying tings and just because you haven’t seen a female that looks like you doing the same sport, it doesn’t mean it’s not possible.

Fitting with that idea, it is Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, and the theme is leadership. Are there any female coaches or influences in your life that have helped pushed you to where you are today?

I’ve had a few female coaches over my time. For swimming, when I was in Sterling, I had a female coach, Kerry, who got me through some quite tough times in and out of hospital.

I also think that such a big part of performance sport that people forget about is the volunteers, especially in rural areas. We would be absolutely lost without volunteers, and a huge portion of those, in my experience, have been female. My mum is actually one of those volunteers, it’s been a long time since I’ve been swimming at the clubs at home, but she’s still a volunteer coach.

When I joined the GB team, it was heavily male dominant from a staffing perspective, whereas now one of the main coaches is female, and the physio is female and she’s the best sports phsycio I’ve ever had, we would be broken without her.

Quite literally I can imagine! Do you think your younger self would believe where you are today and what you’ve achieved in sport?

I first watched the Paralympics in 2008 when I was in Yorkhill Children’s Hospital in Glasgow. I’d just had a procedure that hadn’t gone to plan, and it left me quite ill, I had to lay completely flat on my back for a long time and I was put into a little side room and there was this tiny TV in the corner, and I watched the Beijing Summer Paralympics. If you’d asked that 13-year-old lying in a hospital bed if I’d go and compete in a summer and winter Paralympics in the space of two years and come away with a meal, there’s no way I would have thought I could do one of those things, nevermind all three of them.

Sport has been massively important, doctors told me that if I wasn’t so active my condition would have spread or gotten significantly worse. There’s also the psychological side of it, it gives you structure in your day, it gives you a reason to get out of bed. I think for me when I was going through quite a tough time, it felt like I could leave my wheelchair at the side of the pool and forget about it for two hours.

I genuinely don’t know what I would have done if I didn’t have sport as a bit of an outlet to help me cope with things.

Finally, looking ahead, what is next for you?

I don’t know, is the honest answer, but I definitely hope I’ll be on the team in LA in a boat!

30/09/2024

Great Success at Grampian and Highland Parasport Festivals

By William Moncrieff, Communications Apprentice

The Grampian and Highland Parasport Festivals took place over the weekend (Friday 27th and Saturday 28th, respectively), officially starting the SDS Parasport Festival 2024/2025 season.

Aberdeen Sports Village hosted Grampian’s Parasport festival, with Lochaber Leisure Centre was the venue for Highland’s.

Having just joined SDS in early June, it was Elizabeth Mills’ first time oragnising a festival in her area. She described the day as, “Absolutely amazing”, which left her a bit speechless.

She said, “I wasn’t expecting it to be so moving and touching and I think a lot of parents and volunteers and coaches have felt that as well. All the kids have just been absolutely incredible at what they do.”

The Highland Parasport festival was organised by Kathryn Talbot-Heigh, her second whilst in position as Regional Development Manager (RDM) at SDS.

“I think the Parasport Festivals are really good for being able to provide new sports to the participants who wouldn’t have had the confidence or opportunity to try before,” said Kathryn,

“We have a couple of children here today who are playing rugby for the first time, they are now asking to play it long term, this now means that we can try support the local rugby club to provide this in the area.”

Across the two Parasport festivals, participants got to try boccia, swimming, kayaking, rugby, shinty, bowls, cycling, table tennis, snow sports and athletics.

Not only do the Parasport Festivals provide participants with a fantastic introduction to sports but they can also provide an opportunity for personal growth and development. This is something that Jamie, a parent who brought their daughter, Bessie, to the Highland Parasport festival, noticed.

“Sport is a fundamental building block for children to have both inside and outside of school. Certainly, by introducing Bessie to a range of new sports and locations to do these sports has given her a lot of new confidence.” He continued to say: “She has definitely grown a lot as a person, meeting new people with their own needs and disabilities has helped. You can see with Bessie that the festival has also helped her overcome social anxieties.”

Elizabeth – also known as Wizzy – believes that the festivals are very important because, “they [parents, children] don’t know what’s out there. It’s really difficult to get that contact – to try and find other people to contact to get involved in that sport and if they don’t have my email where else are they going to go? So, this is a good introduction to the pathways which they can then follow.”

Reaching remote areas across the country is a crucial part of the work as a SDS RDM.

“Within the Highlands we won’t have the huge numbers but it is just as important that children in these rural areas have the opportunity to come and take part because they are still the same children in mainstream schools with disabilities that can’t always take part,” said Kathryn.

