Tag: Disability Sport

02/09/2024

Scottish Boccia Athlete Wins Paris 2024 Paralympics Gold Medal on Day 5

Scottish boccia star Stephen McGuire wins gold for ParalympicsGB and his first ever Paralympic medal.

By Bethany Lee

Scotland’s Stephen McGuire just won a 2024 Paralympics gold medal on day five in Paris.

The star from Hamilton dominated the men’s BC4 individual final against Columbia’s Edilson Chica Chica – which marked the inaugural final for this boccia category at a Paralympic Games.

There was not a dry eye in the audience of GB supporters, or the thousands watching on the livestream, as Stephen celebrated his win.

“I’ve played this sport for 20 years and I’ve been in every possible final, apart from the Paralympics, I’ve never even been to the podium. I was starting to feel this event was getting away from me, two fourths in London, another fourth in Rio, I didn’t even make the semis in Tokyo, it just shows why you should never give up,” said Stephen.

Despite drawing three all by the second end, Stephen took a magnificent lead in the third, dominating the game after a few mistakes from Chica Chica.

His victory looked almost certain by the final end, but Stephen kept his cool, bringing it home with an 8-3 win and securing the gold medal.

Stephen said: “I felt really confident in the final. My flatmate is David Smith and he’s won three golds, he told me to have no regrets and told me not to settle for silver, just go for it.”

Stephen’s older brother and boccia player, Peter McGuire, commentated on the game for Channel 4. As Stephen took the win, Peter got emotional.

When asked what this means for him and his family, Peter tearfully said: “I can’t describe it right now, it means not only acceptance, but we’re here and we’re strong. It’s hard to put into words.”

The victory comes after an incredible Paralympics for Stephen, only losing one game the entire tournament.

“There wasn’t many nerves, there were more in the semi-final because I’ve lost the last three. It’s a Paralympic final, I may never reach another one, so I told myself to enjoy it,” Stephen said.

Stephen has been working towards this for twenty years, finishing fourth at three previous Paralympic Games and coming back from a knee injury in 2021. He has had an amazing year in the sport, winning 17 out of his previous 18 international matches. However, qualifying for Paris 2024 was never guaranteed.

“The easiest way to qualify [for the Paralympics] is through the pairs but I didn’t make it, so I had to focus everything on the individual. It was a lot of hard work, a lot of soul searching and I was the last person to be named on this team, the others knew months ago. It’s been an unbelievable season, I’ve made a final in every competition I’ve entered.”

A well-deserved win in Paris for Stephen and for ParalympicsGB.

The Paris 2024 Paralympics runs from the 28th August – 8th September. You can follow all the action and find out how the 21 Scottish Para athletes get on by following Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website. You can catch all the action on Channel 4. More information here.

02/09/2024

After 20 years of Chasing a Paralympic Medal, Stephen McGuire Gets Paralympic Gold

Scotland’s Stephen McGuire wins inaugural BC4 boccia gold ahead of Nathan Macqueen’s gold in Para archery, on day five of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

It’s been the perfect Games for Stephen McGuire in Paris, who ends his fourth Paralympic Games with a gold medal in the men’s individual BC4.

A Paralympic medal was the only medal that the Scot had never won. He had been chasing this dream for 20 years and finally, on Monday 2nd September, he was crowned Paralympic champion.

Stephen got off to a great start to take the first end 3-0, against Colombia’s Edilson Chica Chica.

The Colombian fought back in the second end though to draw level at the halfway point (3-3). Stephen needed to bounce back and lean on his years of experience to get himself back in front. The Scot did exactly that – he remained calm and dominated the third end with a further 5 points (8-3).

The Colombian had to pull something special out of the bag to leapfrog into the lead. However, Stephen only allowed his opponent to score two points after strategically setting up some good block balls.

Errors made by Edilson in the first and third ends proved critical and Stephen claimed the title, with a final score of 8-5.

The Para athlete from Hamilton went on to say: “The easiest way to qualify is through the pairs but I didn’t make it, so I had to focus everything on the individual. It was a lot of hard work, a lot of soul searching and I was the last person to be named on this team, the others knew months ago. It’s been an unbelievable season, I’ve made a final in every competition I’ve entered.

“There wasn’t many nerves, there were more in the semi-final because I’ve lost the last three. It’s a Paralympic final, I may never reach another one, so I told myself to enjoy it.”

The Scots won a second gold medal on day five of the Games thanks to Nathan Macqueen and teammate Jodie Grinham (ENG), who showed great composure on their way to bagging gold in the mixed team compound open, in Para archery.

Their path to the podium followed a 150-141 over Australia in the quarterfinals and a new Paralympic record in the semifinals against Italy with a score of 156 (v 149).

The duo looked solid heading into the gold final where they faced Fatemeh Hemmati and Hadi Nori (IRI). The pair shot some incredible arrows in very tense moments. They kept their cool to take the Paralympic title, winning 155-151.

