Tag: Sport

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

24/07/2024

Archery’s Nathan Macqueen Selected for his Third Paralympic Games

ParalympicsGB announces archery squad for Paris 2024

Scotland’s Nathan Macqueen is preparing to pack his bags as he’s heading off to compete in his third Games – the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Joining him will be Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Phoebe Paterson Pine and Jodie Grinham, who will be 28 weeks pregnant when competing at Paris 2024, will be representing ParalympicsGB for the second time. They are joined by Victoria Kingstone who will make her Paralympic debut in the French capital.

Macqueen, 33, made his Paralympic debut at Rio 2016 just months after his first international competition. The Scot, who lives in Dumfries, is the current world number two.

Macqueen said: “I’m really excited to be selected in what will be my third Paralympic Games. Taking part in three consecutive Games has not been easy by any means, but I want to keep going and become the Scottish Paralympian with the most Paralympic appearances.

“In comparison to previous Games it feels more real. Tokyo was what it was because of the way the world was at the time. I’m absolutely buzzing to be heading to Paris.

“My wife, son and lots of my family will all be coming to watch which will be brilliant. In terms of aspirations, you always want to win a medal. I don’t care what colour it is but just to be able to give my little boy a medal would be very cool.”

Paterson Pine said: “Just making Tokyo was an absolute dream come true so to be selected for my second Games as well is like one goal after another coming true!

“I’m also grateful the Games are so close to home this time, not only from a travel perspective but also being able to have my family and friends come and watch. Tokyo felt quite isolating at times, so being able to have them all come and support and see them and have a hug if needed is so important.

“I want to treat every single Games as a separate Games. I will always be Tokyo 2020 Paralympic champion; nobody can take that away from me. Do I want to be Paris 2024 Paralympic champion – of course I do – but I’m not going to put that pressure on myself. I’m 26-years old, I want to go out there, enjoy the experience and enjoy being a two-time Paralympian.”

Grinham, who hails from Haverfordwest in Wales and now lives in Crawley, Sussex, won silver in the Compound Mixed Team event at Rio 2016. She will be 28 weeks pregnant when she competes in Paris, which is thought to be a first for any Paralympian competing for Great Britain.

The 30-year-old said: “It’s a very different experience for me this time around. You’ve got the athlete in me who’s relieved, excited and extremely prepared and then you’ve also got the mummy in me that’s going to miss home, miss my son and will be 28 weeks pregnant when competing in Paris. It’s all about creating a balance – as much as I know I’m going to miss home; I also love what I do so there’s always going to be a compromise.

“I can say I’ve been in the Paralympic family for eight years now and it really is family – we all support each other regardless of what we’ve gone through.

“I would love to bring a medal back like I did in Rio. To get on the podium, not just for myself and the performances I’ve done, but for women to show you can compete while pregnant and do well.”

The four archers were officially announced by ParalympicsGB at an event at Lilleshall National Sports Centre, the home of Archery GB, and the location of the recently opened Performance Archery Centre where the team have been training in the run up to Paris. The event, part of an international camp with visiting athletes from France, Finland, Hungary and Ireland, also saw children from local schools invited to meet the athletes and have a go at archery.

Completing the squad is Paralympic debutant Victoria Kingstone, originally from Rainham in Kent and now living in Camberley, Surrey, who will compete in the W1 Open category.

The 42-year-old, who won mixed team bronze at the 2023 European Para Championships said: “I just missed out on Tokyo but I’m looking forward to Paris, albeit a little nervous too. The closer it gets the more you realise the scale it is going to be and it’s daunting but it’s about getting the balance right, focusing on just delivering the best performance you can give. Preparations are going well, but with it being my first Games I haven’t got anything to compare it to. I don’t know how I’m going to perform but particularly in my category anything is possible!

“Being so close to home it almost feels like a home Games. My family is from Kent so they’re hoping to come over and watch me compete which will be really nice, and even those that aren’t able to travel, the minimal time difference will make it a lot easier for everyone to watch.”

ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission Penny Briscoe said: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome our four Para archers to the ParalympicsGB team for Paris 2024. Nathan, Phoebe and Jodie all have fantastic Paralympic experience behind them and I know as a group will lead the way when it comes to sharing that Paralympic journey with Victoria as she makes her Paralympic debut in Paris.

