Fife AC a Truly Inclusive Sports Club

Owen Miller, Derek Rae and Sam Fernando

Disability Sport Fife (DSF) enjoys a very close working relationship with Fife Athletic Club coaches and volunteers. DSF has a well established cross country programme of events hugely supported by Fife AC members. Fife AC officials have been involved with the Fife Track and Field championships organised by DSF since the mid seventies.

Derek Rae and Sam Fernando continue to progress as performance athletes under the guidance of coach Ron Morrison and similarly Owen Miller is developing under the watchful eye of coach Steve Doig. Steve has also taken newcomers Carter Taylor and Ryan Spearman under his wing and already they are beginning to show progress.

Recently Fife AC identified a number of coaches to attend a Sports Coach UK How to Coach Disabled People in Sport workshop organised by DSF in Glenrothes. DSF considers that Fife AC meets all the criteria of a truly inclusive sports club. This was never more apparent than when team Fife AC finished in a creditable third place in the first of the East District Cross Country Series behind Edinburgh University Hare and Hounds and winners Central AC. In the Fife AC team of six counting athletes were DSF members Sam Fernando, Derek Rae and Owen Miller. Sam in particular had a brilliant run finishing in 30th place in 31.52.

The opportunities available to DSF members of being members of such an inclusive and progressive club are immeasurable. Athletes with performance potential who attend DSF weekly run, jump and throws sessions in St Andrews, Glenrothes and Dunfermline led by DSF coaches Stuart Munn, Pamela Robson, Gabby Doig, Gayle Sloan and others are encouraged to progress to inclusive clubs like Fife AC, Pitreavie AAC and Dunfermline Track and Field. The track and field pathway in Fife for athletes with a physical, sensory or learning disability in Fife is clear, effective and continuing to produce class athletes.

Richard Brickley MBE
President, Disability Sport Fife