Tag: Sport

01/06/2026

Impacting Lives Through Sport: John McClelland’s Story

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer

Growing up able bodied, John McClellend didn’t expect to have his life turned upside down at the age of 43 when he was diagnosed with chronic lung condition. His treatment and high dose of steroids damaged his bones, which resulted in John ending up in a wheelchair. In 2014, John turned to disability sport to help navigate this transition; adapt to his new way of life and meet new people.

Today, aged 56, John finds himself devoting his time to ensure that others have access to the same opportunities. He said, “I really enjoy the volunteering side of it, as I get a lot out of sport, so it is good to give back.”

Having volunteered in several sports across Dumfries and Galloway, John has seen people be impacted by all the benefits sport can provide and the joy that it brings.

“I’ve been working with a young lady who is nonverbal and she has an amazing time in boccia and she is jumping about in her wheelchair. She is having a lot of fun, and that is enough for me,” said John.

Along with being a key volunteer throughout the region, John has had an incredibly impressive career when competing, becoming a National Champion in Wheelchair Curling in 2024. A moment he looks back on with immense pride.

“Yeah, it was really good. I had won the silver the year before, and the year before that. I won it just after Covid-19, so it was great to be up in that area of competition,” John said.

Just like he has seen when he is out volunteering, John gained a lot of benefits through participating. One of the elements he most enjoyed though, was getting the competitive fires roaring, saying: “As an athlete I quite enjoy the competition side of it because I’ve got quite a competitive nature.”

Following his successes on the curling rink, John was elected to Chair of the Scottish Wheelchair Curling Association. He has put his energies into growing the sport.

“One of my big things, was to raise the profile and to get it out more. I got the local TV, ITV Borders, to come along and to do a few of the games,” John said.

A recent volunteering highlight for John, was when he helped coach the Team UK in Wheelchair Curling at the Invictus Games in Canada. John helped train the team over the course of a year, passing on all the tricks of the trade.

The work that John and all of the other coaches put in paid off, with the team delivering a fantastic performance, narrowly missing out on gold.

He said: “It was really good. It was the first time it had ever been in the Invictus Games as it was the first winter sport hybrid games and to do it out in Canada in Vancouver last year was great. I felt really proud of the guys, for all of the work that they had put in. All of the training camps, they really did themselves proud.”

He continued to say: “It was good to sit there and watch them [the team] grow, to see the smiles on their faces and just to see them generally come on.”

As John continues to volunteer, he finds himself being impacted in many ways. Recently, he has found volunteering to be a great source of education: “It’s been good to give me a lot of knowledge of different types of disabilities, how people function with them and how they overcome barriers.”

To ensure longevity of sport throughout the region, John has joined the board of Scottish Disability Sport’s Member Branch, Dumfries and Galloway Disability Sport. Here, he is keen to help reach as many people as possible, saying: “I enjoy it, where we are down here in Dumfries and Galloway, it can be one of these forgotten corners, so it’s just about getting the word out there that there are things out there for people to do and we do have a lot of things running here.”

Having committed countless hours to volunteering, and seeing how sport impacts people daily, he would urge more individuals to try volunteering throughout their region.

John said: “I would recommend volunteering to anybody; you will always get some sort of enjoyment from it. I’ve never met anybody who hasn’t got anything from it.”

A group photo of people in wheelchairs and some people standing behind them, on the wheelchair curling ice sheet. They are Team UK wheelchair curling team. John McClelland is on the far left.

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

25/05/2026

Parties in Power: What Shapes Priorities

By Mark Gaffney, Head of Policy at Scottish Disability Sport

While whichever party is in control undoubtedly frames legislative direction, influence in Scotland is more nuanced than simple majority rule.

The governing party (or parties) set budgets, shape national strategies (such as sport and health frameworks), and control most legislative time.
Opposition parties influence through First Minster Questions (FMQs), scrutiny, amendments, and committee work.
Smaller parties and individual MSPs can exercise disproportionate influence where parliamentary margins are tight.

