Tag: Fife

15/01/2025

Kirsty Byrne Appointed Fife Regional Development Manager

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

By William Moncrieff, Communications Coordinator

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

02/01/2025

A year to remember; some of 2024’s best moments across Scotland

By William Moncrieff, Communications Coordinator

What a year it has been for disability sport across Scotland, with a dedicated team of nine SDS Regional Development Managers working hard to create inclusive, engaging and fun sporting opportunities across the country. Here are some of the regional team’s highlights:

For Perth and Kinross it has been a exciting year watching up-and-coming athletes develop. This can be seen with Alex Medley who has been supported through the boccia performance pathway, winning the Scottish Championships and Scottish Open in 2024 in the BC2 category. He has recently been selected for the Scotland boccia squad for 2025.

For Dumfries and Galloway, watching Kayleigh Brown (nee Haggo) achieve her life long dream of competing at the Paralympic Games, has to be the highlight of the year. Kayleigh attended Parasport Festivals when she was in school. Earlier this year they were all delighted to see Ayrshire Sportsability’s Co-Chair Kayleigh, as she competed in her Paralympic debut in Paris 2024, where she put in a strong performance, making it through to both the BC2 Individual and BC1/2 Team quarter finals.

Throughout many of the regions the Parasport Festivals will always be a highlight.

Fife hosted their very first Parasport Festival, which took place in March, with 42 out of the 48 participants having never attended any Parasport festival before. This included eight people who do not fully participate in PE at school. For everyone involved it was an extremely memorable day.

In the West of Scotland, the Parasport Festival played another pivotal role in the region. The Parasport Festival also took place in March. It was a great day where 13 different sports were delivered to over 100 children from the West of Scotland. A particular highlight from the day was when a young boy who had never played wheelchair basketball was talent spotted and invited to join the national academy. He is still continuing to flourish in the Basketball Scotland set up.

In the East of Scotland, the Parasport Festival was another memorable day in the calendar. This was a highlight due to it being a fantastic way to bring so many partner organisations together such as clubs, governing bodies and Active schools. The day provided a great way for young people to meet and spend time together, for parents to chat and for staff to see the endless amount of opportunities out there. The region can’t wait until 2025.

For Highland and Orkney, the successful Parasport festivals that were held throughout the year will forever be memorable; with multiple festivals being delivered in 2024, including ones in Grantown on Spey, Lochaber and Orkney.  For everyone involved across the region and on the day, it was such a joy to see young people exploring and enjoying sport.

For Grampian and Shetland, it has been a great year seeing the clubs’ develop. The uptake of Grampian Inclusive Cycling Bothies has been great. The club has worked so hard this year to secure funding for new adaptive bikes and each session they seem to gain more participants of all ages and abilities.

The continued development of Hamilton Judo Club has been a landmark achievement in South Lanarkshire’s year. The club and partners were so pleased to celebrate the completion of the 2024 Inclusion Development Programme. With a special shoutout going to the amazing participants from Fairhill & Stonehouse. A particular highlight for the region and the club came recently where, after a brilliant session, everyone was delighted to see them presented with certificates for their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm.

For Central Scotland some of the events that have gone on throughout the region have been highlights. A particular regional highlight came on May 5th when they hosted a two-day Tennis Festival, working in partnership with East Dumbartonshire Leisure and Culture East Dumbartonshire Leisure and Culture, Tennis Scotland and the Sporting Aces. This festival, for children and adults at the Nuffield Health Club in Milngavie, provided lots of individuals with an opportunity to try tennis and socialise.

If you would like to get involved in your region throughout 2025 you can do so by contacting your Regional Development Manager. If you have enjoyed reading about the Parasport Festivals, make sure to keep an eye on the SDS website, with registration opening for 2025’s festivals soon.

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

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.