“It’s pure relief. This is my third Games and I hadn’t medalled. We are both parents now and there is a lot of sacrifice being a high-performance athlete, being away from your children. They are the hardest bits but this has made it all worth it, I can give my wee boy a medal.” Said the Scotsman.

Sammi Kinghorn and Melanie Woods were racing in the same event today on the Para athletics track. The Scottish duo clocked 3:34.83 and 3:20.70 respectively, to seal their places in tomorrow’s 1500m T54 final.

Just one year after giving birth to her son, Alison Peasgood delivered a terrific swim-bike-run to finish fourth in the women’s Para triathlon PTVI (vision impairment). Alison, with guide Brooke Gillies, clocked a time of 1:09:21.

“I’m just completely overwhelmed.” Said Alison after the race.

Despite Paris being Alison’s third Paralympic Games (Rio 2016 silver, Tokyo 2020 4th), it is the first time she has been guided by 26-year-old fellow Scot, Brooke, at a Paralympics.

“Give me a whole year and I’ll be fully fit but I’m just so proud of Brooke for supporting me through this.” Alison said.

Reflecting on the past year, the 36-year-old Para athlete from Dunfermline said: “It’s been a rollercoaster, there’s nothing you can compare it to. There are days where you feel amazing, there’s days where you feel awful but ultimately no matter what I do I know Logan (son) is going to want to play with me. He’s here, probably fast asleep somewhere.”

In Para table tennis, Martin Perry’s Paralympic campaign concluded in Paris after a defeat in the men’s singles SM6, last 16.

Ian Seidenfeld of USA got the better of Martin in each set, 11-5, 11-5, 11-9.

“This has been the highlight of my career and up there with one of the best experiences of my life”, Martin said.

“This whole experience has been everything I’ve wanted it to be and more despite the results. Obviously they would have been the cherry on top but the whole experience and privilege of being at the Paralympics and representing my country at the highest level is a honour I will never forget.”

Gordon Reid continued his winning ways in the men’s wheelchair tennis singles.

Gordon used his extensive experience to ease through to the quarter finals with a comfortable 6-1, 6-1 win against Japan’s Takuya Miki.

He will face the talented Argentinian Gustavo Fernandez in the last eight. Gustavo has the slight edge in head-to-head matches over the 58 times (27 v 31) they have played each other.

Reid will very much see this as the business end of the event beginning now and a chance to get to the final four in what will undoubtedly be a tough fixture.

31/08/2024

World Record Breaking Swim by Stephen Clegg to Claim a First Gold for the Scots in Paris

It was a golden swim for Stephen Clegg in the men’s 100m backstroke S12, who set a new world record on his way to claiming the Paralympic title.

It was the perfect start to his Paralympic campaign in Paris and the win marked his first ever Paralympic gold medal in Para swimming.

He said: “In Tokyo and Rio, nerves crippled me and that was me done. Now they fuel me. I know I’m ready to go when I’ve got tingles in my fingers and I had them in my heat and final today. I knew there was something good coming.”

The Scot looked strong in the morning heat, finishing nearly a second ahead of the field. His dominance continued in the evening when he clocked a new world’s best time of 59.02 – 1.65 seconds faster than second place.

“Not long ago this was one of my weaker events and now I’m a world record holder”, said the swimmer who trains in Edinburgh.

“That gold had been a long time coming. Now the pressure is off a little bit in terms of that sort of barrier I’ve had. What a way to start for me, I’m over the moon with it.”

In wheelchair basketball the women’s team suffered a loss to Canada following a very tight game, 54-63.

After a strong start to take the opening quarter 13-10, Canada had a great comeback to win both the second and third quarters (11-19, 12-22). Great Britain closed out strong with a 18-12 win in the final quarter but it was too little too late.

It was a crucial win for Canada who secure second place in the pool, with Great Britain slotting in third place ahead of Spain. The People’s Republic of China top their pool with four points but it’s still all to play for in the women’s game.

In boccia, despite losing his final pool match in the morning – conceding 2-4 to Canada’s Iulian Ciobanu – Stephen McGuire finished top of the pools to head into the evening’s quarterfinals with confidence.

Stephen showed why he is one of the best in the men’s individual BC4, by bouncing back to have a convincing 6-1 win over Yuk Wing Leung (HKG).

“It’s a massive day, the champion. He won the gold medal in Rio, and he also medalled in Tokyo. It was always going to be a tough match. Always 50/50 matches that we play together but he’s always done well at the Paralympics. He has always got that medal so to get over that line in the quarter final for me to be playing for a medal, I’m delighted.” Said Stephen.

He continued to say: “This is probably up there with one of the best games I’ve ever played, the best results I’ve ever had. This one and probably the world championship final that I won in 2016. This certainly ranks as one of the best.”

Stephen will now face Croatia’s Davor Komar in the semifinals tomorrow (Sunday 1st) at 10:55am BST.

