Category: Latest News

Photo of Alex Medley smiling to the camera.

Alex Medley on the International Stage

Alex Medley from Perth Eagles Boccia Club competed in his first individual International event from 22nd to 24th March 2024 in Belfast. Alex, who trains with the Tayside regional and Scottish National Development squads, played in the BC2 classification, taking on players from Northern Ireland, England, Wales and Ireland at the Disability Sport NI International Challenger. 

On day one, Alex progressed through the group stages to face current BC2 world champion, Claire Taggert from Northern Ireland. Alex put in a great performance but it wasn’t quite enough to defeat the experienced world champion, losing 7-1 to Claire.  

It also wasn’t to be in the bronze medal match for Alex but he does leave with plenty of positives, as he explains in the interview below. The future is looking very bright for Alex. 


What is the DSNI Challenger? Disability Sport Northern Ireland Challenger is designed to offer competition opportunities to players within the UK Performance Pathway. 

When and where: 22nd-24th March 2024. Antrim Forum Leisure Centre, Northern Ireland 

Scottish player competing: Alex Medley – BC2  

  

DSNI Challenger 2024: Interview with Alex Medley   

What was your reaction when you were asked to compete? – Very excited, speechless and honoured. 

What were you most worried about?My power wheelchair arriving in one piece. 

Best Moment?Playing Claire Taggart (BC2 World Champion) in the semi-finals and spending time chatting with other players. 

Even Better Moment?! Getting an end off Claire Taggart! 

Position achieved?4th in BC2 individual category. 

What did you learn about yourself over the weekend? Everyone needs a team behind them; I can hold my own at this level. 

Best advice given?Before travelling, speaking with some of the Scottish Boccia Squad about logistics. Take your time and play your own game no matter who you are playing. Let the ball do the work. 

How did you feel? – I was nervous but as soon as I started playing, I got into the zone and really enjoyed it. I was proud of how I played, but every day is a learning day. 

Any other learning points? Reset after a missed shot.  I like the challenge of playing more experienced players. Importance of first ball.  

What made it easier? How welcoming the whole Boccia Community is; having a great Scottish contingent around me; having my family and friends supporting me (thanks for being there Dad!) Using skills learned from training with the Scottish Development Squad as well as learning from the Scottish National Squad.   

Key learnings to work on?Improve playing long as well as short; consistency, accuracy, strength. 

What is next for you?Continue working on my game both physically and mentally, so I can execute the strategies and shots that are in my head. Play more competitions where I can. Continue to enjoy playing boccia.  

Many thanks for the support of Scottish Disability Sport and to the Organisers and Officials for making the event happen.       

 

Photo of Alex Medley and Claire Taggart competing in boccia. Both are concentrating and focusing on the boccia ballsPhoto Credit: DSNI       

 

Photo of Alex Medley on the boccia court, looking at the officials. Photo Credit: DSNI 

 

Photo of a young girl in a wheelchair playing badminton with a racquet and yellow balloon.

Successful Day at East of Scotland Parasport Festival

By William Moncrieff, Communications Apprentice


The East of Scotland Parasport Festival took place on Tuesday 19th March. It was held at Winchburgh Academy, West Lothian. The festival was organised by Helen Kallow, East of Scotland Regional Development Manager in partnership with many local and national organisations. The day had lots of fantastic opportunities for fun and engagement, with around 50 participants attending. Some of these opportunities were boccia, wheelchair basketball, badminton, swimming, and rowing.

Helen viewed the day as a huge success. “It was fantastic to see all the smiling faces and hear all the positive comments from the parents and teachers about the sports the kids had enjoyed. It was great teamwork”.

Helen continued to say, “I think it’s so important. All the comments have been that the kids have tried things that they never would have tried before. Some of the parents thought that the kids might have been reluctant but just to see other similar people take part, coaches, and helpers as well, it’s been such a positive experience for them”.

“I just think of watching the smile and the face of one of the girls in the canoe, who never thought that she could be in a canoe and what a great time she had”, said Helen.

