Tweedbank Sports Complex played host to the first Scottish Borders Para Athletics Development Day, attracting 24 participants on Saturday 28th October. Scottish Borders Disability Sports Group (SBDSG) teamed up with key partners to plan and coordinate the event, inviting local coaches to lead on the delivery during the session.
The Development Day was facilitated to introduce individuals with an interest in athletics and provide an opportunity to try all disciplines involved in the sport. The day welcomed participants from across the local authority – ranging in age, disability and previous experience in the sport. The two hour introductory session was supported by local coaches who provided their knowledge and expertise, delivering enjoyable mini run, jump and throw sessions. The link with local coaches is key, as this supports the transition to regular club activity for any athletes interested in taking the sport further.
Another exciting aspect of the day was the inclusion of a wheelchair racing opportunity. The event was fortunate to enough to welcome Wheelchair Racing / Race Running Coach Russ Watson along from the Dumfries & Galloway Track Athletics Club, who was on hand to impart his knowledge on the day. This proved a popular addition to the Development Day with a large number of individuals given the opportunity to try the sport for the first time, aiming to make the transition into more regular local activity. This opportunity can be made possible as the SBDSG have recently purchased two wheelchair racing chairs through support from Borders Athletics Development Group and ClubSport Borders – chairs are housed at Tweedbank Sports Complex.
The Development Day was preceded by an Inclusive Athletics Workshop, providing an ideal opportunity for coaches to gain a valuable insight into Para Athletics – with 8 enthusiastic participants actively engaged throughout. The course was delivered by experienced Scottish Athletics tutor, John De Courcy, and provides a theoretical background in the sport while allowing the attendees to also work in a practical setting, putting this information into practice. All course attendees were then able to work alongside more experienced coaches during the afternoon’s Development session.
This theoretical and practical experience is crucial in supporting local coaches to become competent and confident when working with individuals with a disability. This will lay the foundations of the skills required to support athletes and help the club on its way to becoming fully inclusive.
Alan Oliver, SBDSG Development Officer, highlighted the success of the day, stating “to have 24 new participants trying a variety of athletic disciplines for the first time is a testament to how highly regarded athletics in a sporting capacity. To have a come and try session combined with a coaches workshop creates a perfect exit strategy for those participants wishing to continue their athletics development. It was wonderful to have expertise present in wheelchair racing and 2 genuine local athletics coaches emphasises the enthusiasm for disability sport.”
If you are interested in hearing more about athletics opportunities in the Scottish Borders, please contact Alan Oliver on aoliver@liveborders.org.uk or 07887 471 137.