Tag: inverness

Photo of volunteers Tori Nicol and Grace Mackenzie, smiling whilst helping at a swimming event.

The Impact of Volunteering at SDS Events

By William Moncrieff, Communications Manager 

The National Senior Learning Disability Swimming Championships took place on Saturday 18th May, with volunteers playing a vital part in the day’s smooth running. sportscotland’s communication theme for the month of June, #VolunteerInSport, has provided the perfect opportunity to highlight all the contributions of volunteers throughout the course of the championship. 

Volunteers showed up and supported in many different roles: coaches, scorers and general helpers. 

The Championships were held in Inverness and Josie Aitken was a key volunteer, Team Highland. Josie said, “I’m here with the local swim team, which I’ve been involved with for around 20 years. I’m the swim team secretary and I’m here to help everyone, making sure that both the swimmers and coaches have everything they need for the day.”  

She continued to say: “I get such a buzz from these competitions; I just love seeing all the other clubs here and just seeing everyone taking part”. 

As part of the Young Leaders program, four students from local schools attended the championships. “When you’re a leader you get involved at your school, and your leadership coordinator gets you to help out at sports days, primary school sports days and other events that are happening in the local area”, said Young Leader, Tori.  

“It’s been really good seeing the swimmers enjoy themselves, both when they win or if they lose”, said Tori. 

Tori urges anyone to try volunteering, “Just speak to someone about it and don’t be scared. Soon you get into it, it’s a great community and once you get started everyone seems to know everyone else and it’s a great place to be.” 

Another one of the young leaders, Grace, explained that, “I’ve really enjoyed watching the swimming, never having seen it in person before. You can see how much everyone is enjoying it, they’re finding it to be a fantastic experience.” 

Commenting on the impact of volunteers, Grace said: “Volunteers are really important, they’re always there to help. The events couldn’t go on without them.” 

Participants also commented on the impact and importance of volunteers.  

“I would like to thank my coaches, Eileen and Jen, along with all the helpers. They’ve done a great job”, said Maria, one of the swimmers from Dundee Discovery. 

Kai, a volunteer from Team Glasgow, explained how the day had been great for his personal development. “I haven’t worked with a group with learning disabilities before. I had only worked with children, going through some of the basics. So, for me this has been good, developing new skills and gaining confidence by coaching a new group.” 

Tracey Hunter, another volunteer from Team Glasgow, shared her thoughts on the day. “We’ve all got on really well. The swimmers have all been great and they have been smashing their personal bests.” 

When asked how important volunteers are for the club, Tracy said, “volunteers are everything. If it wasn’t for volunteers we wouldn’t have a club”.  

The number of people volunteering across the country has declined over recent years, due to several different factors. However, the experiences and skills that one can gain through volunteering are hugely impactful and beneficial.  

Tracey explained that once people start to volunteer, they love it. “They see the benefits for the kids and the adults from being in the water and competing. It gives them confidence and something to look forward to. It’s all about the community and the social environment.” 

If you would be interested in volunteering, you can explore this by reaching out to your local branch to see what opportunities are available.  

Team Glasgow with the Kintore Trophy

A great day had at the National Senior Learning Disability Swimming Championships

By William Moncrieff, Communications Apprentice 

On Saturday 18th May, Scottish Disability Sport hosted their Senior Learning Disability Swimming Championship at Highlife Highland’s Aquadome facilities, located in the capital of the Highlands. 

The day saw twelve teams make the trip up north, with a grand total of 121 individuals turning up to compete. 

The day started well with participants, coaches, supporters and parents feeling excited for the day of swimming. Josie, one of the coaches, explained how some of her team were feeling: “they have been so excited for weeks, just to compete in this competition.”  

“I get such a buzz from this competition. I just love seeing all the other clubs here taking part. I think it’s just wonderful that they get the chance to participate in competitive sport, I just love it.”  

This sense of real excitement was shared by Ian and Adam, two swimmers from Inverness who said they were, “so proud to be here and swimming for Team Highland.” 

Ian, who competed in freestyle, breaststroke and backstroke, went on to say: “I am desperate to get the cup back home for Team Highland. There is a real community here in the team.” 

The morning session saw Team Glasgow take the lead narrowly ahead of Team Highland, followed by Team Grampian. 

Team Glasgow kept adding to their medal tally in the afternoon, including a silver medal won by Lynne in the breaststroke. She said that she was, “feeling good and happy. I’m looking forward to cheering on my teammates.”  

This sense of enjoyment was shared by Scott’s parents who travelled over with Team Grampian. They said, “It is just great to be able to watch him succeeding in something that he enjoys doing.” 

They continued to say, “swimming is a great way for him to exercise, keeping healthy whilst not putting too much strain on [his] joints.” 

The afternoon also saw personal records being broken, with Rory from Team Highland, shaving 0,05 seconds off his PB in the backstroke – good enough for silver.  

“I am happy to win the medal for the team, it feels good”, said Rory.  

Dundee Discovery was also represented at the championships and found themselves on top of the podium on several occasions.  

Two swimmers from Dundee Discovery, Maria and Alwin, both won a gold and silver medal. When asked about their highlight of the day, they said: “taking part and being part of a team.” 

Maria went on to say, “I would like to thank my coaches, Eileen and Jen, along with all the helpers. They’ve done a great job.” 

A further Dundee Discovery swimmer that found the podium on multiple occasions, was Taylor. Reflecting on the day, he said, “I won five medals today, in 100m freestyle, 100m individual medley, 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke and 50m butterfly”, said Taylor.  

He continued to say, “I think my favorite part of the day has to be the atmosphere within the teams.” Adding, that he was looking forward to, “getting to celebrate with the team, having some fun and enjoying the bus journey back home.” 

After an eventful afternoon session, Team Glasgow held on to the lead and claimed the Kintore Trophy. Team Highland had to settle for second place with Team Grampian completing the top three spots.  

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) would like to thank everyone who came, took part and added to the amazing atmosphere. SDS would further like to thank the Motability scheme and The Highland Council’s Inverness Common Good Fund for their support throughout the day. 

If you would like to find out more about future events, please click here.