For disability sport, this creates several practical realities:

Policy Windows Are Political

Investment in inclusive sport and physical activity often aligns with broader agendas—public health improvement, tackling inequality, or community regeneration. Engagement is most effective when framed within those priorities rather than positioned as a standalone “special interest.” Historically – and indeed, currently – the challenge has been to get the Scottish Government and opposition parties to see sport as a priority area. This remains the central challenge for SGBs and other associated organisations in Scotland.

Cross-Party Support Matters

Disability sport rarely divides along party lines, but it can fall between them if not actively championed. Building relationships across parties increases the likelihood that:

Issues are raised in debates regardless of who is in power
Amendments are supported during budget negotiations
Committee inquiries include disability-specific evidence

Committees Are Critical

Much of the meaningful work happens away from headline debates. Committees covering health, education, and social justice are key sites where disability sport concerns—such as access, funding equity, or data gaps—can be formally examined. This is why evidencing impact through data, research and insights is important.

Engagement Through a Disability Sport Lens

If the structures of power are complex, so too must be the approaches to engagement. Disability sport provides a particularly strong framework because it connects visibility, participation, and rights.

From Storytelling to Evidence

Personal stories matter—but on their own they are often insufficient to drive policy change. Effective engagement pairs lived experience with:

Participation data (who is excluded and why)
Cost-benefit analysis (e.g. preventative health savings)
Comparisons with non-disabled participation rates
Strength in numbers – join forces with organisations with similar aims and objectives

MSPs—especially those in committees—respond to evidence that can shape policy, not just illustrate gaps.

Local Anchoring, National Framing

A wheelchair user unable to access a local sports hall is a constituency issue. But when that story is repeated across regions, it becomes a national policy failure.

The most effective engagement strategies:

Start with constituency MSPs to resolve or highlight the issue
Escalate through regional MSPs and party spokespeople
Feed into committee evidence, cross-party groups and national campaigns

This layered approach mirrors how decisions are made.

Aligning With Existing Policy Agendas

Disability sport gains traction when linked to broader government priorities. For example:

Health: Positioning participation as reducing long-term NHS demand
Education: Highlighting inclusive PE and transitions into lifelong sport
Economy: Emphasising employment pathways within sport for disabled people

This alignment makes it harder for policymakers to treat disability sport as optional.

Barriers to Engagement Still Persist

Despite structural opportunities, there remain persistent barriers:

Accessibility of political processes: Meetings, consultations, and documents are not always accessible or inclusive (although improvements have been made recently)
Capacity of disabled people’s organisations: Many are under-resourced and cannot sustain ongoing engagement
Fragmentation: Sport, health, and disability policy often operate in silos

These barriers mean that opportunities for influence are unevenly distributed—and often exclude those most affected.

What Should Change in This Parliamentary Term

If the post‑election period is to deliver meaningful progress for disability sport, three shifts are needed:

Proactive Outreach by MSPs

Rather than relying on organisations to initiate engagement, MSPs—both constituency and regional—should actively build relationships with disability sport groups and participants, so feel free to hold them accountable for doing so.

Embedding Disability Sport in Scrutiny

Committees should consistently examine inclusion within sport, not as an occasional topic but as a recurring accountability issue.

Supporting Participation in Decision-Making

This includes:

Funding for representative organisations
Accessible consultation processes
Paid opportunities for disabled people to contribute expertise

A System That Requires Navigation—and Change

The Scottish Parliament offers multiple routes to influence, but they are not always obvious or equally accessible. For those working in disability sport, success depends on understanding how constituency advocacy, regional influence, and party dynamics interact.

The challenge after this election is not simply whether disability sport appears in policy documents—it is whether disabled people can consistently shape those policies at every level.

Because real inclusion in sport is not achieved on the field, court or sports hall alone. It is built in how decisions are made, who is heard, and whether power is genuinely shared and proportionate.

Scottish Disability Sport has launched a four-point Call to Action that calls on organisations across Scotland to take urgent action to remove the significant barriers faced by people with a disability in accessing sport and physical activity.

The four-point Call to Action follows the publication of a new national survey by SDS, which highlights the ongoing inequalities experienced by people with a disability and the impact this has on their quality of life.

