Tag: swimming

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.  

Photo montage of (left to right) Stephen Clegg, Toni Shaw, Louis Lawlor and Faye Rogers.

Four Scots Selected for ParalympicsGB Swimming Team for Paris 2024 Paralympics

Coinciding with 100 days to go to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, ParalympicsGB named a 26-strong Para swimming team on Monday (21st), including four Scottish athletes.

The four Scots that made the team include Stephen Clegg, Toni Shaw, Louis Lawlor and Faye Rogers.

Paris 2024 marks a third consecutive Games for Stephen, whereas it’s a second Paralympics  for both Toni and Louis. Despite being her debut Paralympics, Faye goes into Paris as current world champion following her success at Manchester 2023.

“I am so excited to be selected for my first Paralympics,” said Faye following the announcement.

“The last 3 years have been absolutely crazy so to end up here is just an amazing feeling. Bring on Paris!!”

Multiple Paralympic medallists, Stephen Clegg and Rebecca Redfern, alongside Rio 2016 gold medallist Alice Tai, rank as some of the more experienced heads lining up within a talented team.

Tokyo Paralympians Ellie Challis, Louise Fiddes, Grace Harvey, Suzanna Hext, Louis Lawlor and Toni Shaw complete the roster of athletes with prior Games experience – with Challis, Fiddes, Harvey and Shaw all having reached the podium three years ago at the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Games which yielded a phenomenal 26 medals for ParalympicsGB in the pool.

Of the 15 debutants set to write their own chapter of Paralympic history in front of packed stands in Paris, William Ellard, Poppy Maskill and Faye Rogers do so as world champions following their successes at Manchester 2023 – with Rhys Darbey, Scarlett Humphrey, Cameron Vearncombe and Brock Whiston further members of the British team that competed at the home World Championships last summer heading for their first Paralympic Games in 100 days’ time. Scarlett will be joined in Paris by her identical twin sister Eliza Humphrey where they will be racing against each other in a number of events.

Iona Winnifrith is the youngest member of the swimming cohort selected for Paris 2024, with the 13-year-old having built upon impressive performances at April’s Aquatics GB Swimming Championships at the London Aquatics Centre, by racing to two European titles later last month in Madeira.

Olivia Newman-Baronius, Callie Ann-Warrington, Mark Tompsett and Harry Stewart equally all claimed European titles at their first senior international championships appearance in April, with Bruce Dee and Megan Neave additionally achieving podium finishes in Madeira as they now prepare to compete on the sport’s greatest stage this summer.

Double Paralympic champion, Maisie Summers-Newton said: “It’s an amazing feeling to be selected for a second Paralympic Games.

“I achieved my dream three years ago in Tokyo, and defending my titles is definitely the ambition, but without putting too much pressure on myself the focus is on enjoying my racing and delivering my own best performance – to be able to do that in front of family and friends this summer will be all the more special.”

ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission Penny Briscoe said: “I’m delighted that today, with exactly 100 days to go to this summer’s Paralympic Games, we can celebrate the first athletes to join the ParalympicsGB team for Paris 2024 – our swimming squad.

“Our 26 swimmers represent an exciting mix of youth and experience, and there’s no doubt they all have fantastic potential to make Great Britain proud in Paris this summer. I’m really excited to see the ParalympicsGB team start to take shape and look forward to welcoming athletes from all corners of the UK, across 19 sports in total, in the coming weeks and months.”

Aquatics GB Associate Performance Director Tim Jones said: “I’m delighted that ParalympicsGB are now announcing these 26 swimmers to compete in the swimming events in Paris in 100 days’ time.

“Our athlete cohort has evolved significantly since the Tokyo Games, and with 15 first-time Paralympians on the team, we know we have great potential to be very successful in Paris. Amongst our more experienced team members we’ve also seen some positive performance developments across this cycle to build on results from the past. We travel to the Games with a high-quality group of well-supported swimmers from a diverse range of training locations, which is testament to the hard work and commitment from a large number of clubs and their coaches.

“With the team now unveiled, we will forge ahead in the coming months with the comprehensive plans we have put in place for this important pre-Games preparation phase, and I have every confidence we will arrive in Paris ready to deliver our best possible performance.”

