Month: December 2021

SDS Return to Sport and Physical Activity Guidance Paper (updated 17 December 2021)

The First Minister provided a Covid-19 update on 14 December 2021, outlining the increased challenge posed by the Omicron variant, the priority being placed on the continued emphasis on supporting the vaccine and booster programme, and the need for businesses to strengthen compliance with current protection measures.

Businesses and service providers are now legally required to take reasonably practical measures to minimise spread of coronavirus on their premises, taking into consideration Scottish Government guidance available at Scottish Government: Safer Businesses and Workplaces.

All of Scotland continues to be ‘Beyond Level 0’, but the Scottish Government retain the option of putting in place local measures and travel restrictions to manage any future virus outbreaks. A summary of guidance relating to ‘Beyond Level 0’ is available in Appendix 1.

People who are symptomatic or identified as close contacts should follow Scottish Government and NHS guidance on self-isolation available at Scottish Government: Test & Protect . No one who is self-isolating should attend a sports facility or activity.

Where protection levels are applicable organised sporting activities can be undertaken providing all activity is consistent with current Scottish Government guidance on health, physical distancing and hygiene.  You will also need to make sure that your club, facility, and participants are made aware of, and can adapt to, changes in guidance at short notice.  This is particularly important where changes to travel, physical distancing or local area protection level restrictions are made by Scottish Government at short notice. Information on Scottish Government’s approach to managing COVID-19 is available at Scottish Government: Coronavirus in Scotland.

To manage a safe return to sport and leisure activities it is a mandatory requirement that all clubs, facility operators and deliverers put in place comprehensive Test & Protect procedures to help break chains of transmission of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Further information is available within this guidance and at Scottish Government: Test & Protect. From 9 August 2021 close contacts of those testing positive for Covid-19 who have symptoms or test positive will still be required to self-isolate. However close contacts aged 18 years or older who have been double vaccinated, for 14 days or more, and with no symptoms will be able get a PCR test and end self-isolation if the result is negative.

  • Those aged 5-17 years of age will also be able to take a PCR test and end self-isolation (without being double vaccinated) if the test result is negative.
  • This approach will be encouraged but not required for children under 5 years.

Further information on protection levels that apply in each local authority area are available at Coronavirus (COVID-19): allocation of protection levels. A local post code checker is also available at COVID restrictions by protection level in areas of Scotland.

The free NHS Scotland Protect Scotland app has been designed to help us protect each other, reduce the spread of coronavirus and avoid further lockdowns. By using the app and following current public health measures we can all stay safe when we meet up, socialise, work or travel. To find out more and download the app please visit protect.scot.

What should someone do if they have coronavirus symptoms?

If a person has a continuous cough, high temperature, or loss or change in taste or smell, they should self-isolate and request a coronavirus test right away.  Further information is available at NHS inform: Get a Test or by calling 0800 028 2816 if they cannot get online.

SGBs, clubs and participants should be aware of their local area protection level and associated restrictions which may be in place and should consider this as part of risk assessment planning.  Broad guidance for sporting activity which should be followed within each Level is set out in Table A below.

Further information on protection levels that apply in each local authority area are available at Coronavirus (COVID-19): allocation of protection levels.  A local post code checker is also available at COVID restrictions by protection level in areas of Scotland.

Where a participant with a disability requires functional support to enable their participation in physical activity and sport this can be provided without maintaining physical distancing. This support can be provided by a coach or other individual. In such circumstance the responsible ‘Covid Officer’ should consider appropriate mitigating actions as part of the risk assessment in consultation with the participant. This process is reflective of making “reasonable adjustment,” in line with the Equality Act 2010.

“Reasonable adjustment” ensures the meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities within physical activity and sport by meeting individual needs.

For instance, providing appropriate PPE, limiting the number of participants an individual provides functional support to, limiting the duration spent in close proximity, or a combination of actions.

Further information on supporting the inclusion of participants with a disability can be found here.

Equality & Inclusion

Covid-19 is affecting everyone.  But the impact of the pandemic is not being felt equally.  Before the pandemic certain groups were less likely to participate in sport and physical activity. These groups are also the most at risk of worsening inequalities due to Covid-19:

  • Older people
  • Disabled people
  • Ethnic minorities
  • Women
  • People from deprived communities

It is more important than ever to consider inclusive guidance for people who need extra support to be active and sports facility operators should consider this as part of their work to encourage people to return.

The evidence emerging has clear implications for how we design and deliver sport and physical activity.  Some key areas for consideration include;

Communication – Digital exclusion is a key issue. With so many services and so much information moving online it risks worsening the health impacts of the pandemic. We have to think innovatively about the range of ways we can provide information to people about sport and physical activity.

Accessibility – Accessibility of our environments is another key issue emerging from the pandemic. As clubs and leisure centres re-open it’s important to build understanding of people’s specific accessibility needs around things like hygiene, physical distancing and face coverings so we can provide the best possible support to people to take part in sport and physical activity.

Anxiety, mental health and wellbeing – The pandemic is leading to an increased risk of anxiety and mental ill-health for people who share all characteristics. We know that sport and physical activity can have significant benefits for people’s mental health so it’s vital that we continue to promote those benefits, so people are encouraged to get involved.

Confidence – Confidence to return to sport is a big issue across all groups. We know that some groups are at higher risk from Covid-19 than others (including some ethnic minorities, disabled people and households experiencing poverty). These groups may be even more nervous about returning to sport or starting to participate. They are also less likely to participate in sport in the first place, so we’ll need to give extra attention to their needs to help build their confidence.

Guidance – From 9 August 2021

Following the First Minister’s update, the latest Return to Sport & Physical Activity Guidance will be effective from 9 August 2021.

Travel Guidance

Travel guidance outlined by the Scottish Government should always be followed.   Further information on what travel is permitted is available at Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on travel and transport.

Information for each local government area, including their level is available at Coronavirus (COVID-19): local protection levels including a post code checker. 

Car Sharing

You should avoid car sharing with anyone from another household unless you deem it to be necessary.  If individuals or groups do car share then they should follow Transport Scotland:  advice on how to travel safely and put in place appropriate risk assessment and mitigations.

Sport & Physical Activity Participation

Participants can take part in organised sport and physical activity as detailed in Table A. Activity is subject to exemption from household rules as detailed within this guidance. When a participant travels out with their local government area, they should follow the travel guidance detailed below. No domestic travel restrictions apply to local areas ‘Beyond Level 0’.