Edinburgh based Patrick Wilson (with ramp operator, Meredith Greenwood) dominated his final pool match with a 9-0 win over Karabo Morapedi (RSA) in the men’s individual BC3. He qualified ahead of teammate William Arnott, to cements his spot in tomorrow’s (Sunday 1st) quarterfinal against Damian Iskrzycki (Poland).

Meanwhile in the women’s individual BC2, Kayleigh Haggo gave a great performance in her quarterfinal but couldn’t match the strength of Gischa Zayana (INA), who took the game 8-2. Whilst this marks the end of her individual competition in Paris, Kayleigh will feature alongside teammate David Smith and Claire Taggart in the mixed team on Tuesday 3rd.

29/08/2024

Boccia Begins on Day 1 of the Paralympics in Paris

Day one sees two wins out of three matches for Scotland’s Boccia athletes.

By Bethany Lee

Two Scottish athletes have won their first individual Boccia matches of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Patrick Wilson and Stephen McGuire were victorious today in Paris whilst Kayleigh Haggo was met with defeat against the current world number three ranked player (BC2).

Edinburgh’s own Patrick Wilson started off the Scottish wins with victory against ParalympicsGB teammate William Arnott, in the men’s individual BC3 Pool game.

Patrick took a drastic lead in the third end with a series of powerful shots obtaining four points.

William fought back in the last end but it was too little too late, as Patrick closed the game with a 5-3 win.

The ParalympicsGB teammates showed comradery and Arnott congratulated Wilson on his victory.

Patrick said: “It was a difficult match but I got through it. It was important to get through it. It’s always a bit awkward to play against a teammate but we did it in the right way. I’m excited to get out there and try to get my second win. I’ve got to be good to do that.”

More success came later in the afternoon with a dominant display by Stephen McGuire in the men’s individual BC4. The Lanarkshire pro dominated his game against Malaysia’s Abdul Razzaq Abdul Rahman with a stunning final score of 8-0.

The win for Stephen takes his international winning tally to 17 out of the previous 18 international matches.

The women’s individual BC2 Pool C game concluded Scotland’s outing on day one, with Aryshire’s Kayleigh Haggo taking to the court.

After years of success as a frame runner, Kayleigh joined the boccia world in 2022 and made her international debut last year.

For her first Paralympic match, she faced Korea’s Soyeong Jeong, number one in the world in the women’s BC2. Despite facing such a mighty opponent, Kayleigh took a one-point lead before losing out to Jeong by 3-1.

Tomorrow brings another packed day for the Scottish athletes with all three facing new opponents and challenges.

The Paris 2024 Paralympics runs from the 28^th August – 8^th September. You can follow all the action and find out how the 21 Scottish Para athletes get on by following Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram .

You can catch all the action on Channel 4. More information here.

27/08/2024

Faye Rogers is Ready to Take on Paris

“Going to the Paralympic Games is just insane and I am so excited.” – Faye Rogers is ready for her Paralympic Games debut at Paris 2024.

By William Moncrieff

The 21-year-old Para swimmer – who studies at the University of Aberdeen – will be competing in the women’s 100m Butterfly S10, 100m freestyle S10, 400m freestyle S10 and the 200m individual medley SM10 in Paris.

Faye first found out that she was going to become a Paralympian after the Para swimming trials in April. She was nervous immediately after as she felt unwell and wasn’t completely happy with her performance. However, she got selected and was over the moon to get the news.

“It was so exciting to get that confirmation through,” said Faye.

“I just want to go and be my best, make all of that hard work pay off.”

Faye took up Para swimming after a serious car crash left her with life changing injuries. When looking back over the journey she has been on, Faye is incredibly proud with how she reacted.

“I am quite proud of myself for sticking with it and getting to this point”, said Faye, who has been swimming since aged nine.

She continued to say: “As much as my journey in swimming hasn’t looked as I expected it to look as a child, I am still just really proud of myself where I’ve got to.”

“I didn’t dare to dream about the Paralympics until a year and a half ago,” said Faye.

“Following my accident and impairment I didn’t know whether I would be good enough.” Faye made the Paralympics a goal of hers after trials for the World Championships in 2023. It was here that she realised her potential in the sport and consequently, she gave herself a pep talk: “I’ve got a year to work and get myself selected.”

Adding: “That was the point that it became a goal rather than a dream.”

Just a day out from the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Faye has had time to reflect on her journey as an athlete.

“I think having that goal and having that to aim for and work for has been pretty much the only thing that has got me through the last three years. Having a serious accident and being told that you aren’t going to be able to do something that you have done all your life, something you love, is really hard.”

She continued to say, “I think having in the back of my mind there is the Paralympics and I can achieve everything that I wanted to achieve was sort of life changing.”

All of the best of luck in Paris, Faye!

Make sure to follow the action live on Channel 4 and keep up-to-date by following SDS on Facebook, X and Instagram. More information and the competition schedule is available on the SDS website.

12/08/2024

SDS Supports the Eric Liddell 100 Legacy Project

We all know the theme tune of the film Chariots of Fire but do we know the story behind the main character, Eric Liddell? To find out more about him, watch this short video, Eric Liddell.