“I’m especially pleased for Jodie who has been selected to compete for ParalympicsGB as an expectant mum – a first for ParalympicsGB and news we were delighted to learn. ParalympicsGB has been in close contact with the support team at Archery GB as well as colleagues at the UK Sports Institute to ensure Jodie is well looked after at the Games and I know she has been thorough in her preparations too.”

Rachel Bayley, Paralympic Team Leader, said: “I’m proud of the whole team. They’ve all worked so hard to get to where they are today. We have some with pedigree from past Paralympics, some that perhaps have some unfinished business, one debutant and some silverware from recent international competitions which is really positive. Whilst we don’t like to talk specifically about medal outcome, I’m very aware of what this team is capable of and so are they.

“Every team that’s going to be in Paris is going to be very competitive and we will be too. I’m confident we’ve got the ability to be there and compete and hopefully that will deliver some success.”

A total of around 220 athletes from 19 sports are expected to make up the British team that will compete in Paris.

Full Archery squad:

Nathan Macqueen – Compound Men Open

Jodie Grinham – Compound Women Open

Phoebe Paterson Pine – Compound Women Open

Victoria Kingstone – Women WI

22/07/2024

Summer Camp 2024: A Special Thanks From SDS

By William Moncrieff, Communications Apprentice

It’s crazy to think that two weeks ago, bags were being packed for 27 participants and 26 members of staff in preparation for Scottish Disability Sport’s Summer Camp. No one could have predicted the immense amount of fun and adventures that were to come!

SDS’s annual Summer Camp was held at Badaguish outdoor center, located just outside of Aviemore in the center of the Highlands. The camp provided a scenic setting which everyone called home over the week.

The Camp was action packed. Providing all campers with loads of exciting opportunities including curling, athletics, tennis, water sports, archery, boccia, football, goalball, cycling, obstacle courses and an expedition to the Green Loch.

Hopefully, campers left camp with some great memories, shared with new and old friends. Maybe some will also continue to participate in one of the sports they tried at camp!

One thing is for certain – it wouldn’t have been possible without the support from some key people and organisations. Therefore, SDS would like to express thanks to:

Dundee Dragons, for the use of their van. The van was vital in helping participants travel from the camp to Loch Inch to try out a range of water sports, as well as transporting campers to Glenmore Outdoor Centre where they could begin their expedition to the Green Loch.

A special mention to Graham MacBain for driving all the Campers and Staff around safely, ensuring we always arrived at our location.

A lot of effort is put in behind the scenes in summer camp production and organisation. Scottish Disability Sport are incredibly grateful to MBM Health Care for the use of their hoists and shower chairs, alongside David Hill from Castle Semple Centre for lending us the use of the Aquabacs.

Many thanks to Scottish Curling, Able to Adventure, Highland Cycle Ability Centre and Loch Inch. Their support and involvement provided the campers with a wide variety of fun and engaging activities – opportunities that many would not have had access to beforehand.

Finally, a shoutout to Badaguish Outdoor Centre for hosting us for the week. The camp was the perfect base to come back to in between activities and at the end of an action packed the day.

16/07/2024

Thousand More Active Thanks to the Power of GOGA

Get Out Get Active (GOGA) has released its latest impact report, showing thousands of people across the UK have been given the opportunity to be active thanks to the programme.

Designed to support disabled and non-disabled people to enjoy being active together, GOGA has reached more than 55,000 people since its inception in 2016.

Funded by Spirit of 2012, Sport England and London Marathon Foundation, with Activity Alliance as the creator and lead partner, it has transformed people’s lives. From swimming clubs in the south of England to walking groups in Northern Ireland there have been 3,331 activities and interventions in its seven years.

It strengthens communities, with six in 10 GOGA participants saying they are now more connected within their community. Seven in 10 have continued to be active and maintained their activity levels outside of the GOGA programme.

In Scotland, GOGA Tayside is a collaboration between NHS Tayside and Scottish Disability Sport with the unique opportunity and approach to strengthening links between physical activity and health.

“GOGA provides fun, free and inclusive activities with the aims of improving health, self-esteem, mood and energy levels, whilst fostering community connectedness,” – GOGA Tayside.