Children & Young People (17 years or under)

People can travel to and from Level 0, 1, 2 and 3 areas to facilitate or take part in organised sport, training, and competition which is for persons under 18 years of age.

Children and young people can also travel to and from a Level 4 area, if for example, they belong to a club which is outside their own local government area.  This flexibility is to allow children and young people to take part in sport or organised activity, but they should travel no further than they need to. If attending a sport/activity in a Level 3 area or below, Level 4 guidance will apply to the whole activity e.g. 12 to 17-year-old outdoor activity should be restricted to non-contact and include a maximum of 15 participants.

Children and young people living in a Level 2, 3 or 4 area can also travel out with their local government area to take part in informal exercise such as walking, running or cycling.  Such activity should follow Scottish Government ‘local protection levels’ guidance.

Adults (18 years or over)

  • Participants aged 18 years or over can travel to and from a Level 0, 1 and 2 area to take part in organised sport, physical activity, training, and competition. However, to help suppress the spread of the virus, it is advised that people should not utilise facilities or take part in activities that are not allowed in their home local area protection Level.  Participants should not travel to a Level 3 or 4 area to take part in organised sport or physical activity.
  • Adults living in a Level 3 or 4 area should only travel locally (within their local government area) to take part in organised sport or physical activity as outlined in Table A.
  • Adults living in a Level 3 or Level 4 area can also travel up to 5 miles out with their local government area to take part in informal exercise or recreation such as walking, cycling, golf or running that starts and finishes in the same place. Such activity should follow Scottish Government ‘local protection levels’ guidance.

Definitions – for the purposes of this guidance

‘Organised sporting or physical activity’ refers to activities which are undertaken in a structured and managed way following specific rules and guidance of relevant SGBs, local authorities or businesses who in turn have fully applied related Scottish Government and sportscotland guidance.  All organised activity should be overseen by a Covid Officer with documented risk assessments undertaken and mitigating actions put in place to ensure the health, safety and welfare of participants, coaches and officials.

Contact sport or activity is defined as “a sport or activity in which the participants necessarily come into bodily contact or as a matter of course encroach within 2m (1m from 19th July 2021) of one another”.

Non-contact sport or activity is defined as “a sport or activity in which the participants are physically separated by playing rules such as to make it difficult for them to make physical contact during an activity.  Examples include Tennis, Cricket, Boccia and Curling.

Sports competition is defined as “any amateur participation sport, contest or race involving individual participants or teams who regularly compete against opponents as part of an organised SGB, league, local authority or club activity.”

Sports event is defined as “an organised gathering or activity of limited duration that brings people together for the primary purpose of participating in the one-off sporting activity such as a marathon, triathlon etc.”  For the benefit of this guidance professional sport with spectators is regarded as a sports event not competition.

Adult ‘group’ sport or activity refers to adults, who take part in organised sport or physical activity, where the number of participants is larger than allowed under normal household rules.

Indoor individual exercise refers to non-contact recreational sport or physical activity which follows household rule numbers.  This includes gym use, 1:1 personal training, swimming, ice skating and indoor snowsports activity where physical distancing can be maintained.

Permitted Sport and Leisure Activities

Participants and operators should follow guidance based on the area protection level in which the sporting activity is to take place.  A summary of what sporting activity can be undertaken at each protection level is available in Table A and should be read in conjunction with the rest of this document.

Subject to the protection level guidance within this document, organised sporting or physical activity can take place indoors or outdoors, in effect suspending physical distancing and household guidelines, for the duration of the activity.

Where there is likely to be close proximity or contact between participants involved in a sporting activity, mitigating actions should be considered to minimise risk and keep participants safe.  For instance:

  • Guidance should focus on providing sporting activity involving as few participants as possible, for the minimum amount of time, whilst still allowing the activity to run effectively. This may also require a change to game formats, numbers and/or rules to minimise risk to participants.
  • As soon as a participant has completed training, a competition or event, they should leave the field of play/venue unless other Scottish Government guidance allows e.g. use of venue hospitality services.

When a local area is operating ‘Beyond Level 0’ it is recommended that ‘Give people space’ messaging is promoted.

Formal presentation ceremonies, both indoor and outdoor, should only take place during or after a sporting activity or competition where Scottish Government household rules on gatherings allow.  The emphasis should be on reducing risk.

Holiday camps, extended sports activity or events which would not normally come under the jurisdiction of an SGB should refer to the appropriate local authority or other relevant Scottish Government guidance.

For instance, services which provide regulated childcare (registered by the Care Inspectorate in Scotland) should follow the guidance for Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for school age childcare services.

Outdoor Sport & Physical Activity

‘Beyond Level 0’ normal facility occupancy levels apply but operators are encouraged to focus on ‘Give people space’ messaging and continue to maintain hygiene protocols.

Where local restrictions or Levels apply, operators may open outdoor sports areas, courts, and pitches if documented risk assessments are undertaken, and appropriate measures are put in place to ensure the safety of participants, staff, and volunteers and where activity is undertaken in line with protection level guidance. Please also refer to guidance produced by sportscotland at: Keeping Your Facilities Fit for Sport.

Information relating to outdoor sport and physical activity that can be undertaken by protection level and age group is available in Table A.

Outdoor sporting bubbles for training, competition, or small-scale participation events (Levels 0-3)

An outdoor sporting ‘field of play bubble’, including multiple bubbles, can be used for organised training, competition, or participation events up to the limits noted below.  Coaches, officials, and other volunteers are not included in Level 0 to Level 2 bubble/participation numbers but are at Level 3.  Support staff numbers should be limited to those that are required to ensure a safe, well run activity:

  • Level 3 – Bubbles of up to 30 with a maximum of 200 participants per day
  • Level 2 – Bubbles of up to 50 with a maximum of 500 participants per day
  • Level 1 – Bubbles of up to 100 with a maximum of 1000 participants per day
  • Level 0 – Bubbles of up to 500 with no participant limit per day
  • Beyond Level 0 – No bubble restrictions, but organisers should continue to consult with and obtain agreement from those bodies that they would normally require agreement from.

Total participant numbers taking part in training, competition, or events, other than detailed below, should not exceed maximum daily numbers.

Permanent outdoor sport, leisure and club facilities which are accessed on a regular basis by the general public and/or club members and have in place a designated COVID officer and appropriate risk assessments may exceed the daily participation limit if managed in line with Scottish Government guidance on the opening of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities.  This may, for instance, include operating separate activity zones, implementing staggered time slots and putting in place other measures to ensure participation bubbles remain separate including consideration of parking and access/egress.