A total of around 230 athletes from 19 sports to 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. ParalympicsGB finished second on the medal table with 124 medals overall, including 41 gold, 38 silver and 45 bronze.

ParalympicsGB Swimming squad:

Ellie Challis, Manchester Performance Centre (S3/SB2/SM3)

Stephen Clegg, University of Edinburgh (S12/SB12/SM12)

Rhys Darbey, Nofio Clwyd (S14/SB14/SM14)

Bruce Dee, Northampton SC (S6/SB6/SM6)

William Ellard, St Felix Swimming Club (S14/SB14/SM14)

Louise Fiddes, Hatfield SC (S14/SB14/SM14)

Grace Harvey, Manchester Performance Centre (S6/SB5/SM6)

Suzanna Hext, Tigersharks A.S.C. (S5/SB4/SM5)

Eliza Humphrey, Northampton SC (S11/SB11/SM11)

Scarlett Humphrey, Northampton SC (S11/SB11/SM11)

Tully Kearney, Loughborough University (S5/SB5/SM5)

Louis Lawlor, City of Glasgow ST (S14/SB14/SM14)

Poppy Maskill, Manchester Performance Centre (S14/SB14/SM14)

Olivia Newman-Baronius, Maxwell Swim Club (S14/SB14/SM14)

Megan Neave, Repton Swimming (S14/SB14/SM14)

Rebecca Redfern, Worcester SC (S13/SB13/SM13)

Faye Rogers, University of Aberdeen Performance (S10/SB10/SM10)

Toni Shaw, University of Aberdeen Performance (S9/SB9/SM9)

Harry Stewart, Plymouth Leander SC (S14/SB14/SM14)

Maisie Summers-Newton, Northampton SC (S6/SB6/SM6)

Alice Tai, Ealing SC (S8, SB8, SM8)

Mark Tompsett, Bolton Metro SS (S14/SB14/SM14)

Cameron Vearncombe, Manchester Performance Centre (S14/SB14/SM14)

Callie-Ann Warrington, RTW Monson SC (S10/SB10/SM10)

Brock Whiston, Barking and Dagenham/London Disability SC (S8, SB8, SM8)

Iona Winnifrith, Tonbridge SC (S7/SB7/SM7)

 

Scottish Swimmers from the British Swimming Team emerge onto poolside wearing their British Swimming kit.

Scottish Success at World Para Swimming Championships

After weeks of top-level aquatic competition in Fukuoka, the baton has been passed onto Manchester, as the city gears up to host the World Para Swimming Championships from 31 July to 6 August.

Descending on the northern powerhouse are 546 swimmers from 67 nations around the globe – as the world’s best para swimmers set their sights on world titles, records and personal bests, one year out from the Paris Paralympic Games. Seven Scots will make a splash in the 2002 Commonwealth Games venue as part of a 28-strong Great Britain team, which features multiple Paralympic and World Champions. There were multiple medallists and finalist from the Scottish swimmers who were part of the GB team. Congratulations to all swimmers on their excellent performances

Relays

49 points  mixed 4x 100m medley relay Stephen Clegg and his teammates finished 4th

49 points mixed 4 x 100 medley relay Stephen Clegg and his teammates finished 4th

34 points 4x100m Medley 34pts Relay, the quartet of Sam Downie, Faye Rogers and Ollie Carter with teammate , Maisie Summers-Newton came 6th

34 points 4x100m Medley 34pts Relay, included Sam Downie, Faye Rogers and Ollie Carter with teammate , Grace Harvey came 8th

S14  4 x 100 mixed medley relay Scott Quin and his teammates finished in Silver medal position

Individual Finalist

 

Faye Rogers (Grampian)

S10 100 metres freestyle – 7th &  Scottish Record

S10 100m butterfly – Gold  & European Record

S10 200IM – Bronze

S10 400m Freestyle – Bronze

 

Toni Shaw (Grampian)

S9 400m freestyle – Bronze

SM9 200 IM – 7th

S9 100m butterfly – 5th

 

Stephen Clegg (Lothian)

S12 100m freestyle- Silver

S12 100 back – Gold

S12 100m fly – Silver

S12 50m freestyle – 4th

 