GOGA Tayside is now proudly funded by Tayside Health Fund from October 2023.

As well as participants there have been more than 4,000 volunteers engaged at sessions, with almost three in 10 volunteers having a disability.

Adam Blaze, CEO of Activity Alliance said:

“Get Out Get Active proves time and again how inclusive activity can benefit people across the UK in more ways than just becoming active. As the creator and lead partner it perfectly encapsulates ways to achieve our vision of fairness for disabled people in sport and activity.

“By focussing on creative and innovative ways to engage people GOGA is leading the way. A flexible and fearless approach to trying and testing new activities has led to remarkable results.

The impact on individuals and communities has been incredibly rewarding to see. With local expertise thousands of the least active people in society have been given a chance to enjoy a happier and healthier life. GOGA uses activity for good and we can’t underestimate the impact of the programme.”

Ruth Hollis, Chief Executive at Spirit of 2012, said:

“As the founding and principle funder of Get Out Get Active, Spirit’s largest funded project, we are delighted to share the impact of the programme. GOGA has enabled thousands of people, young and old, disabled and non disabled, to be active together across the UK – focusing on reaching those with the highest barriers to taking part.

“This report shows that GOGA has had a demonstrable impact on the wellbeing and sustaining participation in physical activity for people in communities across the UK. It should be a call to action for others in the physical activity sector or wanting reduce health inequalities to learn from GOGA’s signature person-centred approach in all future programmes that set out to tackle inactivity.

“I want to thank the team at Activity Alliance and Wavehill and all those that delivered the programme across the UK for delivering this to the people that need it most.”

Whilst aiming to get some of the UK’s least active people moving more, the financial benefits are brought to life in the latest impact report. It shows that for every £1 invested, GOGA has delivered more than £4.60 in social, environmental, and economic value.

The report showcases the insight gathered throughout GOGA’s lifetime, providing valuable information for those that want to mirror the successes seen. It shows that GOGA has become much more than an activity programme. It is an approach to helping organisations and communities, across the UK, to support the least active disabled and non-disabled people in activity.

You can read the full Get Out Get Active Impact report on the Get Out Get Active website here.

03/07/2024

Grace Thrives in New Role as YPSP Administrator

Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you applied for the role of the Young Person’s Sport Panel (YPSP) Administrator?

I am currently going into my final year as a Sport Studies student at Stirling Uni. I’m a past member of the SDS YPSP and current member of both the sportscotland YPSP and Forth Valley Disability Sport YPSP. I’m also a FitForGirls tutor with sportscotland and a tutor with SDS.

Growing up with a disability and participating in sport as a Para swimmer, I have experienced many different barriers and challenges which have driven my passion for inclusion and my desire to make a difference to the sporting world. I joined the Young Start programme at a time where I wasn’t sure where I fitted in sport as I had recently dropped out of swimming but the Young Start programme and the SDS YPSP provided me with a new purpose and a love for volunteering. The confidence I gained through the Young Start programme and the YPSP encouraged me to get involved in other opportunities out with disability sport. When I graduate next year, I plan on working within sport fulltime.

I applied for the role of YPSP administrator because I wanted to give back to the panel which had given me so much. I know the importance of the role that the YPSP administrator has on the YPSP members and I wanted to ensure that the panel members get the most out of their time on the panel. I want to ensure that the current YPSP members have the same and if not better experience than I had on the YPSP.

What have you been up to since starting the new role? Are you enjoying it?

Since starting the role, I have been catching up on what the YPSP have done so far and what they would like to do in the future. I want to make sure I listen to YPSP members and understand the opportunities they want to participate in during their time on the panel. I was grateful to have people who listened to me during my time on the panel. The YPSP have been busy creating lots of videos for social media, and I have loved working with them – it is great to hear them share their story! I also enjoyed getting to know the YPSP members and look forward to our first meeting together in July. We also have an in-person day at the end of July, so it will be lovely to meet everyone in person.

Why do you think it is important for SDS to have a YPSP?

