About

Background

LDS was originally set up as Lothian Sports Association for the Disabled back in 1962. Since then it has evolved over the decades, culminating in the creation of the registered Scottish
Charity Lothian Disability Sport (LDS) in 1998.

Aims of LDS

The underlying principles of LDS are to promote sport and physical activity for people with a physical, learning or sensory impairment through the following ways:

To promote the welfare of all people with a disability through sport and physical recreation by providing sporting and leisure opportunities for all people with a disability.
To help individuals develop confidence through participation in sport and leisure activities in order to promote health and well being.
To encourage individuals to develop any particular sporting abilities which they may have and to aid them in furthering their sporting potential to a level to which they aspire.
To provide and promote opportunities for clubs and club members to participate in a range of sporting and leisure activities, including competitive sport, and encourage and support them to do so.
To publish and distribute regular up-to-date information on activities and facilities.

To help us achieve these aims we offer:

a Lothian wide programme of competitive and participatory events in selected sports, for both school aged and senior athletes.
co-ordination of participation by athletes and teams at Scottish Disability Sport National sports events.
a regular newsletter detailing recent news and achievement and highlighting forthcoming events.
Information on coaching and training opportunities and access to coach education courses, as well as supporting UK Disability Inclusion Training
provide support to established and developing clubs in the local area.
provide grant aid for athletes, clubs, coaches and volunteers where appropriate.

Development Pathway

LDS run a comprehensive sports specific programme which allows approximately 1500 young people and adults with a disability the opportunity to take part in sport each year.

We run several regional competitions and enter Lothian teams into all the major national Scottish Disability Sport events, where we have a tremendous record of achievement.

In addition, we have a strong club network, where we work in partnership to ensure people with a disability can improve in their sport.

Since 1982 we are proud to have produced 38 Paralympic athletes, competing at the very highest level and in London 2012 we were represented by four Lothian based athletes, two of

which, winning silver and bronze.

Partnership Work

In order to achieve these aims LDS works closely with a number of partners.

Foremost amongst these is Lothian Special Olympics (LSO), which provide participation and competition opportunities at regional level for individuals with a learning disability.

Involvement in these programmes could lead to international representation in a number of different sports.

Other key partners are the four local authorities in Lothian (Edinburgh, West Lothian, East Lothian and Midlothian).

Staff from each authority work closely with LDS to ensure that grass roots opportunities are available across the area and that people of all ages can develop their skills and feed in to competitive programmes in selected sports.

LDS take a lead role in supporting these organisations deliver sporting opportunities that allow athletes to progress to events, clubs and national level.

We are the key avenue for athletes to progress along the player pathway from this region through our membership to the National Governing Body.

We support and develop what is being delivered and offer expert knowledge of disability sport both regionally and nationally.

In addition, our grant aid scheme has provided financial assistance to help many schools, clubs and individuals to achieve their goals.

If you would like more information regarding Lothian Disability Sport and the opportunities we aim to promote, please contact admin@lothiandisabilitysport.co.uk