Lothian Paralympians support regional swimming gala.........

              (Lothian Paralympic Swimmers Sean Fraser and Jim Anderson MBE)

On Saturday 20th September Dalkeith Campus, Midlothian once again hosted the Lothian Disability Sport (LDS) regional swimming gala, which acted as the qualifier for the Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) national junior gala for swimmers with a physical disability and/or sensory impairment.    

Following team GB’s success at the Paralympics, the event had an even higher profile than usual and this was accelerated by the attendance of two of Lothian’s Paralympic medal winners, Jim Anderson MBE and Sean Fraser.  Jim made an incredible fifth appearance at a Paralympic Games and managed a medal haul of 2 silver medals in the men’s S2 200m Freestyle and S2 50m backstroke as well as 2 bronze medals in the men’s S2 100m Freestyle and S2 50m freestyle.  Sean, making his debut in the global event, impressed by winning bronze in the men’s S8 100m backstroke, a feat, which he suggests “can only improve going into London 2012”. 

Both swimmers began their careers at local clubs and competing in the Lothian Disability Sport regional galas before representing Lothian at Scottish Disability Sport events.  Sean reiterated this point as he addressed the young swimmers and spectators during an interview over the PA system with Heather Lowden, our mic controller before the gala started.  He said,

“The experience in Beijing was excellent and to win a bronze medal was a dream come true.  The Lothian Disability Sport events is where it all began for me, so all the young swimmers who have the ambition of competing at a Paralympic Games should compete in these events as well as going on to represent Lothian at Scottish Disability Sport galas.  I would like to thank Lothian Disability Sport for all their support over the years."  He then went on to give a debt of gratitude to local coaches Dave and Jacky Yirrell, “ I would like to thank Dave and Jacky Yirrell for giving me the opportunity to swim to the best of my ability and coaching me down the years.  I owe you a lot for all your help and advice."

On the day there were eight clubs represented from Lothian with 35 swimmers competing in what turned out to be an excellent event.  The standard was of an extremely high quality and there were many swimmers breaking their entry time.  Year on year the competition seems to be improving and this can be accredited to the dedicated work of each swimmer and their coaches.

Medley Relay

In addition to gaining qualifying times we had an exhibition medley relay so that the four Special Olympic swimmers who are attending the Spanish National Games could get competitive practice.  David Fergus, Mark Meadows, Scott Quinn and Ian Yirrell, who will be representing Lothian, in the event for those with learning disabilities, have been working hard in training but needed some practice under competitive conditions.  We rounded up four of our top swimmers with a physical disability to challenge them in the fun ending to the gala. Paralympic hero, Sean Fraser captained a team of Jack Brodie, Robert Dalgleish and Keith Gray to put them through their paces.  The very fact that a Paralympian was swimming lifted everyone in the Dalkeith Campus arena and inspired the Special Olympic swimmers to a personal best time and a victory.  Just the boost and preparation they needed before heading to Spain.

Medal Presentation

As the Lothian Disability Sport galas are competitive, yet fun events, every swimmer receives a medal for participating.  On this occasion our Paralympians, Jim Anderson and Sean Fraser presented these, which allowed the younger swimmers to shake hands and ask any questions to the heroes they are trying to emulate.  Jim and Sean also hung around at the end to answer any questions and take part in a photo shoot.     

Lothian Disability Sport would like to thank all the swimmers; coaches and volunteers who helped make the event a huge success.  In particular a big vote of thanks goes to Jim Anderson and Sean Fraser, who continue to support the work of the organisation and encourage younger swimmers to come through the system in a similar manner.  It’s nice to see that neither of them has forgotten their roots, bearing in mind the huge success they have achieved at the highest possible level and the fact they returned home from Beijing only two days prior to our event! 

Lothian Squad for SDS Junior gala

Robert Dalgleish (LDD/No Limits)
Ewan Mount (LDD/No Limits)
Stuart Gurney (LDD/No Limits)
Craig Pentland (Braidburn)
Becky Crossan (Braidburn)
Emma Haxton (Braidburn)
Jennifer Somerville (Incas)
Natasha Thomas (Musselburgh Swimming Club)

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Lothian Schools Retain Title at SDS 7-a-side Football Championships

The Lothian schools team yet again exceeded all expectations as the National 7-a-side Football Championship at Grangemouth.  Lothian’s team arrived at the pitches at Little Kerse eager and excited but also carrying the added pressure of being the defending champions. This was a completely new team from the one that finished in top spot last year and one that was relatively inexperienced compared to the other teams entered. Around eight teams from regions around Scotland had entered the Junior section of the championship and it looked like it was going to be particularly competitive this year.

The Lothian team consisted of players brought together from Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian and the immediate sense of camaraderie was evident as early as on the coach travelling to the event. The team performed magnificently in remaining unbeaten on their march to the semi final with an effective mix of cutting edge attack play alongside some economical defending. The first big test of their nerve came in the semi-final when the team suddenly found themselves two behind after 4 minutes. With the nervous coaching staff looking on they slowly managed to creep back into the game with a scrappy goal which reduced the deficit by one. A wonder goal from twenty-five yards restored parity before a last minute winner just nicked it for the Lothian team. It had been a struggle but they now found themselves in the final.

The team were confident heading into the final as the team they were due to face – North Ayrshire – had been beaten 3-1 in the initial group stages. However, it quickly turned into misplaced optimism as again the opposition raced into a two-goal lead clearly motivated by the occasion and the opportunity to avenge their earlier loss. This looked like a different team from the one they’d faced in the group stages. They were quicker, sharper and looked more determined than the Lothian team. However, the Lothian team hadn’t reached the final without having a little bit of fight in them and again started to claw their way back into the game. A series of near misses and attempts hitting the woodwork hinted it may not be Lothian’s day until a great move resulted in the breakthrough with a neat finish from a tight angle. Game on. The game flowed from end to end with both teams having chances to score, however with both goalkeepers rising to the occasion it remained finely balanced. A quick-ball from the Lothian defence up field saw a breakaway chance emerge. The left winger crossed for the striker who evaded the attention of the goalkeeper to slot home an easy finish with seconds to spare before the final whistle. So, 2-2 and into extra-time they went. The coaching staff did their bit with a highly motivational speech urging them to keep going but also stressing that whatever happened it had been a great match. Again the play sped around the pitch with both teams going for the jugular. Fortunately it happened to be Lothian’s day after-all and the team finished off a smooth passing move with a fine shot into the back of the net. There were no further goals and the final whistle blew much to the relief of all the players and the coaching staff.

While all the players excelled themselves a special mention must go to Scott Dale from Musselburgh Grammar who scored all three goals in the final and also claimed two in the semi-final. The team manager Mark Gaffney said, “I was hugely impressed with the skill level and the teamwork on display. For Lothian to win this division two years in a row is testament to the fine coaching that goes on in the schools throughout the Lothian area.  These days aren’t possible without the partnership working between Active Schools, Lothian Disability Sport, the SFA and the schools themselves. The team spirit and camaraderie were particularly impressive given some of them were meeting each other for the very first time. As Lothian manager I was proud to see this squad of pupils representing our district. A huge thank-you should go to Umbro - the main sponsors and to Forth Valley district and in particular Lynne Glen for all the hard work that goes into organising an event like this. We will definitely be back next year to try and defend our title. ”