“It might be that we only have 10 or so children participating, but it is really important to have something that they haven’t had to travel long distances to access,” Kathryn explained.

Louise Gillespi, the National Development Manager at SDS, attended the event in the Highlands, and viewed it as a huge success.

“It’s great to be here in the Western Highlands. Usually we are around the Inverness area, so it’s nice to be in a new location.”

She continued to say, “It’s great to be here with some new sports like shinty to showcase, showing that these sports can be inclusive. It has been good to provide the participants with a range of sports, that way they can work out what works for them, hopefully they can then go and take this knowledge and find a regular sport throughout their local communities.”

If you would like to try a new sport in your area, find out more here or contact your RDM (via the same link).

Stay up to date with the latest news and opportunities by following SDS on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as keeping tabs on the SDS website.

30/09/2024

Scottish Disability Sport National Survey 2024

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is excited to introduce its first ever National Survey. SDS aims to address inequalities experienced by people living in Scotland with a disability or a long-term health condition when trying to be more physically active. To make sure that these actions are making a meaningful difference, SDS would like to hear from adults (16+) living with a disability or long-term condition in Scotland. For example, what makes it difficult for you to take part in sport and physical activity and what would make it easier?  Even if you do not take part in any activity, we would still like to hear from you. Please share this survey with your networks and encourage anyone eligible to complete it as it will make a difference in the future.

We are working on producing an easy-read version for the next wave of circulation and if anyone should need any additional support in completing the survey please contact SDS on admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or on 0131 317 1130.

(This survey is created in collaboration with researchers at Queen Margaret University Edinburgh and builds on the report produced by the Observatory for Sport in Scotland and University of West of Scotland and SDS are grateful to all who helped support this survey, including our sister organisation Activity Alliance who provided invaluable insight from their survey experience).

LINK TO SURVEY – SDS NATIONAL SURVEY 2024

QR Code Link to Survey, below:

27/09/2024

A Magical Moment for the McGuire Brothers at the Paris Paralympics

By William Moncrieff

Stephen McGuire made headlines at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games when he won gold in the men’s boccia individual BC4 – a historic moment for the Scot which was 20 years in the making.

What made the winning moment extra special was that his brother, Peter, was not only in Paris watching the gold final but he was commentating live for Channel 4.

In the final Stephen found himself up against Colombia’s Edilson Chica Chica. Stephen beat the Columbian 8-5 on the way to being crowned champion.

“When they started asking me questions, after I knew Stephen’s outcome, I wasn’t prepared. I just fell to bits. All that work, he did it,” said Peter.

Peter had to wait a while before he could officially congratulate his brother in person.

“I first got to see him back here in Hamilton. The medal, he pulled it out of his sock and he presented it to me. That was a nice moment, sharing the achievement that he has been striving towards for 20 years,” he said.

Watching and commentating on his brother’s golden performance was an obvious highlight for Peter in Paris but the experience of being a part of Channel 4’s broadcasting crew was filled with great moments. Being a former Paralympian and now an active boccia coach, Peter was able to provide solid insight into the sport.

Commenting on his experience, he said: “The atmosphere was great. There was no pressure for me, so I really enjoyed the moment.”

“Some of the boccia played out there was outstanding, it really showcased the sport on the world stage,” he said.

The Paris Paralympics were the second Games that Peter had attended in an official capacity. Both Peter and Stephen were selected to represent ParalympicsGB at London 2012. Going to a Paralympics and being with his brother when he accomplished his goal, is something that Peter looks back on fondly.

“At the time my brother’s (Stephen) only goal was to compete at a Paralympics. He’s gone one better and won gold now.”

Competing with his brother is something Peter views as some of his biggest highlights in the sport. “We were world championship silver medallists. It was amazing to have that with him,” said Peter.

Over the last year Scottish Disability Sport have been working alongside SQA to make physical education more accessible. This development within the education system in Scotland means that pupils with a disability can be assessed performing in both boccia and goalball. Peter views this as being a positive step forward. “It’s great that it’s happening now.”

“If Stephen and I had that back then when we were going through high school, it might have opened up the avenue to do PE. We didn’t know what boccia was back then.”

Furthermore, it will, “help introduce the sport to a younger audience. We will reap the benefits for boccia in years to come.”

If you would be interested in taking up the sport of boccia you can do so by reaching out to your Regional Development Manager, or by contacting the Boccia Development Officer – Jonathan.kennedy@scottishdisabilitysport.com

In case you missed any of the Paris 2024 Paralympic action, you can find all the daily reviews and highlights on the SDS website, here.