I’m a huge advocate for the importance of listening to and valuing the voice of young people. I am passionate about the impact the voice of young people can have and the way we can use it to make a difference to sport. I believe it is important for SDS to have a YPSP because it provides SDS with the chance to speak and listen to the first-hand and current experiences of people with a disability. Young people also offer a different perspective and they are the future generation, therefore it is important that organisations like SDS ensure that their work considers the needs and interests of young people. Having a YPSP also provides young people with the opportunity to feel like they are making a real difference to their sporting experience, their community and for those around them.

Do you think this role will help you develop your skills and if so, why?

This role will allow me to gain so many different experiences and skills which will benefit and support me in my future career in sport. I believe that you are always growing and developing as a person and I’m excited to see what I will learn and how I will grow in this role. One opportunity that this role offers is the chance to work directly in collaboration and partnership with both my SDS colleagues and external organisations, in order to offer a range of opportunities for the YPSP. This will provide me with the chance to learn about a range of organisations and I’m looking forward to being able to grow my network within the sporting sector.

Why do you think young people should get involved in the YPSP?

The YPSP is a fantastic opportunity to meet other young people who have a disability and who are like-minded and have a passion to make a difference to disability sport. The YPSP provides young people with so many different opportunities to gain new skills, knowledge and experiences which will benefit them throughout their life. YPSP members can influence disability sport at the highest level in Scotland, and SDS welcomes and values their thoughts, opinions, beliefs and experiences in their work! The YPSP was such a positive experience for myself and I got to experience so many different things that I wouldn’t have thought possible! It gave me confidence and self-belief which has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. The YPSP opened so many doors for me and has encouraged me to follow my passion to change sport for the better!

01/07/2024

The Inspiring Journey of Dr. Julie McElroy in the London Marathon

Dr. Julie McElroy, a woman from Glasgow with cerebral palsy, etched her name in history as she became the first female frame runner to conquer the iconic London Marathon. The marathon, a gruelling 26.2-mile journey through London’s bustling streets, presented physical and mental challenges that tested Julie’s endurance and determination.

As a frame runner, Julie faced unique obstacles navigating through the crowded course. The atmosphere was electrifying, with crowds packed tightly along the route, making navigation a real challenge. However, with the invaluable support of her guide, Gill Menzies, Julie expertly manoeuvred through the sea of runners, ensuring enough space for her to move effectively.

Completing the marathon in five hours and 59 minutes, Julie described the experience as surreal. Physically, she emerged unscathed, without any cuts or blisters, and feeling pain-free. However, emotionally, she admitted feeling drained after the intense mental and physical challenges of the race.

One of the toughest moments came around the 16-mile mark, where Julie relied on Gill’ encouragement and energy boosts to keep pushing forward. Using the frame runner for the marathon proved both exhilarating and challenging. Navigating the bustling streets of London presented its obstacles, and being on the frame runner for six hours, the longest duration thus far, tested Julie’s endurance and concentration. Yet, guided by Gill, she maintained her position and pushed through the adversity.

The pinnacle of Julie’s experience came as she crossed the finish line in under six hours, marking a significant milestone in her journey. Remarkably, she emerged from the race unscathed, a testament to her resilience and determination.

Looking ahead, Julie has a calendar full of 10k runs and half marathons lined up for the remainder of the year. Additionally, she has been invited to participate in a special event of the 50th-anniversary celebration of Knockhill, the Scottish Rally Driving circuit, in November. These opportunities are a testament to Julie’s unwavering dedication to overcoming obstacles and achieving her goals.

Julie credits much of her success to her coach, Gordon Innes, whose guidance and support were instrumental in preparing her for the London Marathon. Without his expertise and encouragement, reaching this milestone would not have been possible. Frame running has truly revolutionised Julie’s approach to staying pain-free, allowing her to pursue her passion for running and inspire others along the way.

Julie has been actively fundraising for the Richard Whitehead Foundation in the course of the London Marathon, established by British athlete Richard Whitehead MBE, who participates in running using prosthetic legs.

Julie’s journey in the London Marathon serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the ability to overcome adversity.