Each Parasport Festival relies on multiple organisations, coaches, and volunteers to help with the planning and delivery of the day. One individual who played a crucial role was Demi Mitchell, Active Schools Coordinator Lead for Additional Support Needs and Care Experience within West Lothian. “I am at the Parasport Festival from the local authority as I’ve been working in partnership with Scottish Disability Sport, and we are proud to host the event at Winchburgh and West Lothian today. So, I am here helping to organise, support the event, ensuring that everybody has the most enjoyable time.”

Demi further explained the crucial role that the Parasport Festival play: “We know those that attend a mainstream school or mainstream setting can be excluded and left out of sport, which is something we really don’t want. So, I think this is a huge opportunity to show thousands of people, staff, volunteers, and young people that they can take part in sport and by also providing access, demonstrating to those young people that everything is possible. Some of these young people don’t know what’s out there”.

This view is also shared by Fee, a parent and guardian for two children at the festival. Fee talked about the Parasport Festivals providing opportunities that are not always available for young individuals with a disability: “they absolutely loved the first one [Parasport Festival]. It gave them the opportunity to try things that they’d not tried before and things that are not available to them where we live.”

One of the coaches that delivered sessions on the day was, Pamela Robson, National Disability Pathways Officer for Scottish Athletics. Pamala talked about the role that the Parasport Festival plays in providing opportunities from an early age, and the value that she puts on this.

“I feel like the sooner we can get kids into sport the better breaking down barriers before they are there. If we can get children as young as possible to try different sports and realise that they can do it, that there is a way for everyone to participate, then it can only be a positive.” Said Pamela.

She further showcased some of the partner work that is involved in the Parasport Festivals. “In this area we have coaches from three different clubs coming to deliver today. So, we’ve got Corstorphine AC who run a frame running session.

“We’ve got Team East Lothian, who do athletics and frame running and we have a club from Fife who support the frame running as well. But there’s also a few clubs in the local area that offer athletics to people with a disability and have started to develop the bespoke frame running sessions as well. So, it’s amazing to see them here today developing opportunities for people in the area but also for them to see just what the demand is.”

If you would like to find out more information about Scottish Disability Sport’s work or how to find out what is available in your local area please go to contact SDS on 0131 317 1130 or by email at: admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com

Poster with text that says, February Review. The poster is coloured in dark and light purple. It has the white watermark for the SDS logo in the top right corner.

2024: February Review

Selection of Top Moments from the Month

By Emma Logan, Communications Manager


There was plenty of activity happening throughout the shortest month of the year. Here is a quick recap of some of February’s highlights.  

February saw the start of the Parasport Festivals. The season kicked off in Highland followed by Fife, Orkney and Dumfries & Galloway. Children and young people got to try out and participate in a whole variety of sports. At the Highland Parasport Festival, boccia proved to be popular as one participant was inspired to attend the regional championships that took place at the end of the month. 

Emma Roddick, Minister of Equalities, Migration and Refugees, didn’t shy away from taking part in some of the sports on offer. She said: “It’s been great to see the kids getting involved. We know that sport is so important for physical, mental health, addressing social isolation and loneliness, something that we know is more difficult for people in rural areas and particularly young folk and disabled people. 

“So young disabled people getting opportunities here in the Highlands to get together, have some fun and experience sport is just fantastic to see”, said Emma Roddick. 

Fife held their first ever Parasport Festival and it was a resounding success.  48 children/young people attended, most of them having never previously engaged with any Fife’s sessions or events. Maree Todd, the Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport also joined in the afternoon to see first-hand, the impact Parasport Festivals can have. “I really believe in the power of sport,” she said. 

“This is a wonderful occasion. It’s a real celebration. There’s lots and lots of different clubs here who will carry on that relationship and that inclusion. It’s really powerful work that’s happening in here and everyone’s having a great time.” 

(Maree Todd MSP’s full interview is available here.) 

Dumfries & Galloway held their second ever Parasport Festival and attracted nearly double the participants from its first year.  

Regional Development Manager for Dumfries & Galloway, Dianne Campbell, was delighted with the event, saying: “So many positive comments from teachers, parents and children attending. We are already looking forward to next year’s event!” 

