Tag: volunteering

Two photo of Marie Cheyne volunteering with her swimming club in Grampian

Celebrating Marie Cheyne on #VolunteersWeek

To celebrate National Volunteers’ Week (2nd–9th June), SDS are highlighting some of the many volunteers throughout Scotland, Who have devoted time and effort to help provide more opportunities in disability sport throughout their region. 

Marie Cheyne’s efforts in volunteering have been impacting individuals living in the Grampian region for over 25 years. This is down to her efforts running an Inclusive swim school (The Broch Seals), which teaches/coaches over 90 children and young adults every week to swim. Marie’s swim school provides a vital service within SDS’s member branch, Grampian Disability Sport, as her sessions offer their ASN swimmers with an opportunity to compete. 

Marie also organises and runs several impactful events throughout the region. Including regional qualifiers for swimmers with a disability and an event for 80+ swimmers that takes place at Fraserburgh Swimming Pool.  

Along with playing an integral part in the branches swimming events, Marie is now the trustee of the board, as her knowledge and expertise are viewed as being essential to have on the committee. Wizzy Mills, the Regional Development Manager for Grampian and Shetland, explained the impact that Marie has had throughout the region.

She said: “Through her leadership, innovation, and determination, Marie has played a vital role in promoting inclusivity and ensuring that disability swimmers are supported, celebrated and given the platform to succeed. Marie’s contributions are recognised and valued by all involved.” 

Marie has also put countless hours in to ensuring that swimmers across Grampian have an opportunity to compete in the sport, this is through her work as the Team Manager for The Grampian Disability Swim team. This involves coaching and taking athletes to regular competitions.

In 2025, Marie has devoted her time to fundraising and so far she has raised enough money to put on another ASN/Disability swimming competition. Wizzy commented: “The participants are extremely appreciative of Marie’s dedication, vision and commitment to creating inclusive opportunities and events for disability swimmers. Her tireless efforts have significantly enhanced access to the sport, fostering an environment where every athlete can thrive.” 

A further event that Marie runs, is an event in partnership with Active Schools Aberdeen City and Active Schools Aberdeenshire called, the Grampian Beginners Gala for children with a disability who want to compete at a beginner’s level. This event allows children to use flotation devices at a shorter distance; they are also allowed the option for carer assistance if needed. This event is always well attended by individuals across the region, with all swimmers, volunteers and parents leaving with a smile after experiencing Marie’s infectious passion for the sport.  


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

 

SDS NATIONAL EXHIBITION EVENT 

If you would be interested in finding out more about SDS and how sport and physical activity can support you, sign up to attend SDS’s first ever National Exhibition Event. The event is free and is being held at the University of Stirling on Saturday 14th June. The event will allow people from all over Scotland to interact with all elements of SDS in one place.   

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.

Kai Hunter standing with four swimming medals around his neck.

Celebrating Kai Hunter on #VoluteersWeek

To celebrate National Volunteers’ Week (2nd–9th June), SDS are highlighting some of the many volunteers throughout Scotland, Who have devoted time and effort to help provide more opportunities in disability sport throughout their region. 

19 year old  Kai hunter has become a leading volunteer within Scottish Disability Sport’s (SDS) member branch, Disability Sport Glasgow. Kai has been swimming all of his life and has recently been volunteering with the Glasgow Seals Swimming Team.  

Due to Kai’s hard work and ambition he has become one of the main coaches with the Glasgow Seals. This has rubbed off on all of the participants, with all of them enjoying his coaching styles and looking forward to his deliveries. 

With Kai also being a current swimmer for Glasgow Seals and West of Scotland, he is recognised by participants and parents as being a fantastic role model, with all members of the club and community admiring his professionalism and love for the sport. 

Kai’s love of swimming has now transferred in to his professional life, with him now being a coach for Glasgow council and a lifeguard throughout the city. However, Kai hasn’t let his busy schedule impact his commitments with the club.

Kai explained how his volunteering and coaching have helped him pursue a career in swimming. He said: “My work within the club has helped me to make a career (in swimming), whilst working to the best I can.”

Kai continued to explain how this has helped him with coaching: “This has helped me train and coach my swimmers better.” 

Throughout his time volunteering, Kai has developed many more skills, including; confidence, communication, planning, patience and understanding.  

One of Kai’s favorite elements of being a volunteer is when being at a competition. Kai loves this due to the buzz and atmosphere at the events. This is also when Kai comes into his own as a volunteer, making sure all of the participants are ready for their races, whilst consistently making sure to provide them with words of encouragement. 

A further element of volunteering that Kai enjoys is seeing all of the swimmers develop.

