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, 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.” 

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.” 

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.  

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