Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) are proud to work with many key partners, driving the development of disability sport while also influencing and supporting inclusive practice across the country. An example of this collaborative approach is the relationship SDS holds with Edinburgh Active Schools where inclusion and opportunities for participants with disabilities runs through the ethos of the organisation.
The relationship between SDS and Edinburgh Active Schools is historic and dates back several years, a highlight being the establishment of the East Para Sport Festival (formerly known as the Paralympic Experience Event) in 2012 which welcomed school aged young people with a physical, visual, or hearing impairment to try a range of sports delivered by local community clubs. This flagship event continues to be a collaborative priority, attracting children & young people with disabilities from across the city while gaining the full support of the Active Schools team on the day and in the weeks leading up to the event. This investment is key as Active Schools have established relationships with schools and therefore have the increased ability to engage and interact with individuals who may be interested in accessing the event.
Additionally, both organisations work closely to support pupils in the educational environment through advice and guidance, equipment, sharing resources etc while also developing and delivering sport specific opportunities like Boccia and Goalball to schools and pupils across the city. Furthermore, SDS, Active Schools and local branch Lothian Disability Sport work hard to support participants with disabilities with the transition into the community, often via a club or a session. This work is essential, providing an opportunity for individuals to engage with sport and physical activity over a prolonged period of time and encourages lifelong participation.
The relationship also encourages the coach & volunteer workforce to increase knowledge and understanding of disability sport through education opportunities (UK Disability Inclusion Training), creating positive environments for young people to access sport and physical activity.
Due to the current situation with COVID 19, Edinburgh Active Schools were required to alter their plans for the Coaching & Volunteering Awards for 2020. The awards recognise, celebrate, and showcase the Active Schools Workforce, partnerships and outstanding commitment to providing and developing physical activity opportunities for school aged young people across the capital. The delayed awards ceremony will be delivered virtually over a five-day period, between Monday 10th – Friday 14th May where all nominees and award winners will be recognised over social media (twitter) – @ActiveSchoolsEd #COVAWARDS.
SDS is thrilled to be selected as the Edinburgh Active Schools Governing Body of the Year for 2020 and this recognition illustrates the strong ongoing partnership between the two organisations, with creating and developing opportunities for participants with disabilities a significant priority moving forward.
Active Schools Coordinator and lead for Equality & Inclusion, Jill Coleman highlighted the collaborative approach, stating “The strong partnership working which has developed over the years with SDS hugely enhances and supports a range of areas of work within the Active Schools programme.
SDS approach their work with us with a huge level of professionalism, experience and breadth skills which in turn has helped Edinburgh Active Schools to engage with and support many young people with disabilities within Edinburgh to embark on their journey into sport.
Thankyou SDS!”