Month: August 2016

Medal table

Results

 

Scottish Disability Sport: Reflections on the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

The Rio Paralympic Games in 2016 did not disappoint as the event proved to be both hugely inspirational and successful.

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) wish to congratulate ParalympicsGB on the tremendous performances at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and we hope to see more people with a disability feeling inspired to take up sport as we head into the Tokyo 2020 cycle.  Well done to all the athletes, players and support staff who proved they are amongst the very best performance athletes in the world.  There were many outstanding results, incredible role models and remarkable stories played out during the past 11 days.  A full list of results can be found at www.rio2016.com/en or www.paralympics.org.uk

ParalympicsGB will return from Rio with 64 gold medals, which equates to 12% of all gold medals
awarded and the best performance since Tel Aviv in 1968.  The total medal count of 147 is the highest return from a British team since the Paralympic Games in Seoul in 1988.  The exceptional performances of the athletes ensured that the 121 medal target set by UK Sport was comfortably surpassed as ParalympicsGB finished second in the medal table behind China.

A Scottish Perspective

SDS pays tribute to the 33 Scottish athletes that competed for ParalympicsGB across 12 sports, all of whom made a significant contribution to the overall success of the team, ensuring that the GB team are amongst the world’s elite in para sport.  Scottish athletes and players on the ParalympicsGB team can be immensely proud of their contribution as they will return home with a total of seventeen medals which were won by eleven athletes across five sports.  Notably 33% of Scots on ParalympicsGB reached the podium!  The medal haul includes five gold, eight silver and four bronze medals, accounting for 11.5% of ParalympicGB medals won.  This is the highest medal tally for Scots at a Paralympic Games since Sydney 2000.

The table shows the performance of each of the five sports:

Rio 2016 Paralympic Games: Scottish Medal Table
   
Sport Gold Silver Bronze TOTAL
Athletics 3 2 2 7
Cycling 1 1 0 2
Para triathlon 0 1 0 1
Swimming 0 3 2 5
Wheelchair Tennis 1 1 0 2
TOTAL 5 8 4 17

 

Scottish Medal Winners

Gold
Libby Clegg (Athletics): T11 100m
Libby Clegg (Athletics): T11 200m
Jo Butterfield (Athletics): F51 Club Throw
Karen Darke (Cycling): H1-2-3 Time Trial
Gordon Reid (Wheelchair Tennis): Open Singles

Silver
Stef Reid (Athletics): T44 Long Jump
Maria Lyle (Athletics): T35 4x100m relay
Neil Fachie (Cycling): B 1000m Time Trial
Alison Patrick / Hazel Smith (Guide) (Para Triathlon): PT5
Scott Quin (Swimming): SB14 100m Breaststroke
Abby Kane (Swimming): S13 100m Backstroke
Andrew Mullen (Swimming): S5 50m Backstroke
Gordon Reid (Wheelchair Tennis): Open Doubles

Bronze
Maria Lyle (Athletics): T35 100m
Maria Lyle (Athletics): T35 200m
Andrew Mullen (Swimming): S5 200m Freestyle
Andre Mullen (Swimming): S5 100m Freestyle

For a full list of Scottish results please click here.

Once again the Scots excelled on the Paralympic stage whilst making a significant contribution to the medal tally of ParalympicsGB, with eleven Scots reaching the podium.  These athletes produced many memorable highlights over the course of the Games however, the double gold from Libby Clegg in the T11 100m and 200m stands out; as does Gordon Reid’s gold and silver medals in the wheelchair tennis singles and doubles respectively.  Maria Lyle (athletics) and Andrew Mullen (swimming) won the most medals with three apiece, whilst ParalympicsGB’s youngest competitor Abby Kane, aged 13, won silver in the S13 100m Backstroke!

There were many inspirational moments throughout the course of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and SDS congratulate all of our athletes and support staff.

Any person with a disability who has been inspired by events in Rio should contact SDS on 0131 317 1130 or admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

In addition, local and regional contacts can be accessed on the following links:

SDS Branches:

https://www.scottishdisabilitysport.com/about-sds/branch-contacts/

Regional Development Managers:

https://www.scottishdisabilitysport.com/regional-managers/

Eleanor Clark

Kirkcaldy Blind Bowler Wins Scottish Title

Leading Fife bowlers with a physical, sensory and learning disability are enjoying a wonderful year in major competitions throughout the UK. Fife’s top physically disabled and visually impaired bowlers made a significant contribution to Team Scotland’s superb win in the 2016 Home Nations at Kelvingrove and Fife’s leading bowlers with a learning disability successfully defended the Scottish Inter Area team title. Individual Fife bowlers have been prominent in every major bowls competition organised by Scottish Disability Sport in 2016 and yet again there were Fife successes at the inclusive national championships organised by Bowls Scotland at Northfield in Ayr.