Kai said, “I enjoy volunteering with the seals, as I get to see the swimmers progress and develop. It allows the swimmer’s to keep fit and socialise.”


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

 

SDS NATIONAL EXHIBITION EVENT 

If you would be interested in finding out more about SDS and how sport and physical activity can support you, sign up to attend SDS’s first ever National Exhibition Event. The event is free and is being held at the University of Stirling on Saturday 14th June. The event will allow people from all over Scotland to interact with all elements of SDS in one place.   

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

Photo of Darren, son martin and Sam in boccia official uniforms

Volunteers’ Week: Refereeing Is A Family Affair

By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer 

 

To mark National Volunteers’ Week (2nd–9th June), SDS spoke with the Thomson family, who have been dedicated volunteers in the boccia community for many years. 

 

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 Lowden 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. 

 Photo of Sam and Martin standing next to Darren who has just won an award for Technical Official of the Year

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.” 

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.  

 

SDS NATIONAL EXHIBITION EVENT 

If you would be interested in finding out more about SDS and how sport and physical activity can support you, sign up to attend SDS’s first ever National Exhibition Event. The event is free and is being held at the University of Stirling on Saturday 14th June. The event will allow people from all over Scotland to interact with all elements of SDS in one place.   

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 FacebookX and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website

Award graphic from SWIS Awards showing Claire Morrison smiling at Stephen McGuire

Awards Success for Para Sport Heroes

Awards season is upon us, and a number of fantastic coaches and volunteers have been recognised for their significant efforts in disability sport.

At this year’s Eric Liddell Awards, Ron McArthur very deservedly collected the Outstanding Services to Sport Award for his lifelong dedication to developing para bowls.

Meanwhile, on the same evening, at the Scottish Women in Sport Awards, our very own Boccia guru, Claire Morrison, was awarded Coach of the Year for her efforts in coaching Stephen McGuire to BC4 gold medal glory at this year’s Paralympic Games in Paris. Unfortunately, Steph couldn’t be there to congratulate Claire in person as he was busy picking up his very own Eric Liddell Award on the same evening!

The sportscotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards saw a trio of para sport coach successes across the evening.

The Janice Eaglesham Award Disability Sports Coach of the Year Award (an award dedicated to our late Chair) was scooped up by Neil Russell of the Adaptive Riders’ Collective. Neil earned this award for his work in improving and promoting accessibility and inclusivity in cycling.

SDS Young Person’s Sports Panel and Forth Valley Disability Sport member, Charlotte Askham, took home the Young Volunteer of the Year award after clocking up more than 800 hours over the course of a year whilst volunteering at a range of Branch and SDS sessions and events.

Later in the evening, the Lifetime Achievement Award came home with Dundee pair, Jen Quinton and Eileen Ramsay for their coaching efforts over the last 31 years after founding Discovery Swimming Club (a specialist swimming club for swimmers with disabilities) in 1993.

December’s awards evenings did not disappoint either.

At the Scottish Sports Awards on 4th December, Claire Morrison received a well-deserved standing ovation when she took home Coach of the Year. Also in December, Lothian Phoenix Wheelchair Basketball coach, Mark Stevenson, was awarded Talent Development Coach of the Year at the UK Coaching Awards for his dedication to nurturing athletes through the pathway at Scottish and UK level.

Well done to all of the award winners to date.

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.  

sportscotland Coaching, Officiating & Volunteering Awards 2023

The annual sportscotland COV Awards 2023 is soon to open for nominations, and we would like to encourage our clubs, Branches, participants, athletes, partners and supporters to nominate those who make a difference in the world of disability sport.

This year’s categories are:

  • Young Coach of the Year
  • Community Coach of the Year
  • Disability Coach of the Year – The Janice Eaglesham Award
  • Performance Pathway Coach of the Year
  • High Performance Coach of the Year
  • Coach Developer of the Year
  • Young Official of the Year
  • Official of the Year
  • Young Volunteer of the Year
  • School Sport Volunteer of the Year
  • Volunteer of the Year
  • Lifetime Contribution Award

Disability sport has been strongly featured in previous years and last year’s winners include para swimmer and Young Person’s Sports Panel member, Laura Pilkington (Young Volunteer of the Year), Grampian para swimming coach, Marie Cheyne (Disability Coach of the Year), and athletics coach, Jim Hunter (Lifetime Contribution).

Awards open at 4pm on Wednesday 14th June and details including nomination forms can be found at https://sportscotland.org.uk/coaching/recognition-and-reward/coaching-officiating-volunteering-awards/