Lothian Disability Sport News

Lothian Sportshall Athletics Festival 2015

West Lothian College - Thursday 6th February

Once again West Lothian College played host to the annual Regional Sportshall Athletics Festival, which saw over 140 young people from across five local authorities register to participate.  Following on from last year, pupils from the Borders travelled north to participate and compliment the numbers from the four local authorities.

The festival welcomes young people with a physical/learning disability or sensory impairment and encourages children from  both primary and secondary schools to come along and try a range of indoor athletics events, such as the javelin throw, standing long jump and shuttle runs and therefore introducing them to the sport.  The event also acts as a Regional Qualifier for the Scottish Disability Sport National Event on the 4th March, where a selected team of young people will be given the opportunity to represent Lothian against their peers from across Scotland. 

Due to the number of young people who continue to attend this event, the day was split into two sessions - morning and afternoon.  The event was again supported by students from West Lothian College, who undertake Disability Inclusion Training and an Adapted Sportshall Athletics Worhshop in the lead up to the event.  The input from the students is invaluable and this is clearly demonstrated through the positive engagement and interaction with the young people throughout the day.  Thanks is extended to Alex McEwan, Athletics Development Officer for WL and Shona Malcolm, Disability Development Officer for Scottish Athletics who continue to provide significant support before and during the event.  Also Kelly Keogh, Active Schools Co-ordinator in WL, who helped engage ten schools from the area.

The event is a staple in the School Calendar of Events and the engagement from the young people is again very positive, especially in the West Lothian area.  Hopefully this introduction to the sport will encourage the young people across the Region to explore further opportunities in athletics and sport on the whole. 

If you are interested in getting involved with sport in the Lothian region or would like more information on local events, please contact Neal on 0131 475 2364 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Scottish Disability Sport National Carpet Bowls Championships

Dundee International Sports Centre (DISC), Dundee

Saturday 31st January 2015

After successfully qualifying from the Regional Carpet Bowls Competition held in November , thirteen players represented the Lothian Branch at the annual SDS National Carpet Bowls Championships in Dundee yesterday.

After some last minute call off's due to the adverse weather in some areas of the country, many of the Lothian team had to wait until just before lunch time to play their first match - this may have affected concentration as results were frustrating, especially in comparison to the great success the Branch experienced this time last year.  Stewart Martin, winner of the Regional competition, Gordon Graham and Scott Bruce successfully navigated  their way into the third round, only to be knocked out at this stage and end the Lothian interest in the Men with a Learning Disability Section.  Last year's section semi finalist, Euan Wright had been knocked out in the previous round to eventual winner, Stanley Robb of South Lanarkshire.

The ladies from Lothian never fared much better in the equivalent section, with Christina McSherry and Jacqueline Vickers losing in the first round with Susan Drummond tasting defeat in the second.  Defending champion Amanda Craig was unable to retain the trophy, unfortunately losing by the odd shot to her opponent in the same round while Phillipa Robinson went one better and was unfortunate to lose in the third round on her debut at the competition.

The players with a Physical Disability tasted a little more success in the Mixed Ambulant & B3 Bowlers (Unrestricted) as Jimmy Restorick reached the final after topping his section, winning all three group games.  Neil Shirley, winner of the Regional section was extremely unlucky not to reach the final after losing by one shot in his group decider while Robert Harvey and Eileen Restorick both won games in their group but were unlucky to progress any further.  The final was a repeat of last year as Jimmy Restorick locked horns with Mark Phairs of South Lanarkshire - and the result was the unfortunately the same for the Lothian bowler as Phairs re-claimed the title by one shot.

Well done to all bowlers for representing the Branch superbly throughout and I'm sure the future will hold more success for Lothian.  Thank you to the organisers at SDS for providing another excellent competitive opportunity.

If you are interested in getting involved with bowling, Carpet or Lawn, then please get in touch on 0131 475 2364 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

With 2014 ending on a high, JudoScotland would like to invite you to the first National Disability Judo Session of 2015.  The session is open to all athletes with a physical, sensory or learning disability and are beneficial for both experienced athletes and newer athletes who may be wishing to give judo a try.

 
We believe judo offers something for everyone and each participant’s motivation to attend the national sessions may indeed differ; to get fit and healthy, to meet new friends or to learn new skills.  Whatever the reason, our coaches aim to make the sessions as enjoyable as possible whilst helping to build self-confidence, promote self-discipline and improve fitness & physical literacy.
 
JudoScotland asks all club coaches, players and partners to share this information with all concerned; please help spread the word of #JudoInclusion
 
If you would like to discuss further, please contact Stephen Somerville by email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 07595 710470; alternatively, please call the Development Team on 0131 333 2981.

Addiotionally, please see the information below relating to a local opportunity in the sport.  This session will run weekly at Forrester & St Augustine Community Sports HUB, from 6-7pm.  

The session is open to athletes with a physical, learning disability or sensory impairment from 8 years and above.  All ability levels are welcome.

Looking for a new activity?