One of the most experienced and respected Disability Sport Fife bowlers is Eleanor Clark from Kirkcaldy. Eleanor’s sight has been deteriorating each year and she now bowls in class B1 which is the section for totally blind bowlers. Previously she bowled as a partially sighted bowler in the B2 class and the change has resulted in her having to make major adjustments in technique and using occlusion glasses. All B1 sports men and women across all sports use blacked out glasses or goggles to ensure fairness across the class. Adjusting to this new way of playing has been challenging but Eleanor believes it was inevitable that one day she would have to change and she is successfully training to accommodate her new way of playing.

To confirm her progress Eleanor recently won the B1 singles title at the 2016 National Championships organised by the Scottish Association of Blind Bowlers (SABB) at Ardgowan in Greenock. Eleanor is now preparing for the British Championships at Leamington Spa in mid September. This year she will be without reigning world champion and dear friend Maria Spencer from Dunfermline who has gone through major surgery but hopes to return to playing next year.

Eleanor’s director on the green is Doreen Strachan from West Lothian. Doreen supported Eleanor in Greenock and will travel south with her next month to challenge for the British title. Eleanor has been selected by SABB to compete at the 2017 World Championships in Cape Town and she is hopeful that Doreen will be by her side once again. Eleanor is a member of Kirkcaldy Blind Bowlers and playes at the Fair Isle club.

Eleanor’s success this year is all the more remarkable because of the recent sudden and unexpected loss of her partner Jim of 30 years. Jim was always by her side and a major support throughout her illustrious bowling career. The loss of Jim has affected her life in so many ways but this remarkable sportswoman is determined to do what she believes Jim would want her to do and that is to further her bowling career. Eleanor has many friends and a strong support team who will support her all the way.

Richard Brickley MBE
President, Disability Sport Fife

International Paralympic Committee logo

Classification

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Classification is not unique to disability sport and is simply a structure for competition. In mainstream sports such as boxing, weightlifting and judo athletes are categorised by weight classes. In disability sport athletes and players are grouped into classes determined by their degree impairment. Sport specific classifiers determine that an athlete is eligible and then allocate a sports class.

The International Paralympic committee (IPC) recognises six different disability groups. These are:

  • Amputees
  • Athletes with cerebral palsy
  • Blind or visually impaired athletes
  • Spinal cord injured athletes
  • Athletes with an intellectual/learning disability

Other athletes (les autres) with a physical disability who do not fit into any of the above five groups.

IPC Layman’s Guide to Classification

Divisioning in Disability Sport

Intellectual Impairment Classification Policy

The British Paralympic Association and Home Country Associations (Scottish Disability Sport in Scotland) take the lead from the IPC in recognising eligible sports participants.

Each IPC sport has processes and procedures for classification which conform to guidelines laid down by the IPC. Each sport has a well trained international team of classifiers drawn largely from a medical, physiotherapy or sports technical background. Classifiers operate in panels of two/three and include a representative from each professional group within each panel.

An athlete’s class is determined by a physical and technical assessment and observation in and out of competition. Classification is an ongoing process. On entry to international competition new athletes will carry the status (N). Athletes whose classification is under review because their impairment is progressive or classifiers are still undecided will carry the status (R). Athletes whose class has been confirmed will have a status (C). Some athletes are reviewed over many years and athletes with the (C) status sometimes have their class reviewed if new information becomes available.

Classes are defined by each sport and form part of the sport rules. Individual sports have the responsibility for the education and training of classifiers. Classifiers are now largely sport specific whereas at one time they covered several sports.

At the Commonwealth Games there are events for elite athletes with a disability (EAD). Prior to each Games it is decided which sports will offer EAD events. In the major sports of swimming and athletics EAD athletes compete under their own IPC international class against the world record of that specific class. The athlete closest to the world record is judged the winner of the event.

At the Commonwealth Games there are events for elite athletes with a disability (EAD). Prior to each Games it is decided which sports will offer EAD events. In the major sports of swimming and athletics EAD athletes compete under their own IPC international class against the world record of that specific class. The athlete closest to the world record is judged the winner of the event.

Derek Rae

Paralympian Runner Up in Half Marathon

Fife’s 25th Paralympian, Derek Rae from Kirkcaldy and Fife Athletic Club, finished second in the Haddington Half Marathon in a time of 1:13.36 in challenging conditions and over a course that Derek described as tough. Coach Ron Morrison was satisfied with the performance of his athlete.

Derek will compete for GB in the marathon in Rio in the T46 class where he is ranked UK number one. Derek will be GB’s only ambulant marathon runner in Rio. The Haddington event is one of several races lined up by coach Ron for Derek before he heads off to his first Paralympic Games. At the Alloa half marathon in March this year Derek ran 1:14.32 and in July he ran a personal best for 5000 metres of 16:05.31.

The opening ceremony for the Paralympic Games in Rio is scheduled for Wednesday 7th September and the Closing Ceremony Sunday 18th September. The athletics programme starts on September 8th and runs through until the final day of the Games. Derek will run his marathon on the morning of the closing ceremony.