Key actions called for include:

Plan to Include
Deliver an inclusive whole system approach
A benefits and social care system that equips individuals to be active
Champion intersectionality through a person-centred approach

More information about the Call to Action, can be found via this link: https://scottishdisabilitysport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/BC-and-AGM-CTA-Presentation_PDF-for-Website.pdf

View the key findings of the National Survey can be found via this link: https://scottishdisabilitysport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SDS-National-Survey-Findings-CEO-Circulation.pdf.

25/05/2026

Mapping Power and Access Following Scottish Election

Mapping Power and Access: Disability Sport, MSPs and the Routes to Engagement After the Scottish Election

By Mark Gaffney, Head of Policy at Scottish Disability Sport

The post‑election landscape in Scotland is not just defined by which party holds power, but by how that power is distributed between constituency MSPs, regional MSPs, and parliamentary committees. For disabled people—particularly those engaged in or excluded from sport—understanding this architecture can be crucial. Influence does not sit in one place, and neither do opportunities for change.

This is especially true for disability sport, which cuts across portfolios: health, education, transport, local government, and social justice. Any serious effort to improve access and participation depends on how effectively these levers are used—and how well disabled people can engage with those holding them.

Constituency vs Regional MSPs: Different Roles, Different Levers

Scotland’s Additional Member System creates two types of MSPs with distinct but complementary roles:

Constituency MSPs are directly elected and often act as primary casework advocates (i.e. support offered if someone in their constituency needs support). They are typically the most visible and locally embedded representatives.
Regional MSPs are elected from party lists to ensure proportionality, often covering broader areas and multiple constituencies.

For disability sport, this distinction matters.

Constituency MSPs tend to be the most effective route for:

Raising local issues such as inaccessible leisure facilities, transport barriers to clubs, or funding decisions by councils
Supporting grassroots organisations clubs and campaigning alongside local organisations
Convening local stakeholders (health boards, councils, schools)

Regional MSPs, meanwhile, are often better placed to:

Bring recurring issues across multiple areas into parliamentary debate
Champion systemic change (e.g. national funding models, Active Scotland priorities)
Sit on committees shaping legislation and scrutinising government policy

Too often, engagement efforts focus only on constituency MSPs. A more strategic approach—particularly for disability sport organisations— will use both and remains the challenge for SDS and its member branches: localised evidence paired with regional amplification.

Key actions called for include:

Plan to Include
Deliver an inclusive whole system approach
A benefits and social care system that equips individuals to be active
Champion intersectionality through a person-centred approach

More information about the Call to Action, can be found via this link: https://scottishdisabilitysport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/BC-and-AGM-CTA-Presentation_PDF-for-Website.pdf

View the key findings of the National Survey can be found via this link: https://scottishdisabilitysport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SDS-National-Survey-Findings-CEO-Circulation.pdf.

27/11/2025

NHS Try Sport Sessions: Creating Opportunities throughout Tayside

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer.

Starting in 2019, Perth and Kinross Disability Sport, Scottish Disability Sport (SDS), NHS Tayside and local clubs have been working in partnership to deliver NHS ‘Try Sport Sessions’ to individuals with physical disabilities that are not taking part in sport/physical activity or participants seeking new sporting opportunities.

Any of the participants that are attending these sessions, have been invited through NHS Physio Therapist referrals. This allows the organisers to tailor the sessions to participants’ needs.

Flynn (participant) has found the sessions to be incredibly impactful. His mum, Jenna, commented:

“It has been incredible to watch Flynn go through his journey with sport.

“Flynn recently joined Cubs and it was a bike ride one week but Flynn can’t ride a bike, so he took a frame runner. He was excited to tell everyone about it and show them what he could do.” Jane Dernie, a member of NHS Tayside’s Physio Therapy team, commented on how enjoyable the day is for all involved: “The physiotherapists in Tayside love our yearly Try Sport Session that is done in partnership with Disability Sports. It enables us to join in and have fun with the children we are involved with, it lets us see their abilities and it lets us introduce new children to the Disability Sports community.”

The sessions are held yearly at Perth UHI’s Academy of Sport and Wellbeing and provide no cost for participation, with approximately 15 participants attending.