09/09/2024

Doubles Delight as Gordon Reid Becomes a Paralympic Champion Again

Scotland’s wheelchair tennis hero completes a coveted golden career slam in Paris with Alfie Hewett

By Paul Morrison

The unbridled joy was hard to hide for ParalympicsGB’s Gordon Reid and Alfie Hewett as the pair fulfilled a career-long dream of winning the Paralympic title in the men’s wheelchair tennis doubles event on Friday (6th), day nine of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Gordon and Alfie defeated the Japanese duo of Tokito Oda and Takuya Miki to achieve doubles gold at the third time of asking.

As well as Paralympics champions, the Brits’ win also completes their remarkable career golden slam to establish their status as one of the greatest doubles partnerships of all time.

The win gives Gordon his second Paralympic gold medal, adding to his singles title in Rio eight years ago, while Alfie added a silver medal in the singles as he was defeated by Oda in Saturday’s final.

Undoubtedly the top match in wheelchair tennis doubles at the moment, Gordon and Alfie would have been confident in their chances as they defeated Oda and Miki in all three major finals this year.

Once again, the Brits took no time to get going as they broke the Japanese pair to open the match, thanks to some astonishing winners at the net from Gordon, something that would become one of the match’s key points.

As Oda and Miki then got themselves on the board after breaking Gordon’s serve, the Brits would hold their own in many highly competitive points to manage to give them the chance of securing the first set and completing the first step to winning gold.

Taking the first set 6-2, Gordon and Alfie would only get stronger as they tallied off the first three games of the second set as the Japanese pair struggled to find any answer to get the upper hand.

While Oda and Miki weren’t completely out of the match after breaking Alfie’s serve, the instant response was there for the Brits who broke straight back. Gordon then held his service game to make it 5-1, finding themselves one game away from the gold medal.

A strong return game was produced from the Brits and an excellent drop shot from Alfie gave them the gold as the Roland Garros crowd at Phillippe-Chatrier witnessed a historic moment as the pair couldn’t stop the emotions getting the better of them.

Gordon and Alfie’s win also saw the ParalympicsGB team surpass the 40 mark for gold medals won at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Shortly after the win, Gordon and Alfie would find themselves atop the podium as the medal ceremony began, with the British and Japanese pairs being joined by Spain’s Martin De La Puente and Daniel Caverzaschi, who won the bronze medal match on Suzanne-Lenglen.

The prizing moment of receiving their gold medals and hearing the British national anthem saw the duo sport some wide and joyous smiles that spoke a thousand words of how they felt in this moment.

Speaking after the match, Gordon tried to make some sense of the incredible moment, saying: “We finally did it, it’s ours. It feels amazing, even if it’s not fully sunk in yet, the emotions and adrenaline are still high.”

Knowing that the win has banished the devastation of losing out in the gold medal matches from Tokyo (2020) and Rio (2026), he added: “We’ve been desperate for this for a long time, we’ve come close twice and felt that heartbreak and pain.”

“Those matches have been some of the toughest moments of my career so to sit here with the gold around our necks is one of the best feelings.”

Beginning to come to terms with the title they just achieved, he finally said: “Sometimes you need to feel some pain to enjoy the highs when they come, we need to really savour this moment.”

For Alfie, he could only add a silver medal in the singles to his doubles gold with Gordon when he was pipped to the title by an inspired Oda 2-6, 6-4, 5-7 in a dramatic final to round off the brilliant wheelchair tennis events in Paris.

The pair will take this victory into the last major tournament of the year as they look to add the Wheelchair Doubles Masters to their winnings this year in November.

Well done Gordon and Alfie!

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

04/06/2024

Fife Disability Sailing Opportunity

Royal Yachting Association Scotland (Scottish Governing Body for forms of boating such as sailing, windsurfing and powerboating) are putting out a last push for our Try Sailing day for people with disabilities or those who may require some additional support at Loch Ore Meadows in Fife on the 9^th June.

Royal Yachting Association Scotland (RYA Scotland) are hosting this day in conjunction with Fife Sailability. (Please feel free to have a look at their page on Facebook to see the venue and what is available.)