As well as featuring at all the Parasport festivals, boccia has seen significant developments taking place throughout February. Forth Valley hosted a Senior Boccia Championship, which welcomed nearly 40 participants from regions across Scotland. The championships were a great success and thanks to Nicola Moriarty and Forth Valley Disability Sport for their support in organising such a fun event.  

Grampian saw the launch of fortnightly boccia session being held in Aberdeen. The sessions welcome people of all ages and it is the first open boccia session to be available in the area since pre-covid. Initially run by Grampian Disability Sport, the sessions will run in partnership with the Community Sport Team at SportAberdeen. 

Highland welcomed a good mix of young leaders, active school coordinators and other community members to their Boccia Leaders Course, with the aim of taking their learnings into schools, care homes and other receptive environments.  

Scottish boccia held their first camp of the year, alongside Northern Ireland at Inverclyde sports centre in Largs. The camp struck a good balance between training and fun, which boccia coach, Peter McGuire, reports on in his review.  

Meanwhile, in Dumfries and Galloway – cricket is thriving in the Stranraer area with two champion clubs and three weekly sessions in Stranraer, Newton Stewart and Castle Douglas.  

Good news for Ayrshire Sportsability as they received funding from Trefoil Trust. The funding will support a club/coach conference that will focus on implementing inclusive practice in the clubs and sessions run throughout Ayrshire. It will also allow for coaches to receive the relevant training and skills to adapt their sessions.  

The Young Person’s Sport Panel had their first residential of the year, hosted also at Inverclyde sports centre in Largs. You can find out more about the weekend by reading YPSP member Grace’s blog here

Grace was also one of four YPSP members attending the Children 1st event in Stirling. Joining her were Dana and Charlotte, who helped to run the day, whilst Grace and Rae gave a presentation on their experience of PE and sport to date. Their presentation reflected on how their experiences affected their children’s rights before providing ‘top tips’ to ensure the rights of other children with disabilities are met through PEPAS (Physical education, physical activity and sport).  

Once again, Grace wrote a blog to recap the day’s activities. 

 

To find out more about upcoming SDS events, please view the SDS Calendar of Events on the events page.

Photo of a young boy in a power wheelchair playing power football.

10 Different Sports Showcased at Tayside Parasport Festival

By Emma Logan, Communications Manager 


It was another successful Parasport Festival as Tayside welcomed 57 participants to their event on Wednesday 6th March.  

Dundee & Angus College hosted the Parasport Festival which saw children and young people participate in nine different sports, including: athletics, judo, fencing, goalball, boccia, badminton, basketball, football and cycling.  

Graeme Doig, Scottish Disability Sport’s (SDS) Regional Development Manager for Tayside, said: “We’ve all enjoyed another wonderful Parasport Festival in Tayside, and it was great to see so many pupils with smiles on their faces all day long learning new skills, increasing confidence and making new friends.” 

Out of the 57 participants, 20 attended for the first time, which is a positive indicator of the increase in Parasport awareness within the region.  

The event was a great celebration for the community, as three local authorities (Angus, Dundee City and Perth & Kinross) supported the Parasport Festival with children/young people attending from across 28 schools.  

“The local clubs involved, along with Sports students from Dundee & Angus College, led the way with their sport, introduced adaptative equipment and demonstrated that with the right support and small adaptations, sport really is for everyone”, said Graeme Doig.  

Elite Para athlete, Rory McKinna, was at the Parasport Festival showcasing his sport, Para sailing. Rory provided a talk to explain about Para sailing and even brought in one of his training boats.  

“Probably one of the best things about the Parasport festival is the diversity of sports availabl”, said Rory. 

He continued to say, “Quite often there’s things that you might not have the opportunity to see, just on a day-to-day basis. Sailing for instance, kayaking. They’re based on the water so if you’re not near the water then you might not naturally see those sports. So, coming along today you’ll get introduced to a bunch of things that you might have never considered before and you never know, it might just be the sport for you.” 

Dundee City Council was represented by members of the Deaf Education Team from the Accessibility and Inclusion Service. They remarked on the Parasport Festival, saying: “We are delighted once again to be a part of Tayside Parasport Festival in Dundee. We always love to support this event because the organistaion is excellent, the communication and explanation of all events and all the activities is of an excellent standard and it is a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to come together and it shows the power of breaking down barriers through sport and the power of experiential earning for all our learners.” 