Where a person requires the support of a carer to undertake sport or physical activity safely, the carer will not be counted in the bubble total.  In such circumstances the Covid Officer should risk assess and where required take additional precautions to minimise risk.  For instance, the carers may wear, if appropriate, personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks during the activity.

Any further exemptions or variation to training, competition, or event participant numbers, including the addition of spectators, must be agreed directly with Scottish Government and may be subject to other relevant Scottish Government guidance.

Operators and organisers should note that the situation around COVID-19 is fluid and activities may need to be cancelled at short notice should there be a change in local or national restrictions.  In such circumstance’s plans should be in place to notify participants of event cancellation and to ensure they do not attend the venue.

SGBs and operators should introduce a period of training to familiarise participants with guidelines before running competitions.

Outdoor group coaching for organised sport and physical activity including aerobics and fitness classes can take place if physical distancing is maintained with bubble/participation numbers as identified in Table A.

Indoor Sport & Physical Activity

Indoor sport and leisure facilities can open if Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19):  Guidance for the opening of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities is fully implemented.

Appropriate risk assessments and mitigating measures should be put in place to reduce risk and protect participants.  For instance, where local restrictions apply, consider physically distanced training, reducing numbers taking part and changing game formats or rules.

Participants should not congregate before or after an activity.  Operators must ensure comprehensive mitigating actions are put in place and documented in their risk assessment to stop this happening.  Consider staggering start/arrival times and any other relevant additional measures.

The number of participants allowed to take part in indoor sport or physical activity must be risk assessed by the operator and follow Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19): sport and leisure facilities and sport specific SGB Guidance.

Information relating to indoor sport and physical activity that can be undertaken is available in Table A.

Sports Events

Sport Competition

Organised sport competition can take place if guidance within this document is followed and subject to appropriate risk assessment and oversight by the designated Covid Officer.

The maximum number of participants allowed to take part in a sport competition should be no more than:

Operators and organisers should where relevant, as part of their risk assessment, consult with and obtain agreement from those bodies that they would normally require agreement from to run the competition. Where the competition would require a licence from the local authority under existing Civic Government legislation, this must include agreement from local Environmental Health Officers. Other bodies depending on the type, location, and scale of the event, may include the landowner, Community Council, the transport police, or other body responsible for the safety of the public.

Spectators are permitted under the following circumstances:

  • ‘Beyond Level 0’ there are no limits on spectator numbers, subject to organisers obtaining relevant permissions, where they normally would be required to do so. However, operators/ organisers should follow Scottish Government’s Coronavirus (COVID-19): Certification Scheme – Information for Businesses and Event Organisers where attendance thresholds are met. A COVID vaccine certificate or a record of a recent negative COVID-19 test result (from either a Lateral Flow Device or PCR) is needed for:
    • indoor events (unseated) with 500 or more people
    • outdoor events (unseated) with 4,000 or more people
    • any event with 10,000 or more people
  • where a competition or event is organised and takes place at premises whose entrances and exits are controlled (indoors and outdoors) for the purpose of crowd and capacity management in line with Scottish Government (COVID-19): events sector guidance and (COVID-19): calculating physical distancing capacity in public settings.
  • It is recognised that it may not always be possible to prevent people from spectating [at a competition or event] in a public space such as a park. In such circumstances organisers should consider mitigating measures as part of their risk assessment with an emphasis on keeping people safe. Any such measures should be clearly communicated by the organiser prior to the competition which may include, amongst other things, the displaying of notices around the venue to remind the public to follow Scottish Government guidance.
  • For clarity, where informal spectating does take place organisers are not expected to enforce government guidance on members of the public in places not under their control.

Sports Events & Competitions

Sports events, including spectator events, can take place subject to appropriate Scottish Government guidance being followed.  Further information is available on the sportscotland website here: Return to Competition & Events: sport events.

Coaching

The guidance below is to support coaches, leaders, personal trainers, deliverers, and instructors, herein referred to as coach/es.  In addition, please see Getting Coaches Ready for Sport which provides a 4-stage approach/checklist to help coaches get ready for delivering sport and physical activity. It can be used as it is or amended to reflect the sport or delivery activity.

Coaches operating within clubs and facilities should liaise with the relevant COVID Officer before undertaking coaching and all sporting or physical activity must adhere to operator and relevant SGB Guidance.

Coaches and others supporting organised sporting or physical activity should if possible, keep physically distant, but it is recognised that this will not always be possible to ensure the safety of participants.  In such circumstances the responsible ‘Covid Officer’ should consider appropriate mitigating actions as part of the risk assessment.

Coaches should be aware that local restrictions may be in place for sport and physical activity and this should be considered as part of risk assessment planning and will dictate what activity can be coached, indoors and outdoors and to whom.  See Table A for further information about protection levels.

Up to date information on the latest travel regulations is available at Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel and transport

Coaching (Levels 0-3)

Coaches can run organised outdoor group training sessions in protection Levels 0-3 in line with maximum bubble sizes outlined in Table A or as agreed through approved SGB Guidance and Scottish Government (COVID-19):  guidance on the opening of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities.  They should also ensure to follow specific guidance on sporting bubbles within this document.

Coaching (Level 4)

Coaches can run organised outdoor non-contact group training sessions in protection Level 4 for a maximum of 15 people aged 12 years or over (including the coach/es)

Coaches can run organised outdoor contact and non-contact training sessions for up to 30 children (including the coach/es) aged u12 years.

Coaches can take multiple indoor sessions (where protection levels allow) per day, however the number of participants allowed in each session will depend upon the protection Level restrictions in place in the given location.

Face coverings must be worn by coaches when indoors, except where an exemption applies. For instance:

  • where an individual has a health condition or is disabled, including hidden disabilities, for example, autism, dementia or a learning disability.
  • or if there is a reasonable excuse not to wear a face covering such as:
    • where there is difficulty in communicating with participants who may not be close by and safety is an issue i.e. in a swimming lesson. In such cases alternative measures should be considered such as use of a face visor.
    • being physically active or exercising as part of the coached session.

The priority should be on ensuring the safety of the coach and participants and minimising the risk of virus transmission before, during and after activity.