There are still spaces available for anyone who is interested in getting on the water, with the support of RYA Scotland’s volunteer team who will be on hand both ashore and afloat to accompany people out on the boats.

Boats and a hoist which enables access to wheelchair-users to go sailing, will be available and people are welcome to book for a morning, afternoon or both if they wish.

Bookings are free can be made via the link here.

13/12/2023

From the Pool to Politics

Stefan Hoggan-Radu speaks about his journey in sport and life, as a celebration of the LGBTQ+ Rainbow Laces Campaign.

Stefan Hoggan-Radu has represented the LGBTQ+ community on many occasions as an elite Para athlete. Since his retirement from competitive sport he has continued to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in the political world, currently holding the position as Councillor for North East Fife.

A now proud spokesperson for disability and LGBTQ+ rights, his personal journey of self-love and acceptance was filled with challenges. Bullied throughout school for having a disability, Hoggan-Radu was apprehensive to share his sexual orientation.

At 23 years-old he was training as a British triathlete and was worried about the reaction that he would get from his fellow athletes and the triathlon community after coming out. However, when he came out he had nothing but acceptance from his peers and surrounding community.

When asked how this impacted his performance in sport, Hoggan-Radu explained that this emotional strain didn’t impact his results when competing. However, he recognises the impact that it had on his long term mental health, with him appreciating that this would have ultimately effected his training performance and routine.

Before triathlon, swimming was his first sport which saw him compete on the international stage. After missing out on the 2014 Common Wealth Games by 0.02 seconds, he took the tough decision to retire from swimming.

His involvement with Para swimming paved the way for his political career. After becoming a member of the Young Person’s Sport Panel, he embarked on a trip to America, through an exchange with Blaze sport. This trip was incredibly insightful, getting to analyse policy and procedures along with attending the British Embassy in Washington as a representative. This partly influenced his decision to enter the field of politics.

His personal experience of being bullied at school highlighted the, “real injustice around how disabled individuals are treated. They aren’t represented.” This was something that he wanted to change.

When asked what inclusivity means to him, not only as a former athlete but also a member of the SNP, he shared a memorable moment that took place following the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

When he was going to training, a child saw him and their first reaction was, “Mum, that is really cool. That man only has one arm. He could be in the Paralympics!”

Hoggan-Radu credits UK broadcasters for striving to be more inclusive and have better visual representation on screen. As a result of broadcasting the Paralympics, this child saw a disability and a future for them competing in sport.

He finds this memory very heartwarming and he believes that if more people see a disability, we can create a more accepting and inclusive society, which ultimately, will make the world a better place.

The Rainbow Laces Campaign concluded on Sunday (10^th) and leads the way on supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport, fitness and physical activity. Scottish Disability Sport are proud to support the Rainbow Laces Campaign and will continue to promote and encourage a fully inclusive society.

24/02/2017

Outstanding Performances by Fife Athletes in Edinburgh

Disability Sport Fife (DSF) considers the East Series Cross Country programme organised by scottishathletics and Scottish Disability Sport as one of the major successes in the development of athletics in the east of Scotland. DSF member organisation schools entered over 90 athletes for Round 3 of the East Series at the Beveridge Park in Kirkcaldy and for round 4 at Peffermill in Edinburgh on 21^st February, around 50 athletes from Bell Baxter HS, Woodmill HS, Balwearie HS and Lochgelly HS made the journey across the Forth. Athletes are awarded points over the four rounds of the East Series to determine the overall year group champions. In round 4 there were once again many fine Fife athlete performances.

The introduction of the 500 metres race has encouraged a number of novice performers to take up the sport. Eilidh Lennox (S2) and Richy Stacey (S2) from Bell Baxter HS fell in to this category and they recorded winning performances in the girls and boys S2 races.