It has been 100 years since Eric won the gold medal in the 400m event at the Paris 1924 Summer Olympic Games. SDS is supporting our partners, Eric Liddell 100 Legacy Project, to recognise and celebrate the life of Eric Liddell in two ways:

1. For this year only, the SDS National Senior Athletics Championships will name all 400m events, the Eric Liddell 400m event. All winners of the 400m events will receive an Eric Liddell medal.

2. One person from each SDS member branch will be awarded a unique Eric Liddell pin badge at SDS’s AGM on Sunday 6th October. SDS will award 14 ‘Eric Liddell Pin Badges’ at the AGM to celebrate some outstanding individuals that demonstrate the Eric Liddell values (listed below), whilst contributing to the development of disability sport in Scotland.

Passion – enthusiasm, dedication, optimism, self-belief

Compassion – humility, selflessness, respect, care, community-minded

Integrity – discretion, loyalty, self-sacrifice, principled

One of the 14 Pin Badge Award winners may be nominated to attend the Eric Liddell 100 Awards 2024 event in November. Nomination forms will be sent to all SDS member branches soon.

If you would like further information on any of the above, please don’t hesitate to email us at admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or telephone us at 0131 317 1130.

12/08/2024

Macqueen Targets Top Spot in Paris with Family By His Side

By Emma Logan, Communications Manager

As the current world number two, Nathan Macqueen is hungry to regain the top spot and put on a good show for his family that will be cheering him on when he competes at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

The Paris Paralympics will be the third Games for the Para archer from Dumfries, after making his debut at Rio 2016. Nathan’s world number two ranking comes after a silver medal at the 2023 World Para Championships compound open. He followed this up this year with a gold in the compound open mixed team division at the European Para Cup (with Jodie Grinham) and a bronze in the mixed team medal at the European Para Championships (with Phoebe Paterson Pine).

Despite the pressure that comes with competing on the world stage, Nathan’s tactic is to simply enjoy the event.

“I just want to go in and enjoy it because when I’m enjoying myself, I’m more relaxed and that’s when I shoot my best”, said Nathan.

“That’s when I’m at my most dangerous to other archers. It’s when I start thinking about the occasion is when things go a bit wrong.”

Despite currently recovering from a chest infection, training shows Nathan to be on top form.

“I was one point off the British record three weeks ago at a competition. It’s the first time I’ve ever shot over 700 (points) in a competition as well, so that was really good.”

Nathan’s family could be his secret weapon in Paris. For the first time he will have family members present and cheering him on at the Paralympics, which is a great advantage for him.

“There’s ten members of my family going out”, said Nathan.

“It’s going to be a new one for me because I’ve never had anyone at a competition before. I normally struggle. In Tokyo and Rio with the time difference and trying to get that bit of the day where you can talk to family and what not but (this time) they’re going over. They’re going to be in the same time zone as me. I’ll be able to see them so yeah, I’m hoping that it will allow me to focus more and not be homesick.”

His family have played an instrumental part in his sporting journey. After his motorbike accident in 2009, Nathan participated in several different sports before his now wife recommended that he try archery, after having participated in the sport when he was younger with his dad.

“If I didn’t have the support from my family then I wouldn’t be in the position I am now”, said Nathan.

“The amount of sacrifices she (his wife) makes so that I can do what I do. So, just thank you.”

Returning to the sport has proven to have a huge impact on his life, outside of competing on the world stage.

“It has given me a focus and a goal. I was always really goal orientated. I was a joiner beforehand so you would set yourself a goal for the day and archery is the exact same. Short term goals, mid term and long term goals. Just marking it out.”

Regardless of his form and his family’s support, you can never predict the outcome of an archery competition.

“It’s a really unforgiving sport”, commented Nathan.

“You can’t control anyone else. You can’t even influence anyone else. You just need to go out and shoot your best. You could shoot a world record and then someone else could pip the world record by a point and you’d lose.”

Despite the challenges of the sport, Nathan advises anyone that feels inspired to take up archery after watching the Paralympics should remember to: “Just be patient and have fun.”

He continued to say, “I never thought I’d be doing archery for a living but here I am. So just try things and don’t be afraid to fail either.”

Nathan will be competing in the compound men’s open category and compound open mixed team, between the 29th August and 2nd September at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. You can watch the Paralympics live and catch up on Channel 4, from the 28th August to the 8th September. More information about Nathan can be found on his website.

ParalympicsGB Archery team of four for Paris 2024. They are standing in a sports hall with archery targets behind them. — Credit: ParalympicsGB

31/07/2024

YPSP Member Shares Their Summer Camp Experience

By Dana Brand, Young Person’s Sport Panel member

At the start of July, I had the pleasure of volunteering at the annual SDS Summer Camp at Badaguish. As this was something completely out of my comfort zone, I really couldn’t have predicated how amazing this experience would be.

