Edinburgh and Lothians children given the Paralympic experience

Five times Paralympian Jim Anderson (Broxburn) and fellow swimmer Scott Quin (Loanhead) – both in contention for competing in the London 2012 Paralympics – lent their support to a new event in Edinburgh today (Fri 23rd March) encouraging children with a physical or sensory disability from primary and secondary schools in the East of Scotland to get involved in sport.

There has never been a better time to get involved in disability sport.  That’s the message organisers and top coaches from athletics, badminton, basketball, boccia, football and tennis were keen to put across at today’s Paralympic Experience Event hosted by the Forrester High School and St Augustine’s Community Sports Hub.

Organised by sportscotland’s Active Schools network in partnership Scottish Disability Sport (SDS), Lothian Disability Sport (LDS), national sports governing bodies and local clubs, the children, from Edinburgh (19), East Lothian (8) and Midlothian (4), were all given opportunity to try the six sports, all of which have associated clubs in the local area.

Talent spotting athletes with Paralympics potential was an aim of the festival and SDS were excited about the amount of talent on display.

But of equal importance is engaging more children in sport and delivering the message that, through partnerships of local authorities, governing bodies and sportscotland working together, there are a wealth of opportunities and  a network of clubs and coaches in the East of Scotland all working together to give children with a disability opportunities to play sport.

Said Gary Fraser, Scottish Disability Sport’s East of Scotland Regional Manager: “Having the Olympic and Paralympic Games coming to London this year and Glasgow hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2014 gives us a unique opportunity to enthuse and encourage our young people and future stars to get involved in sport.

“Today was about encouraging a large number of children to experience a range of Paralympic sports delivered by some of the best coaches available in Scotland and we are delighted with the response.

“Part of our focus was on talent identification – and we saw plenty of talent today - but the day was about far more than that. 

“We want to provide a range of opportunities for children to try new and exciting sports and experience the benefits these sports can provide, such as increased strength, physical fitness, making new friends, travelling and experiencing new situations.”

Said Scott Quin, who has come through the strong club structure in Edinburgh and Midlothian, competed in last year’s European Championships and is in contention for London 2012 for the 100m Breaststroke:

“Events like today’s are all about giving children the opportunity to try the sport and if they enjoy it then encouraging them to get along to a local sports club.

“I always had a dream to get to a high level and I have always looked at Jim Anderson as my idol. So people shouldn't automatically think that a big dream is a big ask.  If you work hard at it then you will get success.”

http://local.stv.tv/edinburgh/news/31904-edinburgh-children-treated-to-the-paralympian-experience/

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    Peter Moore Retains his Edinburgh Wheelchair Tennis Tournament Title

Peter Moore from Glasgow retained his title at the 2nd Edinburgh Wheelchair Tennis Tournament in a hard fought rematch of last years final.  Peter fought back from one set down to eventually beat Keith Thom (Dumfries) in a 3rd set match tie-break.  Keith can be very proud of his performance as he pushed Peter a lot closer than last year, no doubt Keith will be hoping for 3rd time lucky in 2013.

Keith got his revenge in the final of the doubles when he teamed up with Steve Crompton (Southampton) to beat Peter Moore and James Shaw (Nottingham). Steve Crompton (Southampton) won the ‘B’ Division singles beating James Shaw (Nottingham) in the final.

Wheelchair players from Southampton, London, Preston, Nottingham & Birmingham joined players from throughout Scotland in a great weekend of wheelchair tennis held at Craiglockhart Tennis Centre in Edinburgh.  Thank you to Edinburgh Leisure, Awards For All, Tennis Scotland, Activcity, Highland Spring and the Tennis Foundation for supporting the event.

Thanks also to Linda Birrell of the East Of Scotland LTA for refereeing and to Dan Maskell’s daughter, Robin Charlton for presenting the prizes.

Wheelchair tennis sessions are held every Sunday at Craiglockhart and there are now regular sessions in Glasgow, Stirling and Aberdeen.  Please contact David Hogg or Andrew Raitt for more details.

davidhogg472@gmail.com or 07835222533.
Andrew.raitt@tennisscotland.org or 07908091820