At all times coaches should:

  • plan and risk assess appropriately for the session in advance, be aware of responsibilities, be clear on expectations with participants and build in a review period to reflect on effectiveness and safety of the session.
  • ensure signage on guidelines for participating safely and promoting hygiene measures are clearly displayed and up to date.
  • check, in advance of delivery, that appropriate insurance policies are in place for all coached activities and that their insurance is valid for the activities they plan to deliver.
  • find out about their direct and surrounding delivery environment in advance of the session and contact the facility operator, where relevant, to confirm any changes in processes and procedure.
  • consider the needs of participants returning after recovering from COVID-19. Participants should be able to confidentially disclose this, in a similar way to any other personal matter relevant to coached activity, so the coach can make suitable adjustments and allowances to the planned activity for the individual and check that input from a medical professional has been sought where appropriate.
  • Coaches working with children should familiarise themselves with the additional considerations developed by Children 1st: Child Wellbeing and Protection Considerations.

Additional support tools are available for coaches and volunteers at the Getting Coaches Ready for Sport section of the sportscotland website including  mental health and wellbeing awareness training .

Toilets, Changing and Locker Rooms

Access to, and use, of changing rooms and showering facilities is permitted (other than in Level 4 areas where indoor facilities should remain closed) if appropriate risk assessment and hygiene measures have been put in place.  However, the safety of participants is the priority and facility operators should consider whether use of the areas is necessary.

Where changing rooms and showering facilities are to be used specific guidance relating to use of ‘Changing and Showers’ is available at Keeping Your Facilities Fit for Sport.

Operators may open public toilets if they follow the guidelines outlined on the Scottish Government website Opening Public Toilets Guidelines.

Access to indoor locker rooms and storage areas is permitted for dropping off and collecting sports equipment or clothing.  The operator should ensure mitigating actions are put in place to minimise the risk of virus transmission including physical distancing, hygiene and cleaning measures.

Equipment Provision and Use

Operators should, where possible, remove equipment including benches, scoreboards, tables and any other objects that are not essential for participation purposes.

Where the above is not possible appropriate cleaning measures, including provision of sanitiser and disposable gloves, should be put in place to reduce the risk of contamination.

All fixed equipment should be checked prior to use to avoid participants having to adjust or touch it or alternatively appropriate cleaning regimes should be in place.

Where shared equipment is necessary for an activity appropriate hygiene measures must be put in place before, during and after use.

Where balls are used in sports areas, courts and pitches a risk assessment should be undertaken to ensure measures are put in place to minimise uncovered body contact.  Appropriate hygiene protocols should be undertaken including hand hygiene and regular cleaning of balls before, during and after exercise.

Health, Safety & Hygiene

As restrictions are eased, the emphasis will continue to be on personal responsibility, good practice and informed judgement. The latest information on Coronavirus in Scotland can be accessed on the Scottish Government website at Coronavirus in Scotland. Operators and participants should however continue to:

  • maintain and promote good ventilation. Further information is available at Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19): ventilation guidance
  • wear face coverings in indoor sport and leisure facilities when not taking part in physical activity.
  • use good hand and respiratory hygiene and surface cleaning
  • stay at home and book a test if you develop coronavirus symptoms
  • work from home where possible and appropriate
  • apply and adhere to ‘give people space’ messaging

Ensure access to first aid and emergency equipment is maintained. Ensure that first aid equipment has been updated appropriately for the COVID-19 pandemic and first aiders have appropriate training.

In the event of first aid treatment being required it is recognised that a suitably qualified person, coach, or supervising adult may require to attend to the injured participant. The ‘Covid Officer’ should consider processes for managing this as part of their risk assessment. This could include but not be limited to;

  • Provision of suitable PPE
  • Training of coaches/supervising adults
  • A parent or carer being present with children or vulnerable adults.

Cleaning of equipment, hand and respiratory hygiene are core measures to be implemented and provision should be made for these.

Clear guidance and plans are needed for cleaning of facilities and equipment, and waste disposal. For instance, common touchpoint surfaces (gates, door handles etc) should where possible be left open but if not possible, regular cleaning with disposable gloves should be undertaken.

Make hand sanitizers or wipes available for use in bar and restaurant areas and at the entrance/exit to the venue/facility where this is possible. Hand sanitiser should be at least 60% alcohol based and detergent wipes appropriate for the surface they are being used on. Cleaning products should conform to EN14476 standards.

Be aware that disabled people may face greater challenges implementing regular handwashing because of additional support needs. Some disabled people may need to use touch to help them get information from their environment and physical support. It is important they are not prevented from doing this, but operators should be aware that this increases the likelihood of virus transmission.

Getting your Facilities Fit for Sport provides a checklist for health, hygiene and cleaning considerations and actions.

Local restrictions

Where a locality or region is subject to localised restrictions, not all of the changes above will apply. Details of local restrictions are available here.

Boccia

There will be no organised boccia activity under Level 4 restrictions. However, under other levels there is the ability to return depending on the readiness of facility providers to open to clubs and sessions for training purposes only.

Competition will be considered in the future.  SDS will publish further updates and guidance as and when competition is allowed to return.

SDS has published a separate Return to Boccia Guidance Paper. To access this guidance please follow this link: Return to Boccia

Travel guidance can be found in Table A on page 3.

General Guidance

To prevent spread of the virus, please follow the FACTS:

Face coverings

Avoid crowded places

Clean hands regularly

Two metre distance

Self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms

Please Note that FACTS guidance including physical distancing is expected to change from 19th July 2021.

IMPORTANT:

People who are symptomatic and household members should self-isolate for 10 days as per NHS Scotland guidance. No one who is self-isolating should attend a sports facility or activity.

Shielding has currently ceased and it is the individuals responsibility to decide when it is safe for their return to sport. The advice is  highlighted in here. The advice to people is to continue to strictly follow the guidelines on physical distancing, handwashing, surface cleaning and respiratory hygiene guidance on the NHS Inform website.

What to do if someone in the club or session has Covid-19:

Local Outbreaks or Clusters of Coronavirus Cases

Scottish Government travel advice and guidance relating to local outbreaks or clusters of coronavirus cases is available at Coronavirus (COVID-19): local advice and measures. 94. Where a local outbreak has been reported, sports facility operators and deliverers within this locality should review Scottish Government ‘local measures’ guidance, their facility/operational risk assessment and consider if additional mitigating actions should be put in place to reduce risk. This may, for example, include; suspending activity, enhancing hygiene and physical distancing measures or introducing additional activity restrictions.