Tayside will be hosting a second day for water sports, including swimming. More details for day two will be confirmed at a later date.

Forth Valley’s Parasport Festival will be taking place on Wednesday 14th March, which leaves the East of Scotland and Shetland. To find out more about SDS’s Parasport Festivals, visit here.  

Dumfries & Galloway Parasport Festival 2024

By William Moncrieff, Communications Apprentice


 

The Dumfries and Galloway Parasport Festival took place on Tuesday 27th February. The festival was held in DG1 Leisure complex, where various sports were being provided with fantastic opportunities to participate in; Swimming, Judo, Boccia and Pickleball.

SDS’s Dumfries and Galloway Regional Development Manager, Dianne Campbell, along with branch colleagues and the support of local sporting clubs, organised and delivered activities on the day.

Dianne believes that everyone played a crucial role in the festival and highlighted the partnership working that goes into such occasions by listing many of those involved. Thanks to Laura Vickers, Dumfries and Galloway Disability Sport (DGDS) Branch Coordinator, Dave Denholm, DGDS Chair, Dave Watt, DGDS Boccia Coach, Dumfries College Students, Dumfries High Sports Leaders, Paul Wilson from Scottish Swimming and coaches from the venue, Luke Struthers and JudoScotland coaches and Ryan and Charlie for Pickleball.

The event was fortunate to benefit from the support of volunteers from Dumfries and Galloway College. The students decided to volunteer at the event as they saw it to be a great opportunity to gain some practical experience.

One student, Kieran, explained, “I have enjoyed my day because I have learned something new”.

Kieran further explained that the day created a number of opportunities to work with a new range of participants: “It’s with a group of children that you don’t often get the chance to work with”.

Dianne believes that the Parasport Festival was a success, with a total of 20 participants: 14 boys and six girls. Numbers were up from the 12 attendees in the previous year.

When reflecting on the day, Dianne said, “I was delighted how the Dumfries Parasport event went and it was lovely to see an increase in numbers of children attending this year. So many positive comments from teachers, parents and children attending. We are already looking forward to next year’s event!”

There are still opportunities to find out more about your local Parasport festival and attend, visit https://www.scottishdisabilitysport.com/parasport-festivals-2024-dates-announced/

Young girl in a wheelchair playing basketball. She is balancing the basketball on her lap as she gets into a good position to shoot for the hoop.

West of Scotland Delivers Sold Out Parasport Festival

By Emma Logan, Communications Manager 


Over one hundred children attended the West of Scotland’s Parasport Festival, which took place at On-X Linwood on Monday 4th March.  

It was the second highest number of participants to ever attend a Parasport Festival in the West of Scotland.  

Participants got to try a diverse variety of sports: athletics, cricket, powerchair football, football, basketball, swimming, boccia, badminton, Para canoe, tennis, table tennis and snow sports.  

Having just joined Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) at the end of last year, it was the first Parasport Festival that Fraser Kennedy had to organise and it proved to be a great accomplishment.  

“It was a really fantastic day, to have over 100 children attending from all across the West of Scotland was a huge success”, said the Regional Development Manager for the West.  

“The day itself ran incredibly well thanks to all the students from City of Glasgow College and the coaches from the SGBs (Scottish Governing Bodies) and the community clubs that delivered a total of 13 different sports, ” Fraser said.  

The event attracted returning participants as well as welcoming 74 children and young people to their first ever Parasport Festival. 

“Ellie’s been before and she really enjoyed it”, said Andrea Martindale, Ellie’s mum. 

“She loves the variety of sports. She’s doing some sports that she’s never even tried before. She loves that.” 

As well as taking part in sport, Parasport Festivals provide a unique opportunity for children and young people to socialise and make new friends.  

“She also enjoys being with people that also have disabilities, so she doesn’t feel so alone. So that’s a good support for her,” said Andrea.  

Basketball Scotland is a regular attendee at SDS’ Parasport Festivals and the sport proved to be very popular on Monday.    

“I love Parasport Festivals. We do them every year”, said Tina Gordon, Basketball Scotland’s Disability and Inclusion Manager.  