Dr. Julie McElroy, a woman with cerebral palsy, made history as the first female frame runner to finish the London Marathon. She completed the race in five hours and 59 minutes. McElroy, introduced to frame running three years ago after an injury, hopes to inspire others with disabilities. Julie joined Victoria Park Athletics Club three years ago and met a Coach, Gordon Innes who has coached her to success.FREE FIRST USE Mark F Gibson / Gibson Digital infogibsondigital@gmail.co.uk www.gibsondigital.co.uk Julie McIlroy has Perpetual License to use these pictures in print and online All images © Gibson Digital 2024. Free first use only for editorial in connection with the commissioning client's press-released story. All other rights are reserved. Use in any other context is expressly prohibited without prior permission. — Mark Gibson

Dr Julie McElroy running with her frame runner during the London Marathon — Credit: Sportograf

27/06/2024

Nine Scots on British Curling’s World Class Programme

British Curling announced last week their biggest ever cohort of Para athletes to be selected for the World Class Programme 2024-2025 season, and nine Scots made the cut.

The 12 strong squad includes five Scottish Paralympians: Hugh Nibloe, Gregor Ewan, Robert McPherson, Gary Smith and Meggan Dawson Farrell, alongside Jo (Joanna) Butterfield, Gary Logan, Charlotte McKenna and Martin Sutherland as World Championship representatives. England’s Stewart Pimblett completes the set of the experienced athletes.

Newcomers to that squad are England’s Mixed Doubles world champs Karen Aspey and Julian Mattison, who have moved up from Paralympic Performance Foundation (PPF) level.

Three more of last season’s PPF squad join the Programme: Scotland’s Keith Gray and England’s George Potts and Jason Kean have graduated to national level support, a group that is completed by a third English player Jean Guild.

“Congratulations to all of those who have been selected to the world class programme this season after a rigorous selection process,” said British Curling Paralympic Head Coach Sheila Swan.

“This is the largest squad we have recruited to the Paralympic programme and consists of many familiar faces and experienced athletes along with lots of fresh blood, demonstrating how effectively our Paralympic pathway is now working, enhanced by our recruitment campaigns north and south of the border, with more English athletes on board than ever before.

“International wheelchair curling has never been so competitive, which is being felt ever more keenly with just two years to go to Mila Cortina in 2026 with two medal opportunities available from the team and mixed doubles disciplines in the Paralympic programme for the first time.

“We believe having a large squad will not only boost our chances in 2026 and beyond, we also know it will help everyone at different stages of the pathway to develop well in order to win well when it counts in 2026.”

Selected athletes for 2024/25 – Paralympic Squad:

Charlotte McKenna

Gary Logan

Gary Smith

Gregor Ewan

Hugh Nibloe

Joanna Butterfield

Julian Mattison

Karen Aspey

Martin Sutherland

Meggan Dawson-Farrell

Robert McPherson

Stewart Pimblett

Charlotte McKenna

27/06/2024

The Power of Pride

By William Moncrieff, Communications Apprentice

June is recognised internationally as Pride Month. It provides millions of people worldwide with a platform to raise awareness for the LGBTQ+ community.

Lynne Glen, Scottish Disability Sports’ Head of Development and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, believes that it is incredibly important to have role models in the sport community.

“It is essential for everyone to see the LGBTQ+ community represented in all areas of sport and physical activity. The visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals can change the perceptions of people who aren’t part of the community and reinforce to people of all ages who want to come out, that sports can offer a positive experience and impact on individuals by participating, which can be significant to their health and wellbeing,” said Lynne.

Lynne knows the impact that role models can have and feels passionate about challenging misconceptions: “Generally, I want to fit into life with everyone else but I don’t shy away from mentioning my wife in conversation as it is essential to be visible and not hide away.”

She continues to say, “I do feel a responsibility to do this, as the many LGBTQ+ have done so before me to make it easier for me to live my life as an out gay woman. I find this easier now but haven’t always.”

Lynne has been involved in disability sport in various capacities since 2002. Her journey started as a volunteer within the Falkirk area. Following this, she and her wife set up Denny Devils Multi Sports Club – a multisport club for children and young people with a disability.

“I felt very passionate about everyone accessing sports and physical activity, and volunteering in disability sports was very rewarding,” said Lynne.