Graeme Doig, SDS’s Regional Development Manager for Tayside, and Perth and Kinross Disability Sport’s (PKDS) branch coordinator, has been a driving force throughout the delivery of this initiative. Graeme believes that developing strong links throughout the region has been a considerable factor in the programme’s continued success.

“Partnership work with NHS Tayside, Scottish Disability Sport and PKDS is crucial, not just helpful, for creating our Try Sport sessions that are safe, inclusive, evidence-based and connected to the wider community sport pathway.

“It ensures the sessions meet participants’ real needs and have the support and reach required to succeed”, Graeme said.

This focus on partnership collaboration has resulted in local clubs attending the ‘Try Sport Sessions’ to support with delivery, providing participants with an opportunity to try a variety of activities. Furthermore, their involvement helps strengthen routes into continued involvement in sport and physical activity. These local clubs include Perth Strathtay Harriers, Perth Eagles Wheelchair Sports Club, UHI Perth Climbing Centre , Salle Ossian Fencing Club , Perth Eagles Boccia Club , and Badminton Scotland.

These links into local clubs have been hugely beneficial, with participants grasping the opportunity to get involved following the ‘Try Sport Sessions’.

“I attend the Perth Eagles Wheelchair Sports Club every week and Perth Strathtay Harriers for Frame Running. My favourite sport to participate in is Wheelchair Basketball”, Flynn said.

Jenna followed this up by adding: “As Flynn can’t run or jump we didn’t think sport would be an option for him. We were directed towards Graeme Doig and Flynn started to attend the Eagles on a weekly basis and he immediately loved it. He quickly made friends and we found ourselves involved in a wonderful community.”

Eilidh, another participant, has been enjoying the opportunity to get involved in sport. She said, “After the Try Sport Session I have found my strength grow due to joining the Perth Eagles and Lothian Phoenix.”

Involvement in the ‘Try Sport Sessions’ and linking in with local clubs has been hugely beneficial for the participants.

“My newfound strength has helped me in day-to-day life by giving me more stamina to perform daily tasks and enjoy extra curricular activities”, Eilidh explained.

Whereas for Flynn, the social opportunity provided through sport has benefited him. He said, “There are lots of different sports to take part in and you can choose which one. I also like being part of a team.”

Understanding the many benefits that sport and physical activities provide, is a further reason why the NHS Physio’s are advocates for the Try Sport Sessions. Jane said, “Learning how sports can be adapted, and enjoyed by the children we look after is important as it helps us direct them towards Disability Sports.”Jane went on to add: “We witness the physical and social benefits that children and their families gain from getting involved with Disability Sport weather it be participation or competitively.”

Seeing the long-term impact that the NHS ‘Try Sport Session’s’ have had on participants, reinforces the importance of continuing to provide inclusive opportunities. Graeme commented: “For coaches, physios and our partners, watching that growth isn’t just enjoyable—it’s a reminder of the impact inclusive sport has on wellbeing, confidence, and long-term participation.

“It reinforces why these sessions matter and motivates us all to continue improving and providing new opportunities.”

Lynne, Eilidh’s mum, agreed with this: “Without these sessions we would not be on this incredible journey, so I think they are really important to let people with disabilities find their own path.”

Along with providing participants with physical, social and psychological benefits, the programme offers a wide variety of sports which allows for participants to take that first step on the performance pathway. This has had a positive effect on Eilidh.

She said, “The biggest highlight is the introduction to many sports, and I found my passion for wheelchair basketball, which I have now represented my country at U14 level. It has also given me many new friendships and a newfound confidence.”

Eight-year-old Flynn’s aspirations are set. “Flynn says he will be a Paralympian in the future and it’s amazing to hear him have ambitions connected to sport”, Jenna commented.

If you are interested in finding out about opportunities to get involved in sport and physical activity in your region, you can reach out to your Regional Development Manager.

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

05/09/2025

Nominations Open for Glasgow’s Sport Awards 2025

Scottish Disability Sport is delighted to partner in the 2025 Glasgow’s Sport Awards.

The awards bring together athletes, coaches, volunteers, schools and community organisations to celebrate sport, physical activity and wellbeing in Glasgow.