Volunteers arrived the day before participants. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, and we all got stuck in to preparing for the week ahead. Later that evening, we had a rundown of the weeks plans before a lovely dinner and heading to bed!

Bright and breezy on the Wednesday morning, chef Andy prepared a lovely cooked breaky before a jam-packed day of amazing activities! I had the joy of standing in the pouring rain with Gillian to welcome parents and their children to the camp. After everyone arrived, we jumped straight into a hearty lunch of pizza and pasta. Campers were then divided into three teams: red, blue and green.

LET’S GO BLUE TEAM!

Our afternoon started with some athletics, tennis and curling. Blue team thoroughly enjoyed their time curling. This activity was also a first for me and it quickly became one of my favourites! We then all got ready and put on our waterproofs to head to Loch Insh for water sports and archery, followed by a lovely evening dinner! Blue team started off with water sports where everyone got the choice of kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding. I joined in and got in a kayak for the very first time too and it was an amazing experience. By the time our session for water sports had finished, some of the kids were in the water swimming and I was soaked from being splashed so many times! We then got dried off and changed before tucking into a yummy dinner – I went for a veggie burger followed by some delicious sticky toffee pudding.

After dinner we had our last activity of the day, archery. It was wonderful to see the kids all helping each other, with adaptations being made to ensure everyone could participate. Having group members with a sight impairment taught the kids to use their words and guide their fellow campers for each activity, which really brought the group together!

We then headed back to the camp. As it was quite late, we went straight to our lodges and got cosy before enjoying some tasty hot chocolate before bed. We had an absolutely amazing first day, and everyone seemed to gel really well together.

Day two started with an early rise to get breakfast and lunch prepared in our lodge. Campers were encouraged to be independent and help each other, and the girls in my lodge did exactly that! We then set out to meet everyone else and split into our teams. The morning began with some boccia, goalball and football. It was great to see the children find activities that they really enjoyed and try so many new sports!

We then travelled to Glenmore Lodge where we ate our packed lunches before setting of on our expedition to the Green Loch. Not only was this challenging for the kids, but it was also challenging for me. With such busy days of activities, I was in a lot of pain however seeing the motivation from all the kids and the sheer determination shown from the campers was a big help in keeping me going too. Everyone worked so well as a team, making sure we all made it to the beautiful Green Loch and I couldn’t be prouder of my team.

After completing our expedition, everyone returned to Badaguish Outdoor Centre and tucked into some well-deserved dinner of fajitas or macaroni! We then had a fun filled evening enjoying an array of activities across the lodges from nail painting and hair art to uno and karaoke, there was something for everyone!

Our last day of camp started with an early rise. We had breakfast in our lodges before packing up to head home that afternoon. Back in our teams we had the chance to try out some cycling with some amazing adaptable bikes. This was definitely one of the top activities of the week with everyone having massive smiles across their faces. This was followed by the famous camp De Courcy games, the final team activity before the announcement of the John De Courcy Trophy! This involved the team listening closely and working together to complete a series of obstacle courses in a limited time.

Before announcing the winners of this years camp, parents joined their kids for a tasty camp BBQ. After everyone was fed, we gathered to announce this year’s camp winners, BLUE TEAM!!! To be part of the winning team for my first camp volunteering was the cherry on the cake. What an amazing week with some truly amazing kids – this experience couldn’t have been any better.

29/07/2024

Disability Pride Month Should be Celebrated Year-Round

By William Moncrieff, Communications Apprentice

Disability Pride Month 2024 is taking place throughout the month of July. This month is an opportunity for individuals with a disability to have a chance to come together and tell their stories. Disability Pride Month is about a lot more than showcasing what having a disability means. It is an opportunity to showcase the day-to-day struggles, achievements, bouts of resilience and life changing experiences that individuals with a disability often have. With one quarter of the Scottish population having a disability, Scottish Disability Sport view it as being paramount that there is accurate representation throughout staff and the Young Person’s Sport Panel (YPSP).

The Disability Pride Month flag is made up of different colours that represent a different disability. Yellow is being used to celebrate neurodiversity, cognitive and intellectual disabilities.

Yellow represents both Ruby and Grace, two members of the YPSP, and here they share a bit about themselves.

Ruby: Hi my name is Ruby. I am 17 years old, and I have Foetal Alcohol Syndrome which is also known as FASD.  This means I have a learning/hidden disability. I joined the Young Person’s Sports Panel to show people that they shouldn’t be ashamed of having a disability.  It makes you unique and different to everyone else.   I would like to help make a difference, not just in disability sport but in the wider community. My disability impacts my life with my reading and writing and understanding.  I sometimes need help and support. The most exciting thing that my disability has done for me is allowed me to be me.  I am a very sociable person and like helping people.  I do lots of volunteer work, which allows me to help people of all abilities.  I have won lots of awards for this and had the opportunity to meet lots of my sporting idols.