She continued to say, “It’s amazing to see so many young children playing, having fun and it gives us a real opportunity to find new players and introduce the sport of wheelchair basketball and basketball to them.” 

The West of Scotland’s event was the fifth Parasport Festival to take place this year. Upcoming Parasport Festivals include Tayside, Forth Valley, East of Scotland and Shetland.  

Whilst registration has closed for both Tayside and Forth Valley, there is still time to sign up for the East and Shetland. To do so and for more information about the Parasport Festivals, visit here.  

Logo composition of SDS logo and XXV Sportwear logo. There is also a photo of a t-shirt with the new branding on the poster.

XXV Sportswear Support SDS Staff with New Kit

XXV Sportswear is thrilled to announce their latest collaboration with Scottish Disability Sport (SDS). This partnership is uniquely tailored to provide high-quality sportswear for the dedicated staff at SDS, the Scottish governing and co-coordinating body of all sports for people of all ages and abilities with a physical, sensory or learning disability.  

 SDS plays a vital role in advocating for inclusivity and promoting sports participation for individuals of all levels of ability with a disability in Scotland. XXV Sportswear is honoured to align with their mission and contribute to enhancing the working experiences of the passionate individuals who form the backbone of SDS. 

 Gavin MacLeod, CEO of Scottish Disability Sport said: “SDS is delighted to be working collaboratively with XXV Sportswear to provide quality branded sportswear for the staff team. This is an extension of a long established relationship, which we hope will flourish to the mutual benefit of both organisations”. 

 XXV Sportswear is pleased to be a part of SDS’s journey in supporting its staff, ensuring they have high quality sportswear to reflect their efforts and aid their mission of Inspiring Through Inclusion. 

Group photo of Scottish boccia and Northern Ireland at first boccia camp of 2024

Scottish Boccia Host Northern Ireland at First Camp of the Year

By Boccia Coach, Peter McGuire. 

At the weekend (23rd – 25th February) Scottish boccia held our first camp of the year, alongside Northern Ireland at Inverclyde sports centre in Largs. From arriving on the Friday until departing on Sunday, performance and spirits were high amongst the athletes.
We had six coaches from both nations supporting the weekend, each inputting and organising sessions throughout the camp. The feedback from the players was positive, praising the creativity and freshness of the sessions: “You all bring different ingredients and make a great stir fry”, said one athlete. 
Athletes provided each other with valuable and positive feedback as they were keen to support and help each another develop their skills. This environment is a great way to turbo charge an athlete’s progress.
A highlight over the weekend was a group bonding session – a quiz developed by Scott MacCowan. The quiz was a mash of University Challenge and Pointless. Like Christmas cracker jokes it had every one laughing and scratching our heads.
Once again we would like to thank our hosts at Inverclyde for their hospitality and looking after our athletes, as well as our guests from Northern Ireland. Thank you to everyone that joined on the weekend – for your professionalism and intensity.
As the sign says here in bonnie Scotland, “Haste ye back”. 
Poster with a photo of Elizabeth Lochhead and text that says, new staff member

Elizabeth Lochhead Appointed New Senior Administrator

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) welcomed Elizabeth Lochhead as the new senior administrator, in late January.

By William Moncrieff, Communications Apprentice


Elizabeth comes with a wealth of knowledge, having previous worked in administration at Forestry and Land Scotland. She first became aware of the opportunity at SDS through former SDS employee Sharon MacDowell, who encouraged her to apply.

Although the job and its tasks are not entirely new for Elizabeth, she is embracing this “new challenge” and said, “It will be something new to get my teeth in to”.

As she settles in to the role, she is interested to developing her understanding of boccia.

“I am really interested in Boccia. I’ve been speaking to Jonathan (Boccia Development officer) who is in the office quite a lot and so I am keen to attend one of the boccia events.”

Elizabeth explains that she is into sports and exercising. This is evidenced by Elizabeth planning on completing the West Highland Way from Milngavie to Fort William later this year. It was originally seen as an opportunity to explore more of the country and to keep fit and healthy. However, she has now decided to fundraise for SDS after noticing, “How passionate they all are about fundraising”.