Nominations are now open across 10 categories so let us know who gets your vote.

Who Gets Your Vote?

To nominate a person, organisation or project that has made a real difference to sport, physical activity and wellbeing in Glasgow visit here: https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/sport/glasgows-sport-awards-2025/

The website contains full descriptors and criteria for the awards with the link to our online nomination form. If you have any questions then get in touch with: gsa@glasgowlife.org.uk

Glasgow’s Sport Awards Categories
Glasgow Business Contribution Award
Glasgow Coach of the Year Award
Glasgow Community Impact Award
Glasgow Disabled Athlete of the Year Award
Glasgow Health and Wellbeing Award
Glasgow Lifetime Achievement Award
Glasgow Sportsperson of the Year Award
Uniting Glasgow Award
Glasgow Unsung Hero Award
Glasgow Young Sportsperson of the Year Award

Nominations close at midnight on Tuesday 30th September 2025.

01/08/2025

Vacancy: Disability Inclusion Officer with basketballscotland

basketballscotland are looking for a passionate and proactive individual to lead our work in making basketball more inclusive and accessible for people with disabilities across Scotland. This role will focus on breaking down barriers to participation: supporting the growth of wheelchair basketball; engaging directly with people with disabilities and their families; and, helping shape environments where everyone can belong and thrive.

You’ll be someone who’s not afraid to challenge the status quo, especially when it comes to creating equity and inclusion.

You’ll take responsibility for driving change, work closely with others to co-design better solutions, and always look for ways to improve, with a particular focus on people with physical, learning and sensory disabilities. Most of all, you’ll believe in the power of sport to bring people together, working with courage, compassion and purpose to help make that a reality.

Job Title: Disability Inclusion Officer
Salary: £24,000 – £26,000
Location: Flexible, but with the expectation to be in Head Office (Corstorphine, Edinburgh) on a Thursday
Reports to: Social Impact Lead
Hours: We are open to Full-time or part-time. Core hours are 10:00 – 15:00 with flexibility regarding when you complete the rest of your hours, subject to line manager agreement.

For more information about the role including key responsibilities, please consult the recruitment pack.

For further information or to ask any questions, please email: hr@basketball.scot

02/07/2025

Disability Pride Month: July 2025

Disability Pride Month 2025 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.

Disability Pride Month follows the publication of the key findings from the first National Survey conducted by Scottish Disability Sport (SDS), in partnership with Queen Margaret University Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research (CHEARR), which sheds light on the complex barriers faced by people with a disability when it comes to engaging in sport and physical activity—highlighting concerns around the benefits system, rising living costs, public transport and more.

Disability Pride Month is a time to advocate, celebrate and shared lived experiences from people with a disability living in Scotland. Furthermore, with one quarter of the Scottish population having a disability, SDS believes it to be very important to have a fair representation within staffing and via the Young Person’s Sport Panel (YPSP).

Last year (2024), members from the YPSP shared their lived experiences to help promote and raise awareness about Disability Pride Month. Recap on the interview below –

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer

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 (now Communications Officer) 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 (2024). 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 up about 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.

You can also find out more about what sporting opportunities are available in your community by contacting your Regional Development Manager. To keep up-to-date on all of the ongoing work, make sure to follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website.

02/06/2025

Refereeing In Boccia Is A Family Affair

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer

Every family has its own favorite hobbies and for the Thomson family, it’s all about boccia. From parents Sam and Darren to their sons Fraser and Martin, the whole family shares a passion for the sport.

Darren (52 years-old) explained what it is like to have his family involved in the sport that he has devoted 25 years to.

“I think for me, it’s just the fact that we can all do it together and be together. We are a boccia family and we do everything as a family.”

Each member of the Thomson family has got involved in the sport in different ways, with Sam (51 years-old) now being actively involved for 10 years. However, it took a bit of persuasion to get her to start: “Heather Loudan said to me, ‘do you not fancy getting your Level One (referee qualification)?’. Well, I am now a Level Three thanks to Heather’s persuasion,” Sam said.

Whereas for Martin, it came around a lot more naturally: “I was just around it constantly. I was taken along to help and I just enjoyed being around it,” the 32-year-old said.

