2024: January Review

Graphic that says, January Review. Text white and purple on a lilac background. SDS logo in top right corner.

A Quick Recap of some of January’s Highlights

By Emma Logan, Communications Manager


 

It is time for January to bow out, as February waits in the wings. Here’s a quick recap of some of January’s top moments. 

Sport –  

There was a lot to cheer about in January as sporting events took off.  

Gordon Reid made headlines in Australia as he won his fifth consecutive men’s wheelchair tennis doubles title with teammate, Alfie Hewett.  More here.

Also representing Scotland on the court in Australia, was Young Persons Sport Panel member, Aidan Moody. Moody took part in the AOPWII championships and put in an ace performance, leaving Melbourne with a runners-up trophy from the double’s tournament. Stay tuned for the full review. 

Court action continued in Midlothian as Dalkeith School hosted the National Badminton Championships. A full review will be made available soon on Badminton Scotland Disability’s social media.  

Falling on the same Saturday (27th) was British Blind Sport’s ‘Have a Go’ day, at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow. Participants were given the opportunity to try out judo, athletics, curling, tennis and goalball.  

 

Education –  

SDS has been working with several Scottish Governing Bodies and organisations, to put inclusivity at the heart of their activities. This includes (but is not limited to), Pickleball Scotland and Cricket Scotland who are working in partnership with SDS to embed inclusive practice and DIT (Disability Inclusion Training) in certain courses and workshops.  

SDS is also supporting Scottish Gymnastics to embed inclusion into their new Baby Gym course. 

SDS has made good progress with the marking instructions for Nat 5 PE Boccia performance. Once completed, it will enable those with more severe physical disabilities to access qualification level PE. SDS hopes to repeat this procedure with Higher PE in due course. 

A benchmarking tool that could be used by SGBs to measure their impact in disability sport was under discussion at the Disability Sports Coaching and Education Group: Scotland meeting, which SDS hosted. Scottish Students Sport (SSS), sportscotland, Scottish Sports Association (SSA), Scottish Athletics and Scottish Sports Futures (SSF) were all present.  

Health  

GOGA Tayside’s women’s Yoga class continues to gain popularity in 2024.  

The sessions provide a safe and fully inclusive environment for women to participate in physical activity regardless of age, ability, religion, culture and confidence.  

GOGA (Get Out Get Active) provides opportunities for everyone to explore how physical activity can work for them. You can find out more about GOGA’s yoga classes here and if you have any questions, you can contact GOGA here.