SDS key messages

  • This guidance relates only to sport and physical activity in Scotland.
  • Further guidance will be available from your mainstream Scottish Governing Body to advise you on the implications for your individual sport. Click here
  • It is the responsibility of the relevant facility operator / COVID officer to ensure that full risk assessments, processes and mitigating actions are in place before any sport or leisure activity takes place and to check if the activity is in an area which is subject to additional Scottish Government localised measures and restrictions.
  • Guidance for coaches, leaders, personal trainers, and instructors (herein referred to as coaches) is available at Getting your coaches ready for sport.
  • During outdoor group training sessions appropriate risk assessed physical distancing and hygiene measures should be put in place to protect participants.
  • Face coverings: Mandatory (with limited exceptions) on public transport and in shops
  • Be kind, friendly and considerate to everyone you meet
  • Follow Public Health guidelines for hygiene
  • Any branch or club activity must be in accordance with the guidelines provided
  • Exercise well within your capabilities

Our priority remains to protect the health of our coaches, volunteers, athletes, participant, staff and the wider community and help to suppress the spread of the Covid-19 virus. We should all continue to follow the government’s and public health guidelines.

Appendix 1

‘Beyond Level 0’ Guidance

Introduction

To ensure that it is safe to progress ‘Beyond Level 0’, guidance is being linked to the ‘Gateway condition’.  This relates the amount of vaccine coverage to the Scottish Government’s new strategic intent to ‘suppress the virus at a level consistent with alleviating its harms’.

Most legal restrictions relating to Covid-19 will be lifted on the 9th August 2021 when Scotland moves to ‘Beyond Level 0’.  This includes restrictions on physical distancing and the size of social gatherings.  Additionally, no businesses will have to legally remain closed.

However, as of 17th December 2021, businesses and service providers are now legally required to take reasonably practical measures to minimise spread of coronavirus on their premises, for example measures which limit close face-to-face interaction, such as supporting working from home, making adjustments to the premises and putting in place protective measures such as signage, screens and other mitigations.

In determining these measures, consideration must be given to the Scottish Government guidance available at Scottish Government: Safer Businesses and Workplaces

Covid-19 is a disease that will need to be managed for the foreseeable future and to maintain progress in returning to more normality, it is important that people continue to abide by a set of baseline measures covered by Scottish Government guidance and where relevant legislation.  This includes:

  • Good hand hygiene and surface cleaning.
  • Continued promotion of good ventilation.
  • Requirement for face coverings in certain settings (e.g., public transport, retail).
  • Continued compliance with Test and Protect, including self-isolation when necessary.
  • Ongoing need for outbreak management capability, including active surveillance.
  • Continue to encourage a greater degree of working from home than pre-COVID-19. Where this is possible and appropriate, it will not only assist with controlling transmission of the virus, but also promote wellbeing more generally.

The information outlined below summarises the key areas which will change as we move ‘Beyond Level 0’ and should be read in conjunction with Return to sport and physical activity guidance to inform the development of sport specific information which will be shared with participants, clubs, local authorities/trusts, third sector and other sports facility operators.

  • It is the responsibility of each club committee, sports facility operator and/or deliverer (herein referred to as the operator) to ensure that full risk assessments, processes and mitigating actions continue to be applied before any sport or leisure activity takes place and to check if the activity is in an area which is subject to additional Scottish Government localised measures and restrictions.
  • Where a local outbreak has been reported sport and physical activity operators, in all settings, should review their risk assessment and consider if additional mitigating actions should be put in place to reduce risk. This may, for example, include suspending activity, enhancing hygiene and physical distancing measures, or introducing additional activity restrictions.
  • Scottish Government may update or change Levels and restrictions at any time, including local areas subject to them. Therefore, COVID officers should regularly check Coronavirus (COVID-19): Local Protection Levels.

Travel Restrictions

‘Beyond Level 0’ no travel restrictions will be applicable, within or between areas in Scotland, which are not categorised under the protection level system.  Please refer to the Travel Guidance section within Return to Sport for further information on where restrictions will apply should a local area move into protection levels.

Scottish Government are also continuing to monitor the UK wide and International Covid-19 position.  Further information on restrictions applicable between Scotland and other parts of the UK and internationally is available on the Scottish Government website at Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel and transport.

Health, Safety & Hygiene

High levels of personal hygiene and respiratory etiquette will remain essential as we move Beyond Level 0.

Operators should continue to follow Scottish Government guidance on health, safety and hygiene measures including face covering advice.  Please refer to the Health, Safety and Hygiene section of the Return to Sport guidance for further information including relevant links.

Test & Protect

Contact tracing and testing of close contacts will continue as we move forward through the pandemic, including ‘Beyond Level 0’.   Test & Protect will change as the population becomes more protected by vaccination but will still play a role in mitigating clusters and outbreaks where they arise.

Operators should continue to maintain customer records and follow applicable guidance available in the Test & Protect section of Return to Sport guidance.

People who are symptomatic or identified as close contacts should follow Scottish Government and NHS guidance on self-isolation available at Scottish Government: Test & Protect. No one who is self-isolating should attend a sports facility or activity.

Competition & Events

Organised sporting competition and events can take place ‘Beyond Level 0’ but should continue to follow guidance outlined in the Sports Events & Competition section within Return to Sport guidance.

At ‘Beyond Level 0’ there are no limits on spectator numbers, subject to organisers obtaining relevant permissions, where they normally would be required to do so. However, operators/ organisers should follow Scottish Government’s Coronavirus (COVID-19): Certification Scheme – Information for Businesses and Event Organisers where attendance thresholds are met. A COVID vaccine certificates or a record of a recent negative COVID-19 test result (from either a Lateral Flow Device or PCR) is needed for:

  • indoor events (unseated) with 500 or more people
  • outdoor events (unseated) with 4,000 or more people
  • any event with 10,000 or more people

Other bodies depending on the type, location, and scale of the event, may include the landowner, Community Council, the transport police, or other body responsible for the safety of the public.

Where a competition/event requires a licence from a Local Authority under existing Civic Government legislation, this must include agreement from local Environmental Health Officers.

Hospitality

Sports facility operators providing catering or bar services should refer to Scottish Government guidance for applicable guidance including takeaway services.   Coronavirus (COVID-19): tourism and hospitality sector guidance. 

Retail

Retail units operated by sports facility operators should follow Scottish Government Retail Sector Guidance.

You can download this guidance here.

Clegg Rounds off Remarkable 2021

Edinburgh University swimmer Stephen Clegg capped off a memorable year, swimming superbly at the recent Scottish Winter Short Course Meet at the Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh over the weekend 10th – 12th December.