Each member of the Thomson family enjoys a different aspect of boccia. Fraser (24-years-old) appreciates the sense of community that surrounds the sport.

“I haven’t been at a competition for some time but I will still have gifts sent to me through my mum and dad. There will still be everyone asking after me and I will be asking after them. It’s a very welcoming family (the boccia family).”

He continued to say: “Now that I am out of education, I would like to get back into it because I do really miss it. I like the atmosphere, even if it is not as a referee role it is still a great atmosphere.”

Martin enjoys the process of being involved in the technical side of the sport, often enjoying the pressure that can come with volunteering at a busy event. “I was at one of the events, and it was getting a bit hectic, and I thought, right I will step up. Just doing that makes me feel good, it makes me feel good because I am there because of what I know,” he said.

With Darren being a Level Four International Referee, he often takes up the role as head referee at competition – leading and managing the referees.

He said: “Generally, in Scotland I am the head referee at the vast majority of competitions, so it’s good to have that role where I am overseeing the family at most events and venues.”

This can make Darren’s job easier, knowing exactly what they can bring as volunteers and how passionate they are about the sport. “All three of them have done an absolutely brilliant role for me across Scotland. They’ve all stood up and done something within the sport to give something back.”

In May of 2026 Darren put his Officiating skills to the test, as he made a return to the international stage at the World Boccia Challenger Pajulahti. As Scotland’s top boccia referee, Darren welcomed the opportunity, saying: “I was delighted to get back into full international competitions in Finland this year. To come back to a World Boccia Challenger event allowed me to get reconnected with the players, organisers and other officials at the event, some of whom I had not seen for a long time. The thrill of being on court with these top athletes is something that is difficult to describe but it is where I am happiest. Pajulahti, is a beautiful town and to have the opportunity to visit and officiate there was a pleasure.”

Sam shared that the family has always enjoyed refereeing and helping out at events, as each week brings new opportunities to learn. “We always say if we are coaching, if you don’t come away from a competition having learnt something, it’s not worth going to.”

She continued to say: “It doesn’t matter how long you have been doing it for, you are still learning.”

“As a family, it doesn’t matter where we are traveling home from, the journey is usually spent discussing what we have done and learnt.”

Darren explained how they still make time to talk about boccia off court. “When a new set of rules come out, we sit in the living room, with a set of boccia balls and work out, ‘right what does this actually mean’.”

Sam was quick to add: “We do actually have a life outside of boccia, just not much of one.”

It’s not just boccia that the Thomson family work closely on, with all four members either being current or former employees of Active Dundee.

Both Martin and Fraser have noticed how their experiences and time spent volunteering, has supported them during their work for Active Dundee. Influenced by Darren and Sam’s strong passion for inclusion, Martin shared his thoughts on the impact it has had: “I have been able to take that knowledge of disability sport into my work. Being in and around boccia has helped me in everyday life.”

Fraser agreed with this, saying: “When I was working for Leisure and Culture Dundee, I was a sports coach – predominantly working out in the community. We would have so many different types of people, and because of what I have grown up around, I have been able to adapt really well and easily to whoever wants to join our sessions.”

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

If you would be interested in volunteering within disability sport in Scotland, check out all the current opportunities on the SDS website, here.

If you are keen to get involved in boccia as a volunteer, coach, official or player, reach out to your Regional Development Manager or contact SDS’s Boccia Development Officer, Jonathan Kennedy, by email: jonathan.kennedy@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

18/03/2025

World Silver Medal and Paralympic Spot Secured

Scotland sealed a silver medal on home ice at the weekend (16th March), finishing second behind Japan in the Mixed Doubles Competition at the World Wheelchair Curling Championships.

The silver medal for Charlotte McKenna (Central) and Hugh Nibloe (Dumfries and Galloway) has also guaranteed the pair a spot in ParalympicsGB squad for the upcoming Winter Paralympics in Milano-Cortina 2026.

Following the silver medal win, Charlotte said: “It feels great. It’s amazing to get a silver medal. A bit disappointed obviously and it hurts now to not get the gold.”

“I think we can be proud of what we did,” concluded Charlotte.

