Tag: Funding

Young boy sitting a wheelchair, smiling and holding a red boccia ball.

Shepherd Supports Scottish Disability Sport’s Boccia Development

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) receives financial support from Shepherd Chartered Surveyors to further aid boccia development throughout Scotland.

The backing from Shepherd will help fund SDS’s ongoing commitment to providing opportunities for people of all abilities, to try and participate in boccia across the country.

Ian Fergusson, Senior Partner at Shepherd, said: “We’re delighted to financially support Scottish Disability Sport’s inspirational boccia programme.

“Boccia is a hugely inclusive sport which caters for all abilities and we look forward to playing an active part in the growth of this popular sport throughout Scotland.”

Acting as the Scottish Governing Body for boccia, SDS is continually campaigning to make the sport accessible for all; providing clear pathways to engage in the sport in both urban and rural areas of Scotland.

Currently Scotland has 36 boccia opportunities which allows over 720 people to enjoy the game of boccia. To make this happen there are over 199 volunteers who support these opportunities. These volunteers are vital in supporting the athletes thrive and develop.

“SDS is delighted to receive funding support from Shepherd Chartered Surveyors”, said Gavin MacLeod, SDS Chief Executive.

“Financial support of this nature goes a long way to allowing us to offer more players with disabilities access to this fantastic Paralympic sport. Funding will be used to enhance access to training and competition for players across Scotland. Our thanks go to everyone at Shepherd Chartered Surveyors”.

2024 is a big year for boccia in Scotland and the support from Shepherd comes at a critical time where interest in the sport is expected to rise.

Not only is SDS currently preparing to host both the Scottish Boccia Closed Championships (15th June) and the UK Boccia Championships (15-17th November) but sandwiched in-between is the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where several Scots are hopeful of securing a spot on the team.

A photo showing Ability Shetland adapted cyclists lined up and celebrating

Adapted Cycling Given Boost in Shetland

Cycling for people with disabilities in Shetland has been given a boost thanks to funding from the Scottish Government.

Ability Shetland, Scottish Disability Sport’s newest Branch, was awarded £15,000 from the Healthy Islands Fund to enable them to further develop their efforts in adapted cycling provision.

The funding will enable Ability Shetland to purchase additional bikes to add to their fleet. In turn, they’ll be able to accommodate more people and cater to a wider range of disabilities within their regular sessions.

Well done to the Ability Shetland team.

If you, or anyone you know, lives with a physical, sensory or learning disability in Grampian or Shetland & is interested in getting involved in sport, please get in touch with Alison on alison.shaw@scottishdisabilitysport.com or 07828 744 848.

 

Photo credit: Ability Shetland