The Edinburgh based athlete experienced an extremely successful Paralympic Games earlier in the year, securing three medals in Tokyo (silver in 100m Fly, bronze in 100m backstroke & 100m freestyle) in the S12 classification – a class for swimmers with a visual impairment. While claiming three Paralympic medals at a single games is an exceptional achievement, Clegg was disappointed not to claim gold in the his ‘main’ event, the 100m Butterfly, having recorded a world record earlier in the year at the British Para Swimming International Meet (April 2021), bettering a record that had stood since 2013.

The 26-year-old continued his form from Tokyo going into the Winter Short Course Meet last weekend and made home advantage count as he recorded a truly outstanding series of results over the three days where he swam inside FIVE of world’s best times for an S12 athlete. The Edinburgh University man dipped under current world record times in the 100m Short Course (SC) Freestyle (51.46) and 50m SC Butterfly (24.98). The swimmer, coached by Chris Jones, then completed his hat trick of times lower than current WR’s on Saturday, completing the 50m Backstroke in 26.15 in both the heat and final. Sunday saw Clegg record his final times of the meet, bringing home the fastest times ever recorded for an S12 in the 100m Butterfly (55.37) and 100m Backstroke (57.32).

In addition to the thrilling performance over the weekend, the former Royal Blind School pupil, received well deserved recognition for his achievements as he was awarded the Jim Anderson Disability Swimmer of the Year for 2021 as part of the Scottish Swimming Annual Awards.

A memorable year for the former Lothian Racers and East Lothian Swim Team man, no doubt providing increased motivation to perform to the best of his ability at the next Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 and look to add gold to his collection of Paralympic medals. Great swimming Stephen.

You can follow Stephen on his social media

Richard Brickley OBE MBE recognised with UK Coaching Lifetime Achievement Award

Richard Brickley OBE MBE has been recognised with the UK Coaching Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding service to participants with disabilities enjoying and benefitting from the physical, social and psychological opportunities provided by physical activity and sport.   Richard has truly provided a lifetime of service to physical activity and sport coaching for participants with disabilities.

Achievement over a sustained period with a number of athletes

He is a true believer that coaching can transform the lives of people with disabilities and that coaches craft their skills, knowledge and expertise within their Governing Bodies. Hence to support coaches working with participants with disabilities, inclusion needs to be embedded in all aspects of all coach education and development.

For over 40 years Richard has tirelessly devoted himself to ensure people with disabilities have the opportunity to benefit in sport and physical activity regardless of their age, stage and ability.  He is passionate and unwavering in his desire to ensure the physical, psychological and social benefits of physical activity and sport are available for people with a disability.  He has been committed and motivated and feels privileged in developing sport through coaching for people with disabilities at a local, national and international level and is arguably the leading authority in disability sport in the UK.

He has inspired so many to take up sport and reach their full potential, and he has been there to sustain their interest.

Passionate and committed to the world of disability sport, his influence spans every facet of disability sport from coaching to classifying, from events to strategy and policy. His input into disability sport cannot be overstated – his drive and ambition for sporting opportunities has touched the lives of thousands of athletes, enriching their lives physically and socially. His planning and preparation are exceptional and he has worked long hours to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that the maximum number of athletes reaps the rewards of involvement. He is a perfectionist, always making time for anybody who has an interest in seeking his advice on any issue. For years he has been the father figure within Scottish Disability Sport and so many of the current coaches, athletes, and volunteers have flourished under his guidance and stewardship.

Richard has been at seven Paralympic Games, Stoke Mandeville and New York in 1984, and Seoul in 1988 as an athletics coach for the team. At a local level Richard has been instrumental in so many young people and adults embarking on the fun and enjoyment sport has to bring, as well as being a major contributor to the development of many of the Scottish Paralympians most recently Derek Rae and Owen Miller (gold medallist) amongst others who performed with success in the Paralympics Tokyo 2020. Whilst not coaching either athlete per se he was instrumental in ensuring a coach was found to meet the needs of the two athletes.

Dedication to person-centred coaching throughout the coach’s career

Richard was a key contributor to the development of the Activity Inclusion Model which is a cornerstone of Inclusive Coaching in Scotland and is being adopted at a UK level through SDS’s sister organisations.  The Activity Inclusion Model provides a simple overview of inclusion in its many forms, with the most important concept being the participant at the centre of inclusion for sport for people with a disability.

 Activity inclusion Model video

In his practice, Richard always puts the participant at the centre of his thinking and coaching.

Wider impact the coach has had on their participants and their communities

Richard was possibly never happier than coaching participants with disabilities but also recognised the wider impact he could have through the development of inclusive coaching across physical activity and sport.  Therefore, he has been vital in creating learning across sports to make coaches more confident and competent in the inclusion of participants with disabilities.

Richard has been a visionary leader and a great ambassador for the disability sports movement and coaching. His passion for Coaching, Education and Training was acknowledged when he was asked to become the inaugural chair of the UK Coaching, Learning and Leadership Group, which was formed in 2007. The group was established to advise the UK Coaching Framework on disability sport and the inclusion of children, athletes and players with a physical, sensory or learning disability.  For the first time in coaching history, such a group had been formed to demonstrate the influence coaching, training and education could have on future generations and support a changing a culture of inclusion.  Richard with his usual flair accepted the challenge and produced policy papers and implemented positive projects and programmes within coaching over the next three years at a UK level.  (The group still exists to this day in an updated format).  He only stood down as chair of the UK group in order to set up a similar organisation in relation to Scotland.

The impact of the groups has been to corral leading experts in coaching and disability to set the vision for coaching and learning within Scotland and contributing the SDS dimension to key documents.  Richard has been relentless in establishing a learning environment which is inclusive of people with a disability which is not just a shared philosophy but also put into practice.

Examples of innovative practice

Each new challenge excites Richard to develop solutions which will truly support children, young people and athletes to become involved in sport.  He has been a major contributor to the development of cutting edge courses with sport specific governing bodies where he is working with SGBs to promote inclusion through sport and embed the golden thread of disability through qualifications and continuous professional development opportunities.

Examples of programmes or legacies

He was an instrumental part of building the Introduction to Inclusive Practice eLearning Model, supporting many workshops to move on line through virtual classrooms and developing materials for a blended learning approach.  Richard was always willing to share and enable learning so others could benefit.