Scott Quin (Lothian)

SB14 100m Breaststroke

 

Sam Downie (Lothian)

S8 400m freestyle – 7th

S8 100m backstroke – Bronze

 

Louis Lawlor (Glasgow)

S14 100m backstroke  – 6th

 

Ollie Carter

S10 400m freestyle – 5th

 

Speaking of the competition as a whole, Paul Wilson, Scottish Swimming Disability Performance Development Manager said:

“It’s fantastic to see the success of our Scottish Para Swimmers as part of the Great Britain team at the World Para Swimming Championships in Manchester this past week. There have been a number of standout performances.

If you or anyone you know would like to get involved in swimming please contact: admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or Telephone 0131 317 1130

Highest Turnout for Mary Duncan Gala

Grampian swimming events appear to have fully recovered post-covid with a record level of entries for the annual Mary Duncan Swimming Gala.

We were delighted to be back at the gala’s home pool – Fraserburgh Community & Sports Centre – where 62 swimmers gave it their all across 53 events.

The event welcomes swimmers of all ages and all disability types from across Grampian and is a qualifying event for the Scottish Disability Sport National Senior Swimming Championships. It was fantastic to see a growing number of clubs from across the region entering their swimmers – in particular, the mainstream clubs which have welcomed swimmers with disabilities into their main squads.

We were delighted to be joined by Michelle Lamont, the daughter of the late Mary Duncan, who the gala has been named in honour of, to present medals to our winning swimmers.

The selection process for the National Championships, where we expect a strong Grampian representation.

Huge thanks goes to Marie Cheyne for arranging the programme and running events on the day, Pauline Stirling for starting the races, and for all the parents, carers, coaches and teachers who got stuck in to help with timekeeping, announcing, marshaling and supporting their swimmers.

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

Two young boys using wheelchairs smile as they play a game of boccia together.

Success for Rescheduled Grampian Parasport Festival

 

After being rescheduled from September following the sad demise of Queen Elizabeth II, the 2022 Grampian Parasport Festival was an overwhelming success thanks to the efforts of a number of partner clubs and organisations working together.

This year’s attendees were treated to taster sessions in 7 different sports including judo which was introduced for the first time in Grampian this year. Kayaking, a firm favourite in 2021, also returned along with football/powerchair football, boccia, wheelchair basketball, table tennis, swimming and athletics.

After a busy day of sport, the participants had a surprise visit from Paralympic skiing gold medalists, Neil Simpson MBE and Andrew Simpson MBE who took some time out of their busy training schedule to meet the youngsters and collect the Angus Trophy which was awarded to them at this years SDS Awards event in September.

The event, held annually in the first class accessible facilities at Aberdeen Sports Village, provides an opportunity for children and young people in mainstream education across Moray, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire with physical disabilities, vision impairments or hearing loss to try out a range of adapted sport in a safe and welcoming environment. It also gives them the chance to meet other children with disabilities and for families to meet others with disabled children. The hope is that many of the attendees will try something new, develop an interest in sport and go on to participate in regular opportunities in their local area.

The Parasport Festival also serves as an invaluable education and CPD opportunity for coaches and students. It’s provides a unique experience of hands-on coaching and communication with multiple people with a variety of disability types and support needs in one location. We’re incredibly grateful to work in partnership with North East Scotland College, whose 75 Sports Coaching students and 40 Uniformed Services students underwent training and assisted with a variety of tasks including providing 1:1 support to participants, supporting coaches, directing traffic, liaising with operations staff, setting up equipment and leading groups of children.

The Parasport Festival wouldn’t be possible without the support of some of Grampian’s best clubs and organisations including Active Schools Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray, Scottish Swimming, Sport Aberdeen, Aberdeen Sports Village, Live Life Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen Kayak Club, Scottish Canoe Association, University of Aberdeen Canoe Club, Ultimate Judo, Banchory Community Football Club, Aberdeen & District Table Tennis Association, Aberdeen Amateur Athletics Club, Scottish Athletics, Grampian Flyers Wheelchair Basketball Club and Basketball Scotland.