Today – alongside her work at Scottish Disability Sport – Lynne volunteers at a local Boccia club as a safeguarding officer as well as often overseeing the volunteer recruitment and development. Furthermore, she is a volunteer director with Judo Scotland, focusing her efforts on promoting and supporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Lynne believes that Pride Month alongside other campaigns, such as The Rainbow Laces Campaign, play an important role in challenging societal perceptions: “They raise awareness in the community to non-members of the community, showing that we are not any different from anyone else who may be in your workplace or be your club member or volunteer. Also that the LGBTQ+ community can offer diverse thinking and outcomes for your organisation.”

Although there has been development in societal acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, it is an important conversation to continue having.

“I definitely do feel there has been a shift in acceptance in society but I also feel more progress can be made, as many people still experience discrimination in their everyday lives,” said Lynne.

“I find it easier to be open and out within my professional role in SDS.  I feel confident being ‘my authentic self’ and can speak openly about my wife and family. This hasn’t always been the case in previous employment in different sectors though.  We had to wait for almost twenty years before we could marry. Thankfully, same sex people can now marry and have been able to do so since 2014, which is a huge cultural change in Scotland but unfortunately, there are many countries that don’t have such progressive views or practices.”

Lynne continued to say: “More representation from members of the community in all walks of life will result in more diverse strategy, policy, planning and practice at local level which will in turn result in more engagement from diverse communities. This has to be proportionate to target resources at engaging and retaining diverse communities and in particular those with intersecting communities.”

Lynne hopes that, “the next generation of young people will face no discrimination for being ‘different’ and will embrace who they are without worrying about what others think about them. Everyone would be considered as an individual with no judgement and would be seen as valued members of their community regardless of who they are, how they identify and who they love.”

SDS uses sport as a platform to help promote a fully inclusive and diverse society, one that is accepting of everyone. Through strong leadership and effective partnerships, SDS will engage and sustain participants, support athlete progression and influence change, whilst practicing their values of inclusion, respect, integrity and ambition.

25/06/2024

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.

21/06/2024

Kinghorn and Sandilands Amongst First 10 Para Athletics Names Announced for Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

Two Scots are among the 10 athletes selected for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games announced by ParalympicsGB today, in the first wave of selection.

Following a successful World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe last month, as well as several fine displays by Para athletes in the early stages of the season, ten athletes have been confirmed for the Games.

Scotland’s Samantha Kinghorn (from Red Star AC and coached by Rodger Harkins) and Ben Sandilands (Fife AC athlete who is coached by Steve Doig) – who both have world titles to their name – join the first cohort of selected athletes.

Following the announcement, Sammi said, “I’m so excited to be competing at my third Paralympic Games in Paris. Lots of my friends and family will be coming over to watch me and I can’t wait to get going now really feeling the fire!”

It’ll be a third consecutive Paralympics for Sammi (Samantha) whilst Ben will be a first time Paralympian in Paris, competing in the 1500m T20. Sammi will be aiming to build on the success of Tokyo 2020, where she reached the podium on two occasions: silver in the 400m T53 and bronze in the 100m T53. She will compete in three events in Paris – the 100m, 400m and 800m T53.

The second and final wave of para athletics selection take place on 22 July 2024 with the full team announced soon afterwards.

Penny Briscoe, Chef de Mission at ParalympicsGB, said: “I’m delighted to welcome such a strong group of experienced and talented Para athletes to the ParalympicsGB team for Paris 2024. All ten individuals have already shown what they are capable of at the highest level, so I am really excited to see what they can achieve at the Paralympic Games in Paris later this summer.”

Tommy Yule, Para Athletics Team Leader at the Paralympic Games, said: “Congratulations to all 10 athletes for earning their call-up to Paris 2024. They have all worked incredibly hard with their support networks to get to this point, so they should be proud of their achievement.

“With just over two months to go until the Games begin, we will be supporting and engaging with all these athletes’ in their preparations, to add the most value to ensure they are best prepared for the Games.”

A total of around 230 athletes from 19 sports are expected to make up the British team that will compete in Paris, with further names to be announced by ParalympicsGB in the next few weeks.

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

Scots selected –

Women

Sammi Kinghorn (Rodger Harkins, Red Star) – T53 100m, 400m and 800m

Men

Ben Sandilands (Steve Doig, Fife) – T20 1500m