Grace: Happy Disability Pride Month! My name is Grace, and I am going to be talking a little bit about my experiences as a disabled young person. I have autism, a neurodevelopmental condition (also referred to as neurodivergence) which means that my brain works differently. It impacts most of my life, and I struggle with: emotional regulation, processing information, sensory issues, anxiety around uncertainty and social situations.

As an autistic person, I mask a lot. Masking is when a person attempts to hide their autistic traits, to fit in or be more accepted by society. This means that from an outside perspective it might not look like my disability impacts me in day-to-day life – but it does. The main ways my disability impacts me in day-to-day life is by needing a lot of support from people to help manage my emotions and learn to be independent. I also get really tired a lot of the time. Because I spend a lot of my time masking, feeling anxious, or getting overwhelmed by everything going on around me, I get drained pretty easily – so I need a lot of time to rest and recuperate.

I wasn’t diagnosed with autism until I was 16. This means that I spent most of my teenage years thinking something was “wrong” with me, or that I wasn’t “trying hard enough.” Getting my autism diagnosis brought up a lot of emotions – relief, confusion, anger – and it was a lot to get my head around. I had to show resilience when dealing with my diagnosis and working to accept my autism. It was hard to cope with all the things that changed after my diagnosis, however it also allowed me to advocate for myself. Whilst autism is a disability – one that can make my life harder – it is also something I am proud of. Autism makes me who I am, and I take pride in my identity.

I wanted to join the YPSP because I knew how positive sport has been in my life. I wanted to promote inclusion in sport for autistic people, and I am also passionate about equality for women and girls in sport. I have been successful in this so far by being a part of the “awareness raising” subgroup and posting of social media throughout “women and girls in sport” month. I have really enjoyed my time on the panel so far, and I can’t wait to see what’s to come!

Red represents physical disabilities.

Charlotte (YPSP member): Hey, my name is Charlotte and I am 18! My disability is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Functional Neurological Disorder. This basically means that my brain is not communicating with my right leg and I have pain in my right hip and my leg is extended out in front with my foot at a 90° angle.

I am part of the events subgroup (in the YPSP), and we are in the process of planning our own event! I joined the panel to have a voice in disability sport and start my coaching career as having a disability was quite new to me. I am a wheelchair user with my right leg supported out. Having my disability can impact my day-to-day life, as if I am going out coaching and my parents aren’t around to help drop me off it means I need to get lifts off people, as public transport is not that accessible for me! I find ways around this by planning my day so I am in one area all day and can wheel from building to building for coaching!

I became disabled 3 years ago and did not have a clue what to do with myself! But since then I have had lots of new and exciting opportunities. For example, going to Lords cricket ground, in London, with my old high school to take part in a table cricket final! I also have become a valued member of FVDS supporting clubs, activities  and events. I have also joined the committee as the social media/comms rep, and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and promoting all the wonderful events and activities on social media! Becoming Young Volunteer of the Year 2023 was such a great surprise. Working with Cricket Scotland and Cricket Forth Valley to develop myself as a coach and gain qualifications to become a cricket coach has allowed me to teach others table cricket and help them on their journey. Volunteering with Falkirk Active Schools supporting lunch time and after school clubs and events has been a great opportunity, as has Helping Falkirk Active Schools and Active Stirling with summers camps and developing relationships with the children. Just gaining valuable skills and knowledge to become a better coach and help others enjoy sport has been great. I have had the privilege of attending SDS events and supporting the amazing team and getting stuck in wherever I am needed to help the event become a success. These opportunities have also created lasting memories and friendships with people I volunteer, support and coach with. I recently qualified as a Sport Education Tutor thanks to an opportunity through the panel and I’m looking forward to starting this and helping others achieve their goals and potential.

Green represents sensory disabilities –

William (SDS Communications Apprentice): Hello, my name is William and I am the communications apprentice here at Scottish Disability Sport. I became completely blind as well as deaf in my right ear when I was 19. This happened after a sudden illness. At times being Visually Impaired can be very hard. I especially find this to be the case when focusing on my independence. Due to myself being completely able bodied before I lost my sight and hearing this has a been a big change in my life. Before I lost my sight I played a lot of sport, did a lot of recreational activities by myself and could drive. Obviously I took some time to adjust, which I am still doing. However, I feel like I have made big improvements. I feel like I am a lot more comfortable asking for help and more importantly taking it. In life people are always wanting to help, but people aren’t always wanting to be helped, and this is something I am working on.

One really exciting thing that has happened to me is joining the Millimeters to Mountains organisation (M2M). This organisation takes young people with a disability – particular individuals that have picked up their disability in later life and aims to use the outdoors as an opportunity to redefine what is possible in life. This has led to me having some really cool opportunities, such as climbing Ben Nevis in March. This was something that was great for me, putting me out of my comfort zone and forcing me to interact with new individuals that I could relate to. Over the next two and a half years I am going to have some great opportunities with the M2M crew, which I can’t wait to explore, develop and share.