To keep up to date on all things disability sport across Scotland, make sure to follow SDS on Facebook, X and Instagram and on the SDS website.

24/09/2024

Get Involved and Try Goalball!

HAVE YOU BEEN INSPIRED BY THE PARALYMPIC GAMES?

Northern allstars Goalball club, based at Sport Central, Northumbria University, Newcastle are welcoming new players! Goalball is a team sport designed specifically for people with a vision impairment. The Northern All Stars sessions are open to anyone regardless of their goalball experience and the club would like to promote their sessions to Scottish players owing to their proximity to the border! Upcoming sessions are as follows:

Saturday 12th October
Saturday 9th November
Saturday 14th December

(All sessions are 11am until 4pm).

If you have any further questions, please contact: goalballnorthernallstars@gmail.com

24/09/2024

Young Start Programme – the Importance of Training and Developing the Future Generation.

By William Moncrieff, SDS Communications Apprentice

In September – to celebrate sportscotland’s theme of #SportForSkills – Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is shining a spotlight on the Young Start Programme and all of the experiences and skills being learnt and developed by young individuals with disabilities across Scotland.

The Young Start Programme is a year long course that helps young people aged between 16 – 24 living with a vision impairment, hearing loss, physical disabilities or mild learning disabilities throughout Scotland, to develop their confidence and coaching skills. The Young Start Programme will further help individuals enrolled on the course gain a coaching qualification.

SDS caught up with two members of the Young Start Programme, Callum and Jordon, to find out how the programme has supported them on their coaching journey.

Callum Ballantyne is 23 years old and has a learning disability. Callum initially found out about the programme when his athletics coach mentioned it to him.

“It first interested me by seeing that it could help me get a coaching qualification”, said Callum.

Before Callum joined the Young Start Programme he was involved in sports, both participating and coaching in athletics and BMX.

“It helped me on my coaching experiences through picking up different skills”, said Callum.

“I love being a coach because I am an athlete myself and I love to give back to my sport of athletics.”

He continued to say: “I love working with kids of all abilities and helping them achieve their dreams. I love to see all of the kids’ smiling faces when they achieve something, small or big.”

There have been many skills and lessons that Callum has developed throughout his time on the programme. He explained: “The most important thing that it has taught me is that there is a coaching opportunity out there for people with a learning disability. It helps you get the skills you need to become a coach.”

Providing these coaching opportunities to young people with a disability is something Callum strongly believes in.

“I think we should see more people with a learning disability work in the coaching world. I think we can bring in skills and experiences that other people can’t bring in. I think it will help the workplace become more inclusive as well,” he said.

Callum views his experience in the Young Start Programme as being very valuable and enjoyable.

“I would recommend the programme to other people because the programme helps you build on your skills for coaching and it helps you to get into the coaching world.”

Callum continued to say: “It’s good because you’ve got a mentor throughout your journey on the programme.”

SDS also connected with Jordon, another member of the Young Start Programme, who was keen to share his experience.

Jordon is 17 years old and has a learning disability. Applying for the Young Start Programme was something that Jordan was incredibly interested in, with himself being a keen footballer and having done a little bit of coaching throughout school.

“I found out about Young Start through the sports coordinator in the school,” Jordan said.

Jordan was instantly happy that he had applied, as he really enjoyed getting out into the field and coaching. “My favorite thing about coaching is helping everyone build up skills. I find this to be rewarding. I am happy when I coach football. I just enjoy it because I get to help different people.” Jordan explained.

Along with enjoying coaching and meeting participants, Jordan has used the programme to develop skills.

“I think I have built on my communication and stopping conflict.” He added, “The course helped me grow in confidence. I definitely feel more confident now, compared to before the course. The course has helped me gain coaching qualifications.”

When looking at what he has managed to achieve and learn from the course, Jordan highly recommends the Programme. “If anyone was thinking of joining the Programme I would tell them just to do it. It will build your confidence along with other skills and you will get a qualification.”

If you are interested in the Young Start Programme or would like to find out more, please contact your SDS Regional Development Manager.

11/09/2024

Medal Moments at the Paris 2024 Paralympics

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games have come to an end. Here are all the mighty medal-winning moments from Scotland’s Para athletes in the French capital.

By Bethany Lee

Sunday saw the grand finale of an incredible Paralympics, with Great Britain winning a total of 124 medals and finishing second behind the People’s Republic of China.

Scots made up 9.8% of the ParalympicsGB team and brought home a total of 20 medals, including 11 golds, 8 silvers, and 1 bronze.