Richard Brickley MBE
President, Disability Sport Fife

Wheelchair Racer

Central Athletics Inclusion Workshop

Monday 15th August saw the success of the Athletics Inclusion Workshop hosted by SDS, Grangemouth Stadium and scottishathletics. Fourteen enthusiastic coaches, teachers and volunteers attended the 3-hour practical workshop which included topics such as disability inclusion and increasing technical knowledge in aspects such as race running, wheelchair racing and seated throws.

SDS would like to thank Shona Malcolm OBE of scottishathletics for tutoring the workshop.

For more information on disability athletics or coach education within Central Scotland please contact Cheryl Willet, Scottish Disability Sport Regional Manager, on 07577 830 360 or cheryl.willet@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

 

Bowls Scotland logo

Gourlay Returns to High Performance Role

David Gourlay is set to make his return to the sport as he takes on the post of High Performance Coach for Bowls Scotland.

Gourlay, who started his career in Annbank, has seen phenomenal success on the green over the years and has successfully transferred his knowledge and experience off the green as well.

Having won ten World Bowls Tour titles and represented Scotland in the Commonwealth Games in 1998, David then turned his focus to working with the world’s very best players, guiding Team Scotland to three medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

With the memories fresh in his mind from those victories, Gourlay will take up his post on 1st October 2016 with the hope of emulating similar success on the world stage and at the Commonwealth Games in Australia in 2018.

Working with the High Performance squad and closely with fellow Annbank resident and High Performance Manager Rhona Howie MBE, Gourlay will be sure to stamp his own style on the job in hand, a style which saw him win the respect of Scotland’s world class players. The announcement of the new High Performance Coach comes at the perfect time as the High Performance Squad gear up for the World Championships later this year as well as for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Although due to timings he will have no input in the selection of the team heading to the World Championships, Gourlay is looking forward to working with the players that will be chosen.

Commenting on his return David said: “I’m honoured to have another opportunity to work with Bowls Scotland’s High Performance Squad as we prepare for Gold Coast 2018. Competing in Australia will provide a different set of challenges to the Glasgow games but I’m confident Scotland has the players and support programme to succeed.”

Bowls Scotland CEO Alan McMillan commented: “We are delighted to have David back working with our High Performance Squad again. He was extremely keen to get involved again, is as usual full of ideas and has a proven track record following the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. We are looking forward to him working with our players, Rhona and the support staff.”

Patrick Wilson

2nd Borders Boccia Open Competition 2016

Scottish Borders Disability Sport Group (SBDSG) are hosting their 2nd Borders Boccia Open Competition on Saturday 1st October and is open for players of all ages with a physical or learning disability across the country. For most players this will be the last opportunity to sharpen up their skills in a competitive environment prior to the Scottish Boccia Open.  The competition will be delivered in partnership with LIVE BORDERS (LB) and Scottish Disability Sport (SDS).

The details of the competition are below –

Event: Borders Boccia Open Competition 2016

Venue: Queens Leisure Centre, Galashiels TD1 2AE

Date: Saturday 1st October 2016

Time: 10am – 4.00pm (approx.)

Entry: £5

Please see BOCCIA OPEN COMPETITION Entry Form.

As with other Scottish Disability Sport Boccia events, we rely on dedicated volunteers to officiate matches to ensure the success of the competition.  Also attached is Match Referee Volunteer Request for anyone who is able to support this event.

If you require further information, please contact Alan Oliver on the details below.

All forms should be returned to Alan Oliver, LIVE BORDERS, Melrose Road, Galashiels, TD1 2DU, aoliver@liveborders.org.uk – 07887 471 137 or 01896 661166.

 

Deaf swimmers in the pool

Coaching Deaf Swimmers Workshop

This workshop supports swimming teachers and coaches to ensure deaf young people are fully included in swimming activities. Teachers and coaches will learn how to make small & simple changes to make activities deaf-friendly and develop confidence communicating with deaf children and young people. Teachers will also learn basic British Sign Language and lots of swimming specific signs.

Training will cover:

  • The impact of deafness on young people
  • Communication methods
  • How to adapt your activities
  • Tips for welcoming deaf children
  • Guidance on engaging with deaf children in your area
  • Fingerspelling
  • BSL specific to swimming lessons

Date: Sunday 11 September 2016

Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm

Venue: Gordon Centre (Sport Aberdeen), Corunna Road, Aberdeen AB23 8DU

Cost:   Free

Complete and return the Making Swimming Deaf-Friendly Booking Form to Eleanor Connelly: swimming@ndcs.org.uk 0141 354 7850

N.B. This is for swimming teachers/coaches only – not suitable for lifeguards, duty mangers, etc.

Shared responsibility for safeguarding

‘It’s Everyone’s Responsibility’

Safeguarding in sport is everyone’s responsibility from volunteers, coaches, board members, policy makers, parents, carers and spectators who may notice any concerns. Everyone has a role in keeping children safe in sport. Therefore we would like to encourage everyone to watch the following video to emphasise this and where responsibility for safeguarding falls on one person this puts both the individual and children at higher risk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU0bqA0KZ40&feature=youtu.be