White represents hidden and undiagnosed disabilities –

Dana (YSPS member): Hi, my name is Dana! I have hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and fibromyalgia, both of which are chronic health conditions. hEDS is a connective tissue disorder caused by faulty collagen, making it weak and stretchy. This affects everything from my skin and tendons to my blood vessels and internal organs. As a result, I experience things like chronic pain and fatigue, frequent joint subluxations/dislocations, easy bruising, digestive issues, and chronic headaches/migraines. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties.

I joined the panel to be a voice for change. Having been heavily involved in sports my whole life, I have gained firsthand experience of the benefits of physical activity and sports whilst also encountering many barriers to participation. Until last year, I knew very little about disability sports and how to get involved. Joining the YPSP has given me the chance to be part of a subgroup where we aim to raise the profile of disability sports and shine a light on the many opportunities and experiences that exist in Scotland for disabled people.

Living with hEDS takes a lot of planning and prioritizing. Everything takes up energy, so adapting my daily routine and having a support system is essential for me to maintain independence and have a life. Having an invisible disability also means I constantly have to advocate for myself and the support I may need. The lack of understanding about dynamic disabilities can cause a lot of anxiety. While it may seem confusing that yesterday I could walk and today I need a wheelchair, it is merely just because my needs have changed.

I grew up as a competitive swimmer with the dream of reaching the Olympics. When my health deteriorated and the injuries piled up, doctors advised me to reduce training and stop competing. This shift in my daily routine had a massive impact on my mental health and I struggled to adjust to a new normal. With some support and advice, I realized this wasn’t the only option. I worked hard to get into university to stay connected to sports through my degree. I then used my passion for inclusion in my dissertation and I now use my experiences to support and advocate for others. Whilst having an unpredictable illness can make life challenging, it is important to try and see lost goals as new opportunities.

The colour blue represents mental and psychiatric disabilities –

Former Paralympian, Maria Lyle, has opened upabout her mental health journey as an elite athlete, over recent years.

Maria has found sport to be something that has helped her have a more positive relationship with her mental health. “Something that sport has provided is that kind of social support. Being a disabled person, I’m not always around other people who I can relate to, so having people in my team with the same condition, or with other disabilities means we can share experiences and advice and really open up, which has been brilliant”, said Maria in a previous SDS interview.

The social aspect of sport is a big part for many individuals participating in sport. A further coping mechanism for Maria is, “making sure I’ve balance in my life. Putting energy into other hobbies, education, work and friends. So when say if one thing isn’t going the way you want it to then you’ve got other options to make everything else more positive.”

Although Disability Pride Month only takes place in July, it is important that we advocate for inclusion and continue these conversations every day. With 722 charges being reported with an aggravation of prejudice relating to disabilities in 2022-2023, (a 3% increase from 2021-2022) this very much outlines the need for more awareness to breakdown societal barriers. (Source: https://www.copfs.gov.uk/publications/hate-crime-in-scotland-2022-23/.)

SDS celebrates and advocates for a more inclusive and diverse society, every day, and SDS will be joining in the nationwide celebration of Scottish Disability Sport Week (SDSW) from Monday 25th November to Sunday 1st December – just ahead of International Day of Persons with a Disability on the 3rd. Scottish Disability Sport Week will be a prime opportunity for individuals to join conversations and talk about challenges and achievements of individuals with a disability. More information about the 2024 SDSW will be coming soon, via the SDS website and social media channels.

24/07/2024

Alison Peasgood and Brooke Gillies (guide) Make ParalympicsGB Para Triathlon Squad

ParalympicsGB announces largest ever Para triathlon squad for Paris 2024

The team of eleven Para triathletes and three guides will compete in Paris on Sunday 1 and Monday 2 September on what will be a truly iconic course in the heart of the French capital.

Alison Peasgood and her guide, Brooke Gillies, will be representing Scotland in the squad.

Peasgood, who won silver at the Rio 2016 Paralympics (women’s PTVI classification) and finished fourth at the last summer Games in Tokyo, will be racing in Paris having given birth to her first child in August 2023, with Gillies making her Games debut.

Looking ahead to her third Games, Peasgood commented: “It’s been such an emotional rollercoaster to get to this point of qualifying for my third Games. When I was holding my tiny baby in my arms last August, I didn’t know how it was all going to be possible.

“It’s taken a village to get me to this point and I’m grateful to all of them for their support. I am looking forward to representing ParalympicsGB alongside my amazing guide Brooke. Not sure what my son Logan will make of it all, but I hope one day he will be proud to have been part of this journey with me.”

Peasgood and Gillies will be in action in the women’s PTVI (Vision Impaired), on Monday 2nd September.

Joining Peasgood and Gillies will be Tokyo champion Lauren Steadman (Women’s PTS5), who’ll be looking to defend her title, whilst in the same classification Claire Cashmore will represent ParalympicsGB for the sixth time in search of her tenth medal. Cashmore came home from Tokyo with bronze from her first Games as a Para triathlete having previously competed in Para swimming.

Speaking on her fifth Paralympic Games selection, Steadman said: “It feels super exciting to be selected for my fifth Games. I am very honoured to fly the flag for British Triathlon and ParalympicsGB again and will do everything within my power to defend my gold medal.