Scottish Swimmers head to Swansea   

Scottish Swimmers head to Swansea   

The National Aquatics Centre in Swansea is the venue hosting the British Para Swimming Winter National Meet. 23 of Scotland’s top swimmers will travel to Wales go head-to-head with their rivals from the other home nations on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 December.  

Although the event isn’t a qualifying event, all competitors will be looking to roll out their top performances as all swims will be on world ranking times so may ultimately contribute to Commonwealth Games Invitation.  

The Scottish Team has a wide range of experienced swimmers.  Bjorn Aaen (Hamilton Baths) and Jake Woods (City of Glasgow) will make their debut in the British event and will look to learn from Paralympians Scott Quin and Abby Kane. SDS would like to wish all swimmers, coaches and support staff listed below the best of events.  

If you or anyone you know is living with a disability and would like to get involved in swimming, please contact Scottish Disability Sport by telephone on 0131 317 1130 or alternatively email admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com

Swimmers Club Branch
Bjorn Aaen Hamilton Baths ASC NA
Dylan Bleakely East Lothian Swim Team Lothian Disability Sport
Oliver Carter University of Stirling Disability Sport Fife
Jason Cobb Bucksburn ASC Grampian Disability Sport
Sam Downie East Lothian Swim Team Lothian Disability Sport
Cameron Hemphill Carnegie ASC Disability Sport Fife
Louis Lawlor City of Glasgow ASC Glasgow Disability Sport
Jack Milne Dundee City Aquatics ASC Dundee City Disability Sport
Scott Quin Edinburgh University Lothian Disability Sport
Gavin Roberts City of Glasgow ASC NA
Matthew Scott Bridge Of Don ASC Grampian Disability Sport
Logan Smith Motherwell & Wishaw ASC NA
Jake Woods City of Glasgow ASC NA
Merryn Binnie Swim IT Lothian Disability Sport
Natalis Chociaj Aberdeen Dolphins Grampian Disability Sport
Tegan Davidson Huntly ASC Grampian Disability Sport
Emma Imrie South Ayrshire ASC Ayrshire Sportsability
Abby Kane University of Stirling Ayrshire Sportsability
Amy Macfarlane Motherwell & Wishaw ASC Glasgow Disability Sport
Katie Pake Carnegie ASC Disability Sport Fife
Laura Pilkington FIRST Lothian Disability Sport
Toni Shaw University of Stirling Grampian Disability Sport
Cerys Venters Scott Carnegie ASC Disability Sport Fife

 

Coaches 

Janice Millar, Motherwell & Wishaw ASC 

Lisa Houston, University of Aberdeen Performance 

David Smith, Aberdeen Dolphins 

Support Staff 

Ann Marie MacFarlane, Motherwell & Wishaw ASC 

MBE for Bob Dick

One of the most respected figures in Scottish sport receives an MBE at Windsor Castle.

Bob Dick from Cupar is one of the most respected figures in Scottish sport. His wife Ann was with him at Windsor Castle this week to receive an MBE from HRH Princess Anne. They joined the family in the evening for a meal. It was in Bob’s words “a very special day”.

As well as being an international bowler himself, Bob Dick has offered years of voluntary service to Bowls Scotland. For the past two decades Bob fully committed to the development of Para bowls in Scotland. Over and above national and international commitments Bob is a committed Duffus Park bowling club member and has been an enthusiastic supporter of East Fife Sports Council.

I was introduced to Bob Dick when I moved to Fife in 1975. We met socially through mutual friends. Shortly after I invited Bob to tutor a bowls coaching course for Disability Sport Fife as part of his coaching role with Bowls Scotland. Thereafter we worked together to try and raise the performances of Para bowlers at national and international level. Bob was charged with the responsibility of managing the Scottish Para bowls triple at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002 and the success of the triple changed Para bowls in Scotland forever.

Pre Manchester, Scottish Para bowlers, competing for Spinal Injuries Scotland or the Scottish Paraplegic Association, won bowling medals at home and overseas in international events specifically for wheelchair users. Two of those great players, John Robertson and Ivan Prior, teamed up with David Heddle MBE to form the Manchester triple and win gold for Scotland. David Heddle from Fraserburgh was Scotland’s most successful ambulant Para bowler at the time winning a Para bowls medal at the Paralympic Games in Atlanta, the last occasion Para bowls was on the Paralympic Games programme. Bob Dick had a major input to the success of that amazing men’s triple.

As well as being industrious, reliable, and hardworking, Bob is a man of immense integrity, consistency and honesty who understands the principles of inclusive practice. During his years of involvement, Bob has been a champion of the Para bowlers he has always tried to support, develop and inspire. Bob was recognised at the Sportscotland coach and volunteer awards for the immense contribution he has made to bowls over many years.

Bob became heavily involved with Para bowls from 2005 onwards. There was a Scotland/England International every year, and the pattern was quite uniform with each country winning on home soil. Team Scotland bucked the trend in 2010, when they won at Gedling IBC in Nottingham. The Internationals then became Tri-Nations when Wales entered the fray. England have been more successful to date, but at Bob’s final event in 2019 at Glasgow IBC, Scotland and England shared the spoils. England however won the series due to their better record against Wales.

Bob’s first event abroad for Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) was the 2007 International Bowls for the Disabled (IBD) World Championships in Manly, near Sydney, Australia. Scotland’s medal collection in the section for visually impaired bowlers was a singles B1 silver for Ada Meikle, a bronze in B1 mixed pairs for Ada and George Gourlay and a bronze for Alex Soudan, Shirley Ann Harris and Harry Harris in the triples. In the section for physically disabled bowlers there were no medals, but the late James Smith from Elgin & District Indoor Bowling Club came close. The ladies triple missed out on two games because one of the players became unwell.

Bob’s next IBD Championships were in Pretoria, South Africa in 2011 and once again Scotland selected an excellent squad of bowlers and coaches. This paid great dividends, with Team Scotland winning three gold and three bronze medals, equally split between the physically and visually impaired bowlers. In the section for physically impaired bowlers, Kevin Wallace won a gold in the singles and a bronze in the pairs with Michael Simpson from Auchtermuchty and Strathmiglo bowling club. John Hughes added a bronze in the singles. There were two gold medals for visually impaired bowlers Irene Edgar and Robert Conway in pairs and Maria Spencer from Dunfermline and Abbeyview Indoor Bowling Club in B4 ladies singles. On this occasion all the directors for the bowlers with visual impairments were qualified coaches and this made such a difference.