Thanks also go to the Scottish Disability Sport staff who supported the event, and Grampian athletes (and Parasport Festival graduates) Jack Caird & Tegan Davidson who undertook registration and group leadership duties on the day.

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

Parasport Festival Returns to Grampian

On Friday 17th September, we saw the eagerly-anticipated return of the national Parasport Festival programme.

The Festival, which provides opportunities for school-aged pupils in mainstream education with physical disabilities and sensory impairments to try a range of specially-adapted sport and physical activity opportunities, returned to Grampian last month and was the first post-COVID Parasport Festival to take place.

Hosted at the well-equipped Aberdeen Sports Village, this year’s Festival featured a range of exciting sport and activity sessions including the debut of sitting volleyball and kayaking.

Extensive COVID measures were in place including the limiting of participant numbers and spectators, but this didn’t take away from the sheer joy that the youngsters and their families experienced whilst trying new activities and socialising with peers.

Rachael – mum to participant, Lucy – said of the day: “These days are a fantastic opportunity and are so good for the children on so many different levels, physically, socially and emotionally. It enables the children to participate in the sports in an environment that is inclusive, achievable and fun. Thank you so much for organising them. For me as a parent I love attending the days. Being part of the experience and being able to enjoy it with Lucy but also being able to stand back and watch her enjoying herself and what she is achieving. I also think it is beneficial to spend time with other parents and carers for the support you can give each other”.

In addition to providing opportunities for young people with disabilities, the Festival serves as an opportunity for coaches, teachers and activity leaders to gain hands-on experience of inclusive practice. This year, we were fortunate to be joined for the first time by over 50 first year Sports Coaching students from North East Scotland College. They spent time with the youngsters, engaging them in the different activities and providing concentrated support where needed. They also learned from the sport-specific coaches and were treated to a wheelchair basketball masterclass by Grampian Flyers Wheelchair Basketball Club Coach, Kirsty Smith.

Our next step is to continue to upskill the students and to signpost the participants into regular activity available locally to them.

A huge ‘thank you’ goes to all of the partners, clubs, organisations and individuals who supported the event, Corra Foundation for providing the funding to enable us to offer this event at no charge to the participants, and to the youngsters, parents and carers who came along and tried something new.

Roll on the 2022 event!

 

If you (or someone you know) live with a disability in Shetland, Moray, Aberdeenshire or Aberdeen City, and are keen to get involved in sport and physical activity, please email alison.shaw@scottishdisabilitysport.com or call 07828744848.

Deaf swimmers in the pool

Deaf Friendly Swimming – Highland

Does your child want to improve their swimming skills and make new friends?

The National Deaf Children’s Society, in partnership with Highlife Highland are holding a Deaf-Friendly Swimming lessons for deaf children and young people in two Highland locations!

Dingwall Leisure Centre
Tulloch Avenue IV15 9LH
Monday 20 to Wednesday 22 February – 3 days of intensive lessons during half term

  • Beginners 3 – 5yrs – 9:00am – 9:30am
  • Beginners 5yrs + – 9:00am or 9:30am
  • Improvers – 9:30am – 10am

Invergordon Leisure Centre
Academy Road, IV18 0LB
Monday 17 April to Friday 21 April – 5 days of intensive lessons; Easter Holidays

  • Beginners 3 – 5yrs – 9:00am – 9:30am
  • Beginners 5yrs + – 9:00am or 9:30am
  • Improvers – 9:30am – 10:00am

 FREE

Young people of all abilities are invited to take part in fun activities and learn new skills, delivered by fully qualified, deaf aware swimming teachers.

To book please contact:

Eleanor Connelly, Swimming Development Officer on 0141 354 7860 or email eleanor.connelly@ndcs.org.uk  with child’s details and preferred lesson time.

Spaces are limited so please book early.

Swimming at the Discovery Games

Grampian Regional Swimming Gala

Fraserburgh Swimming Pool will once again will play host to the Mary Duncan regional swimming gala for athletes with a physical, sensory or learning disability.

The event will take place on Saturday 4th March from 12noon until 4pm.

If you would like to find out more information please contact: Claire McDonald on 07533056564 or email: claire.mcdonald@scottishdisabilitysport.com