The Scottish athletes competed in 10 different sports and gave some unforgettable performances.

So, here are all of the medals won by ParalympicsGB’s Scottish athletes at this year’s Paris 2024 Paralympics!

Key: WR – World Record; PR – Paralympic Record; PGB – Paralympic Games Best; ER (AR) – European Record (Area Record); SR – Scottish Record; PB – Personal Best.

Para Swimming

The Scots were giving it their all in the pool, with the Borders’ Stephen Clegg, Glasgow’s Louis Lawlor, Aberdeen’s Toni Shaw, and University of Aberdeen student Faye Rogers all competing. Stephen and Faye delivered standout performances, gaining 3 golds for ParalympicsGB.

Gold – Stephen Clegg – Men’s 100m Backstroke S12 – Time of 59.02 (WR) – Day 3

Gold – Stephen Clegg – Men’s 100m Butterfly S10 – Time of 57.49 – Day 10

Gold – Faye Rogers – Women’s 100m Butterfly S10 – Time of 1:05.84 – Day 6

Para Cycling

On the track and road, Strathpeffer’s Fin Graham and Aberdeen’s Neil Fachie sped to the podium whilst Forth Valley’s Jenny Holl piloted partner Sophie Unwim to four medal victories. None of the cycling Scots came home empty handed.

Gold – Jenny Holl (Pilot for Sophie Unwin) – Women’s B 3000m Individual Pursuit – Time of 3:17.643 (WR) – Day 4

Gold – Jenny Holl (Pilot for Sophie Unwim) – Women’s B Road Race – Time of 2:37:26 – Day 9

Gold – Fin Graham – Men’s C1-3 Road Race – Time of 1:43:19 – Day 10

Silver – Fin Graham – Men’s C3 3000m Individual Pursuit – Time of 3:22.540 – Day 2

Silver – Neil Fachie (With Pilot Matthew Rotherham) – Men’s B 1000m Time Trial – Time of 59.312 – Day 4

Silver – Jenny Holl (Pilot for Sophie Unwim) – Women’s B Individual Time Trial – Time of 39:39.118 – Day 7

Bronze – Jenny Holl (Pilot for Sophie Unwim) – Women’s B 1000m Time Trial – Time of 1:07.719 – Day 2

Para Athletics

It was a busy tournament for the Scots on the track. The Borders’ Samantha Kinghorn MBE, Fife’s Ben Sandilands, and Glasgow’s Melanie Woods all fought hard in their races. Sammi had a particularly special games, collecting a total of five medals to better her medal tally from the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Gold – Ben Sandilands – Men’s 1500m T20 – Time of 3:45.20 (WR & PR) – Day 9

Gold – Sammi Kinghorn – Women’s 100m T53 – Time of 15.64 (PR) – Day 7

Silver – Sammi Kinghorn – Women’s 800m T53 – Time of 1:42.96 – Day 4

Silver – Sammi Kinghorn – Women’s 1500m T54 – Time of 3:16.01 – Day 5

Silver – Sammi Kinghorn – Women’s 400m T53 – Time of 53.45 – Day 8

Silver – Sammi Kinghorn (with Zach Shaw, Jonnie Peacock, and Ali Smith) – 4x100m Universal Relay – Time of 46.01 (ER, AR) – Day 9

Boccia

Three Scottish athletes took to the court for some boccia action in Paris: Edinburgh’s Patrick Wilson, Ayrshire’s Kayleigh Haggo, and Hamilton’s Stephen McGuire. Stephen left with his first Paralympic medal – a glorious gold in the inaugural event for his category.

Gold – Stephen McGuire – Men’s Individual BC4 – Win of 8-5 – Day 5

Para Archery

Lothian star Nathan Macqueen represented Scotland in Para Archery, winning gold with teammate Jodie Grinham.

Gold – Nathan Macqueen – Mixed Team Compound Open – Win of 155-151 – Day 5

Wheelchair Tennis

The tennis court was on fire this Paralympics with some exciting action, including a wonderful doubles win from Glasgow’s Gorden Reid.

Gold – Gorden Reid (with Alfie Hewett) – Men’s Doubles – Win of 2-0 (6-2, 6-1) – Day 9

Para Canoe

And finally, in Para canoe, Hope Gordon was the only Scottish athlete to compete. She did us proud, bringing home a shiny silver for ParalympicsGB.

Silver – Hope Gordon – Women’s Va’a Single 200m VL3 – Time of 56.59 – Day 10

A very successful Paralympics overall for our Scottish athletes.