The 2011 performances in South Africa were excellent, but results at the IBD World Championships in New Zealand in 2015 were even better. There were gold medals for Irene Edgar and Maria Spencer in separate singles events and for Harry Harris and Martin Hunter from Burntisland Bowling Club in men’s singles events. Irene and Billy Edgar added a fifth gold medal in the mixed pairs. Equally impressive were the two pairs silver medals. One for Maria Spencer and Harry Harris, and the other for Rosemary Lenton and Michael Simpson, who defied all the odds in winning their medals. Five of the medals went to bowlers with visual impairments and this can be attributed to the evolving skills of the directors/coaches.

The other major competition in Bob’s Para bowls career were the Home Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014. In the year leading up to Glasgow 2014, there were two competitions – the Four Home Nations and the Eight Nations, the latter being the more important, because all the Commonwealth Games nations attended. There were particularly good performances from physically disabled triples bowlers with Billy Allan from Cowdenbeath Bowling Club, Michael Simpson and Kevin Wallace winning the event and Gary Clelland, Martin Hunter and Garry Brown finishing in third place. From the two visually impaired teams, Irene Edgar and Robert Conway finished in the bronze medal position.

Although the Para bowls results at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow were considered disappointing in Bob’s opinion, visually impaired bowlers Irene Edgar and Robert Conway won the silver medal, and improved on their position in the Test event.

Bob’s journey as an active Para bowls head coach came to an end at a Three Nations event at Glasgow Indoor in March 2019. On this occasion, Ron McArthur and Bob organised and ran the Tournament, which went like clockwork. This offered the coaches of the physically disabled bowlers the opportunity to manage the squad on a session-by-session basis.

Bob believes a head coach cannot develop and organise top class bowling without considerable back-up. During Bob’s time in Para bowls Scottish Disability Sport developed a strong team of coaches and directors, some of whom enjoyed dual roles. Bob is indebted to the team of coaches, directors and significant others who worked with him during his very successful and happy years in Para bowls. Nineteen years helping to develop Para bowls was never on Bob’s mind at the outset, but we are so glad he stuck with our movement and helped to change attitudes, promote inclusive practice, and raise standards in Para bowls throughout Scotland.

Bob Dick MBE has worked tirelessly throughout his life to develop bowls and more recently Para bowls. Congratulations on your recent honour – so richly deserved.

SDS Athlete Academy

SDS relaunch Athlete Academy in partnership with SportsAid Scotland

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) has today announced a partnership with independent charity SportsAid Scotland to re-launch the SDS Athlete Academy, a multi-sport support structure for talented para-athletes.

The academy aims to supplement the continued development of the most promising and talented para-athletes at a pivotal stage in their athlete journey.

Many of the athletes are targeting the Paralympic Games and Commonwealth Games and SportsAid Scotland have been assisted in their support through The Robertson Trust.

Each athlete will receive a funding allocation, whilst also receiving key elements of performance education to support their progression into high performance sport.

SDS work closely with the sportscotland Institute of Sport and other external partners to develop a programme of workshops and training opportunities to best prepare the athletes for when they progress to a UK Sport funded programme or equivalent.

The programme is open to Scottish Governing Body (SGB) or National Governing Body (NGB) athletes with the potential to succeed at national and International level.

Athletes are selected based on strict criteria relating to performance levels, attitude to training and commitment to their sport. Each athlete must be eligible to compete for Scotland and the selection criteria is aligned with that of SportsAid Scotland.

The 2021-2022 intake includes 27 athletes across 12 sports.

Gary Fraser, SDS Performance Manager, commented:

“It is an exciting time to be involved in performance disability sport, and the standard of athlete that has been selected for the SDS Athlete Academy indicates a promising future for Scottish para-athletes competing on the international stage. Athletes at this stage of the performance pathway require more support, whether it be financial or educational, and we are delighted to be able to offer the programme again with the support of SportsAid Scotland and our other key partners.”

Roddy Mackenzie, SportsAid Scotland Chief Executive, said:

“We are more than happy to support such an invaluable project. Athletes have found it increasingly difficult training in isolation during the pandemic and we feel this is a way of bringing them together and giving them a collective identity.”

 Gemma Lumsdaine, GBWR Pathway Athlete, said:

“Being part of the SDS Athlete Academy is such a privilege, I am really excited to be part of a group of athletes who are all striving towards their goals. I think the fact that there is such a wide range of experience and sports within the academy will really help us to learn from each other and also support each other as we progress. The academy will provide us with expertise and education which is extremely valuable to me and will enable me to be the best athlete I can be.“

For further information, please visit https://www.scottishdisabilitysport.com/sds-athlete-academy/

First SDS Highland Parasport Festival a great success

On Saturday 20th November the inaugural SDS Highland Parasport Festival was held at Dingwall Leisure Centre (High Life Highland) for young people with physical and sensory disabilities.

In what was a hugely successful first Highland Festival, the young people tried out a variety of exciting and in many cases completely new sports in an inclusive and welcoming environment. All participants were wonderfully supported by the brilliant High Life Highland team during the day as they made their way through the busy events programme.

Throughout the day the youngsters tried swimming, badminton, boccia, wheelchair basketball, athletics and kayaking which were all met with smiles on faces. A parent of one of the participants told SDS that it was “the best day out we’ve had in ages”.

We were also delighted to welcome Maree Todd MSP along to support the event, where she got involved in the activities and spoke with participants. She even had time to join in some wheelchair basketball before taking on SDS CEO Gavin MacLeod and High Life Highland CEO Steve Walsh in a mini boccia match during the lunch break.

Maree Todd MSP said:

“I was delighted to attend the inaugural Highland Parasport Festival and was pleased that the day was a great success with all the participants enjoying themselves trying out new sports.

It was a great pleasure seeing the young people active in learning and with smiles on faces, ably supported by SDS and High Life Highland staff.

Sport should be for everyone, and by creating welcoming and inclusive environments like this we can get more people with disabilities participating in sport and enjoying the huge benefits that it brings.”

High Life Highland’s Head of Sports Development Mags Duncan said:

“This was a great first festival for youngsters with a physical, visual or hearing impairment and was very well received by all those who attended.

“With such positive feedback, we’re planning regular sessions and intend to have further festivals in other areas of the Highlands such as Caithness and Skye.

“We want to ensure as many people as possible will get the opportunity to take part in a range of different sports and activities.”

SDS would like to thank High Life Highland for providing the venue and support from the HLH team throughout the event.