Qualifying for the Paralympics was, “the absolute goal,” said Hugh.

The Championships took place at Auchenharvie Leisure Centre in Stevenston, Scotland. Charlotte and Hugh battled for gold against Japan’s Nakajima Yoj and Ogawa Aki.

The Japanese duo took the lead following the first end (0-1) but Charlotte played a perfect take-out to put Scotland in front, 2-1, heading into the third end.

Japan wasn’t rattled though and led the break, 5-2. Their momentum continued which forced Scotland to concede the game, with the finish score being 11-2.

More information can be found on the British Curling website here.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Scottish Curling (@scottish_curling)

28/01/2025

The Power of Boccia: Duncan McIntyre’s Story

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer

Sport offers everyone something different. For Duncan McIntyre, sport has provided him with so much: from competing in local matches in Tayside to playing in national from travelling around Scotland to playing in national competitions and travelling around Scotland.

One of the most significant benefits that boccia has provide Duncan with, is the opportunity to socialise and to gain the many benefits that being part of a club can offer.

Duncan is 63 years old and had a stroke approximately eleven years ago. In the aftermath of this, Duncan wanted to still push himself and experience the physical and psychological benefits that sport and physical activity can provide.

This resulted in Duncan being introduced to Perth Eagles Boccia Club and a boccia group called the Sparks. Duncan explained, “I went to the Sparks and they introduced me to boccia. I am very grateful for this”.

Through playing boccia, Duncan has seen a real increase in his opportunities to become physically active and socialise. “I play once a week with the Eagles and on a Saturday with the Sparks for team games.”

“I like being part of a team, it is nice.”

Duncan believes that his introduction to boccia has played an important role in his social life, commenting: “I am a lot more social through boccia”.

One of the many attributes a club can provide is managing to create a collective group of individuals with similar interests. This is certainly something that Duncan has found, saying: “There is a great group of people.”

Graeme Doig, the Regional Development Manager for Tayside and Branch Coordinator for Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) Member Branch, Perth and Kinross Disability Sport, expanded by saying, “Perth Eagles boccia club offers local opportunities for people with disabilities to come together to get active in the sport of boccia. We have worked hard to create a culture and sense of belonging at the club where everyone is welcome and encouraged to meet new people, learn new skills, gain confidence and most importantly, have fun.”

Alongside meeting fellow players throughout the Tayside region, Duncan has had the opportunity to meet and compete against some of the country’s finest boccia players. “I’ve actually met Stephen McGuire, I played him at Inverclyde”, Duncan said. Meeting the now BC4 Paralympic champion has been a highlight for Duncan.

“It’s a good experience to meet these kinds of guys.”

A further highlight for Duncan came this year, when he became the 2024 SDS National non-BISFed Open Champion, where he came out trumps in the Senior Athletes with a physical disability competition.

Duncan has found himself traveling over Scotland competing in boccia, saying: “I’ve been to Dumfries and I have been to Aberdeen.” Similarly to the 2024 non BISFED Scottish Open, Duncan didn’t leave empty handed. “I got a silver in Aberdeen and me and Alex (Meddley) got gold in Dumfries”, Duncan explained.

Alongside the social aspects of boccia, Duncan has found himself gaining far more from the sport. “There are the physical benefits as well. When I had my stroke, I could only use one hand. It has made it stronger”, said Duncan.

The continued development of Duncan is something that Graeme Doig has also noticed. “It’s been amazing to see Duncan’s progress over the years with us, he’s always had that competitive edge about his play. When he started, I could see his potential straight away and to be crowned National Boccia Champion in 2024 was an incredible achievement and fantastic recognition for all his dedication and hard work he puts into his sport.” Graeme said, before adding: “Duncan is a very popular member of Perth Eagles and with fellow competitors across the country with his friendly, caring and supportive approach.”

To find out more about boccia opportunities throughout your area, reach out to the SDS Boccia Development Manager Jonathan Kennedy on, jonathan.kennedy@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

To find out what other sporting opportunities are available throughout your area, reach out to your Regional Development Manager.

To keep up to date on the latest disability sport news and opportunities across Scotland, follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and X.