“It’s just really exciting that if there was a little Lauren who was 14 years old starting her journey again, how proud she would be of the Lauren stepping up to go and race in Paris.

“I’m very, very excited and I hope that the legacy I can leave behind is not just of great sporting achievements but also that if anyone who dares to believe, dares to dream, they can have the career that they’d love to.”

Six-time world champion, Dave Ellis (Men’s PTVI), will race with long-term guide Luke Pollard with the pair looking to add to their World and Commonwealth champion status having suffered a DNF as a result of a mechanical failure on their bike in Tokyo.

Michael Taylor (Men’s PTS4) will also return having finished seventh in Tokyo, whilst Mel Nicholls (Women’s PTWC) will compete in her third Paralympic Games and her first since moving into Para triathlon. Nicholls has previously represented ParalympicsGB in Para athletics and only switched to Para triathlon in 2022.

Another athlete new to the sport who has made the ParalympicsGB team for Paris is Henry Urand (Men’s PTS3). The Loughborough University student made the transition from Para cycling to Para triathlon in 2023 and has qualified for his first Paralympic Games having finished first or second in five of his six international races in the last 12 months.

Speaking on being selected for his first Games, Urand said: “I am honoured to be selected as a part of the Para triathlon team heading out to Paris. It feels surreal at the moment, and not something I thought was possible when I switched to triathlon 15 months ago.

“It means so much being able to go to Paris and showcase Para sport to the world stage. It is extra special that it is a Games that is close to home, where family and friends can come and watch.”

Also making their Games debuts in Paris will be Finley Jakes (Men’s PTS4), Hannah Moore and Megan Richter (both Women’s PTS4), and Oscar Kelly and his guide Charlie Harding in the men’s PTVI classification.

Kelly and Harding also teamed up to represent England at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, with Moore and Richter sharing six medals between them so far this year. Jakes has developed through the British Triathlon system, progressing from taking part in a Talent ID Day, through the pathway and onto the World Class Programme to reach his first Paralympic Games.

Tom Hodgkinson, Head of Paratriathlon at British Triathlon, said of the squad: “To be able to take a large and talented team of athletes and guides to Paris is incredibly exciting for me, British Triathlon and the sport in Britain.

“Across the team we’ve got stories of success, comebacks and personal triumphs. Lauren coming back into the team having taken time away to start her PhD, Alison returning as a mother, and Dave and Luke returning to the top of the sport again after some bad luck in Tokyo really show the people behind the results.

“We’ve also got a strong cohort of athletes who’ve put performances together throughout 2024 to secure qualification. There were a lot of challenges last year which have been overcome and the character demonstrated puts us as a team in a good place moving forwards.

“Everyone in the squad has a fantastic story to tell of this cycle and with a team of people behind them who have helped get them to this point. The coming weeks from our holding camp in France and through to Paris will be an amazing next chapter in those stories and I’m looking forward to shaping and sharing the experience with the selected athletes of ParalympicsGB for Paris 2024.”

Penny Briscoe, ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission for Paris 2024 said: “I want to congratulate every athlete and guide on this selection milestone as part of the biggest Para triathlon squad to ever represent ParalympicsGB. With the experience of athletes such as Lauren Steadman, Claire Cashmore and Dave Ellis combined with some exciting ParalympicsGB debutants this is further proof of the breadth of talent we have across a diverse range of sports as we head towards Paris 2024.”

At Tokyo 2020, ParalympicsGB won medals across a record breaking 18 different sports – the highest number of any nation ever. ParalympicsGB finished second on the medal table with 124 medals overall, including 41 gold, 38 silver and 45 bronze.

Sunday 1 September (PTS2-5)

Lauren Steadman (PTS5) – From Peterborough, Trains in London

Claire Cashmore (PTS5) – From Kidderminster, Trains in Loughborough

Michael Taylor (PTS4) – From Barnstaple, Trains in Bristol/Bath

Finley Jakes (PTS4) – From Eastbourne, Trains in Loughborough

Megan Richter (PTS4) – From Birmingham, Trains in Birmingham

Hannah Moore (PTS4) – from Stalbridge, Trains in Loughborough

Henry Urand (PTS3) – from Ashford, Trains in Loughborough

Monday 2 September (PTVI & PTWC)

Dave Ellis (PTVI) – From Derby, Trains in Loughborough

Luke Pollard (guide to Dave Ellis) – From Telford, Trains in Loughborough

Alison Peasgood (PTVI) – From Dunfermline, Trains in Loughborough

Brooke Gillies (guide to Alison Peasgood) – from Fife, Trains in Loughborough

Oscar Kelly (PTVI) – From Redbridge, Trains in Loughborough

Charlie Harding (guide to Oscar Kelly) – From Penrith, Trains in Nottingham

Mel Nicholls (PTWC) – From Tewkesbury, Trains in Tewkesbury/Loughborough