In the girls 1K, Fife schools produced all but one of the fastest year group times. Sophie Coughlin Bell Baxter HS S1 – 5:58; Amy Dignan Lochgelly HS S2 – 7:39; Megan Wilson Woodmill HS S3 – 6:45; Kerry Kotlewski Bell Baxter HS S4 – 7:23; Taylor McDowall Balwearie HS S6 – 8.58. Sophie is only a first year pupil yet she ran the fastest time of all the year group winners.

Once again in the boys 1K races it was a similar story. There were year group winners from Fife schools from first year through to sixth year. Nathan Smith Woodmill HS S1 – 7:21; Edwin Barron Woodmill HS S2 – 4:58; Owen Handley Woodmill HS S3 – 5:55; Arran Howe Bell Baxter HS S4 – 4:41; Reece Dickson Balwearie HS S5 – 5:08; Cameron Healy Balwearie HS S6 – 6:22. Connor Brown S3 Woodmill HS recorded the fastest time of the day for an athlete with a physical impairment and the seventh fastest overall time of any 1K athlete – 5:18. Well done to Arran Howe S4 who recorded the fastest 1K time of the day.

Twins Louise and Michelle Harley from Lochgelly HS S4 finished first and second in the girls 2K race with Louise crossing the line first in 14:56. In the equivalent event for boys Mathew Blair Woodmill HS S5 ran the fastest overall 2K time of 10:32 and Alex Evans from Balwearie HS the fastest S4 time.

All the Fife athletes then waited anxiously to find out the overall results for the 2017 East Series Cross Country. Team Fife headed back to the kingdom reflecting on another successful east Series and looking forward to the Fife cross Country Championships at the Beveridge Park and the Scottish Championships at Bellahouston Park later in the year.

Richard Brickley MBE
President, Disability Sport Fife

22/02/2017

Another Successful DIT Workshop in Fife

Evening two of the 2017 Fife Disability Inclusion Training (DIT) Workshop was successfully concluded at Auchmuty High School in Glenrothes. Set up by the Physical Education Lead officer Blair Duncan, in conjunction with Scottish Disability Sport and Disability Sport Fife (DSF), the workshop has become a popular annual feature of the Education Services INSET calendar. SDS tutors Heather Lowden and Richard Brickley led the two twilight sessions of interactive theory and practice and introduced the delegates to a wide range of subject matter relating to disability sport and inclusive practice.

Richard Brickley MBE
President, Disability Sport Fife

10/02/2017

Inspirational Fife Wheelchair Racer

Susanne McGrath from Glenrothes has only been wheelchair racing for a couple of years but in that time she has made a very positive impression on Disability Sport Fife (DSF) coaches and fellow athletes. With incredible support from her father Eddie in particular, Susanne has demonstrated regular commitment to training and continuous improvement in her performance.

In 2015 Susanne turned in a few impressive pushes in track racing meets but it was last year that she joined the small band of GB female wheelchair athletes who have completed a marathon. The occasion was the Edinburgh Marathon in May and she completed the course in 3:58:14. Susanne also competed in the 2016 Great Scottish Run. Susanne however is confident that she can improve her 2016 times and she is preparing accordingly.

Susanne will head to the scottishathletics wheelchair racing workshop on Saturday 11th Feb at Grangemouth to pick up some tips from Great Britain’s leading wheelchair racing coaches and fellow athletes. This will supplement the excellent advice she already receives weekly from DSF lead coach Pamela Robson who will also be in attendance with other Fife athletes and coaches.

Susanne came into wheelchair racing late in her career with the aim of completing a marathon before she turned a certain age. Wheelchair racing means much more to her now and this inspirational mum of two has set a challenging schedule for 2017. In addition to her track racing, Susanne plans to compete once again in the Edinburgh Marathon in May and the Dublin Marathon for the first time in October. Father Eddie will never be too far away and trying of course to improve his own marathon and half marathon times.

Richard Brickley MBE
President, Disability Sport Fife