History
Scottish Disability Sport (formerly the Scottish Sports Association for Disabled People [SSAD]) was formed in 1962 to encourage the development of sport and physical recreation for disabled people throughout Scotland. During those early years the organisation was a branch of the British Sports Association for the Disabled [BSAD]. It was only a matter of time however before SSAD became independent and a truly Scottish organisation. During those early years the key personnel who were the driving force behind SDS had essentially medical backgrounds. SSAD had strong ties with Scottish organisations concerned with the welfare and care of disabled people. It was not until the mid 70’s that the SSAD attracted a small group of individuals with experience in management and considerable knowledge of physical activity including sport.
Mary Urquhart took over as Chairman in 1975, Bob Mitchell was elected Vice Chairman and Richard Brickley assistant to the Hon Secrtetary Iain Baillie. This formidable team, with background experience in Local Government and the Civil Service, transformed the organisation and encouraged the election of several new Executive Committee members. Even stronger links were forged with the Scottish Sports Council and shortly after the Council appointed its first officer with a specific responsibility for sport for disabled people. The Association grew in strength as several Branches were established in areas where sport for disabled people had become a priority within Local Authority service provision.
A major event in the development of the Association was the International Year of Disabled Persons in 1981 when projects and programmes, conferences and events were established all over the country with the sole purpose of promoting opportunities for disabled people in sport. British organisations involved with disability sport benefited enormously from grants and media attention for the first time. A key success during the year was the International Conference on Sport for Disabled People held at the University of Stirling. Dunfermline College of Physical Education in Cramond, Edinburgh also hosted a ground breaking education conference. The SSAD added a considerable number of new events to its national calendar including the first ever national bowls and athletics championships hosted by Fife Council and the first inter area swim gala involving teams of physically disabled swimmers from Glasgow and Edinburgh. SSAD was directly involved in organising and funding the involvement of the first Scottish blind and physically disabled junior team in the International Junior Games in Gateshead in 1981 and the first Scottish Special Olympics team in the First GB Summer Games in Liverpool in 1982. From day one SSAD/SDS has been a pan disability organisation promoting sport for athletes with a physical, sensory or learning disability of all ages and abilities.
Progress was swift and Scots began to make their mark in International events at home and abroad. The 1984 Paralympics in New York and Stoke Mandeville confirmed that disability sport in Scotland had taken a giant leap forward. Many Scots were selected for the GB team and a substantial number won Paralympic medals in a range of sports. Performances continued to improve and even more Scots were selected for international honours. Success after success followed as GB Paralympic teams in Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, and Athens 2004 benefited enormously from the presence of Scottish athletes and support coaches. These two decades are described by proud Scots as the "golden years". Successive Scottish swimming teams won British team trophies and Scottish swimmers travelled the world in search of international competition and gold medals. In 1987 the association celebrated its Silver Jubilee with 10 days of national and international sports events across the city of Glasgow with enormous assistance from the City Council and Strathclyde Regional Council. This was a period when disability sport north of the border truly came of age. There is no doubt that the rest of the world has caught up quickly and standards have improved beyond all expectations As SDS moves towards London 2012 every effort will be made to ensure that Scottish representation and success are as strong as in the past.
Development Plans shaped the work of SSAD during the 70’s and 80’s and Changing with The Times 1 and 2 identified the priorities of the newly established Scottish Disability Sport [SDS] up until 2005. The current Strategic Plan entitled "Towards London and Beyond 2006 – 2012" clearly outlines how SDS plans to lead the development of sport in Scotland for people of all ages and abilities with a physical, sensory or learning disability. SDS has four priorities for 2006 to 2012. These priorities are central to all Association work and influence the way specific objectives are met SDS will:
- Work with regional coaching partnerships to access the very best of education and leadership for athletes and volunteers.
- Recruit new partners involved in physical activity and/or disability, further develop existing partnerships.
- Encourage and support Scottish athletes with a disability to realise their full potential in sport.
In order to achieve the strategic goals outlined for 2012 SDS will focus on the following key areas - Developing the Sports, Education and Training, Governance and Communication. Within each of the key areas expected outcomes and targets by 2012 have been identified.
The first SDS office was in the Fife Sports Institute, Glenrothes thanks to support from Fife Regional Council. Early in 2000 the SDS Head Office was set up at Caledonia House home of sportscotland and the Fife Office was retained as an additional base with a part-time Administrator. The first paid employees of SSAD were supported through Government Training Schemes and it was not until the early 80’s that the Association appointed its first part-time paid Administrator based in Fife and supported by Grant Aid from the Scottish Sports Council. Towards the end of the 90’s the Association adopted a new logo and the new name of SDS. Soon after followed the appointment of staff members two and three, a Development Officer and a full-time Administrator. A major breakthrough came in 2003 with the appointment of the Association’s first Chief Executive Officer supported by an endowment from the Scottish Executive. More recently the Association appointed a part-time Finance Manager and Managers to cover Performance, Participation, Coaching and Pathways plus Regional Development. A remarkable success story over a relatively short period of time thanks to encouragement and support from sportscotland in particular and key strategic partners.
Scottish Disability Sport is the governing and co-ordinating body of all sports for people of all ages and abilities with a disability. SDS is a pan disability organisation that has charitable status and is recognised by sportscotland as the lead agency in disability sport north of the border.
SDS is a member organisation of the British Paralympic Association and works closely with Scottish Local Authorities and Scottish Governing Bodies of Sport.
SDS became a Company Limited by Guarantee in 2003 and has been fortunate to attract on to the Board committed volunteers who have an interest in sport and/or disability. At one time SDS was led entirely by volunteers. In order to "change with the times" and ensure it is "fit for purpose" SDS has taken on a highly proficient staff team to work in conjunction with its committed volunteers for the benefit of its many athlete members.