One task in her new role that Elizabeth is really looking forward to is adapting the website, to make it more user friendly for those who are less confident using a computer. She hopes that this development will result in more people being able to access the information online and attend events.

This is something that Elizabeth is keen to help further with. By developing her skillset in using new systems and procedures, she will be able to help others sign up for events or workshops. She said, “It’s something we can help with. We can make sure kids aren’t losing out because they don’t have the amenities to sign-up”.

Elizabeth views part of her role as being, “very visual in the office”. She aspires to be a helping hand to anyone in the organisation and anyone trying to contact Scottish Disability Sport.

Young boy tries Para canoeing indoors. The canoe is strapped on top of a wooden board with four wheels on the bottom. The boy has a paddle with rubber ends, which he can use to push off of the floor with to move around. A man is also pushing the back of the canoe.

Fife’s First Parasport Festival Proves Huge Success

By Emma Logan, Communications Manager


Disability Sport Fife welcomed 48 participants to their first ever Parasport Festival, on Thursday 22nd February.

The event allowed for children and young people with a physical, vision and hearing impairment to try boccia, athletics, swimming, basketball, football, badminton, paddle sports (canoe, kayak), cricket, tennis and water skiing before rounding off the day hearing from some elite Para athletes including Paralympian, Derek Rae.

It was an all-day event hosted at the Michael Woods Sports & Leisure Centre in Glenrothes. Following its conclusion, SDS’ Regional Development Manager for Fife, Gayle Sloan, said that there were, “a lot of happy faces. Lots of excitement. They (the participants) were having fun and that’s got to be the main thing. That’s what we wanted to achieve today and that’s what we did.”

One of the main objectives of SDS’ Parasport festivals is to attract new people along to further highlight all the sporting opportunities and physical activities available in their area. 

42 out of the 48 participants had never attended a Parasport festival before. This included eight people who do not fully fully participate in PE at school. 

Kirsty Byrne, Disability Sport Fife’s Branch Coordinator and Administrator, commented on this, saying: “There were a lot of new faces that we hadn’t seen before coming from across Fife so it will hopefully be great to see them at our competitions and some of our sessions throughout the week. It’s really nice to see new faces and make new connections and relationships in order to facilitate that participation within sport.”

Kimberley Smith accompanied her son Patrick, to the Parasport Festival. Despite Patrick already attending sport sessions at both Pitreavie and Michael Woods, the Parasport Festival was still beneficial.

“Everybody is the same but different and it’s [Parasport festival] so inclusive. Some good tips and tricks for moving forward in to other games and just learning. Learning all the time with things like this”, said Kimberley Smith.

She continued to comment on how their learnings from the day could be applied at Patrick’s school: “It will be good for the likes of the football and boccia and other things that he could learn at school because he’s the only wheelchair user in the school. So, to learn tips and tricks here and take it back to the school and teach the school things, is just good. He can see it, try it, test it and take it back.”

Maree Todd, the Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport attended in the afternoon to see first-hand, the impact Parasport Festivals can have. “I really believe in the power of sport,” she said.

“This is a wonderful occasion. It’s a real celebration. There’s lots and lots of different clubs here who will carry on that relationship and that inclusion. It’s really powerful work that’s happening in here and everyone’s having a great time.”

(Maree Todd MSP’s full interview is available here.) 

Athletics was one of the sports available to try on Thursday. Pamela Robson from Scottish Athletics led the athletics sessions in the morning and remarked on participants having already requested follow-up information on the sessions available in Fife.

“It’s amazing. It’s exactly what you want and that’s the whole point”, said Pamela.

“We wanted to do this today so that people could take part in sport in their local community. We don’t want children with a disability to have to travel an hour to find a club that’s inclusive”.

Disability Sport Fife are planning a second Parasport Festival at the end of the year but opportunities to engage in sport and physical activity are ongoing through a variety of clubs and sessions. If you would like more information on the opportunities in Fife, please contact Gayle Sloan at: gayle.sloan@scottishdisabilitysport.com

For opportunities available outside of Fife, please contact the relevant Regional Development Manager here.

To find out more about your region’s Parasport Festival, visit here.