Murrayfield Curling Rink in Edinburgh is the venue for Scotland's latest opportunity to get involved in the exciting sport of Whellchair Curling.  Since th bronze medal success of the all Scottish Great Britain Team at the 2014 Sochi Winter Paralympic Games, the sport has been going from strength to strength.

Try Wheelchair Curling Sessions are being run by Lothian Wheelchair Curling Club every fortnight until March 2015.  Sessions run on a Wednesday from 3.00pm - 4.30pm.  Your first session will be FREE (£5.00 for each session thereafter) and the next one is scheduled for Wednesday 4th February.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Jean Lennie on 07762 056293 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Beach Wheelchair Project is delighted to issue an invitation to a ‘Come and See, Come and Try’ event 13.00- 16.00 on Friday 13th February at the Hope Rooms, 34 Forth Street and (weather permitting) on the West Beach at North Berwick.  

The Beach Wheelchair Project is working to provide a beach wheelchair hire/ loan scheme in North Berwick for children and adults with disabilities.  A beach wheelchair is a specially designed all terrain wheelchair that can be pushed over soft or wet sand.  

A range of beach wheelchairs will be on display.  Participants will have the opportunity to book a taster session on the day or can simply try the different chairs in the comfort of the Hope Rooms (please note unfortunately there is not a hoist available in the Hope Rooms).

The Project will be asking for feedback on the day including ease of use, comfort and supportiveness etc.  There will also be snacks and live music to cheer everyone up after braving the elements.  

If you are interested in this event please confirm attendance attendance on the Beach Wheelchair Facebook page or by emailing Alison Brown on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Venue - Craigswood Sports Centre, Livingston
Date - Tuesday 17th February 2015
Time - 6 pm – 9 pm
Cost – Free to attendFor coaches and volunteers interested in increasing their knowledge of working with athletes with a disability.On this 3 hour workshop of theory and practical, participants will have a better understanding of:

• How to focus on ability rather than disability;
• How to support the inclusion of people with a disabled into athletics;
• How to communicate effectively;
• How to influence and deliver good practice;
• How to increase you technical knowledge in working with race runners, wheelchair athletes, seated throwers and an introduction to guided running;
• National and international classification;
• The competition pathways within disability sport.

For further information or to book onto the workshop please contact:
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Jamie McDonald or Tel: 0777 637 0199

The Edinburgh Paralympic Experience Event is back and it promises to be better than ever!  The annual event which will take place at Forrester / St Augustine’s High School in Edinburgh on Friday 13 March 2015 will see the young people with a physical or sensory disability descend on the capital for a day of sport delivered by some of the best coaches and clubs in the country.

Making its debut will be the sport of swimming and all attendees will be encouraged to take part, regardless of swimming ability.  All levels will be catered for and each attendee will have the opportunity to access the sport further.  Swimming is one of the leading para sports for people with a disability and there is an extensive and established pathway available within the East of Scotland.  The other sports confirmed for the day include athletics, badminton, judo, table tennis and wheelchair basketball.  These sports have been selected due to the strong club links locally, so that young people can continue to enjoy and develop within the sports for many years to come.

There will also be a high performance para athletes’ panel, allowing for an engaging question and answer session and  we will see the return of the ‘How to Identify and Include Children and Young People with a Disability in Sport’ workshop, delivered by Richard Brickley MBE.  

As in previous years there will be an opportunity for parents to attend on the day, talk to the experts and meet the clubs and this has proven extremely successful in raising the awareness and sharing ideas to enable continued participation.  Parental feedback from the 2014 event include…..

“First time experience and it was far more than we expected.  Coaches, experts, helpers were all superb.  Definitely recommend this event.”

“Contact details for future participation in sports were invaluable.  Range of activities was great and gives children a chance to participate in an environment in which they feel comfortable.”

“The quality of coaching and staff are excellent and all children regardless of ability were given huge encouragement, making it a very enjoyable day.”

“Overall Lee and I have had a great day and think these events are very impressive, they meet all needs of every child and the confidence it gives the kids is amazing.”

The event invites all primary and secondary pupils with a physical or sensory disability from the five local authority areas within the region, including, City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian and the Scottish Borders.

For more information please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., SDS Regional Development Manager, on 0131 625 4412.
 

The first event of 2015 on the school calendar of events was held at the Jack Kane Centre on Tuesday 13th January - the Lothian Disability Sport Boccia Festival.  The event brought more than 80 young people from across the region to the East of Edinburgh to participate in fun skill sessions during the morning, before progressing on to a slightly more competitive element in the afternoon.

Edinburgh Leisure have taken real ownership of this event over the past couple of years and it's great to see such a large team plan, co-ordinate and deliver the festival, which again proved a great success.  Heather Williams, Community Inclusion Officer with Edinburgh Leisure again took the lead on the event and has formed some excellent partnerships across the city, with the Edinburgh University Ladies Hockey providing support to the young people and Boccia coaches alike.  Edinburgh Active Schools were also present on the day, in addition to encouraging a large school entry from the city, with Kaimes, Oaklands, Braidburn, Pilrig Park, Prospect Bank, St Crispins, and Woodlands  all participating on the day.  East Lothian were another region well represented with Musselburgh Grammar, Preston Lodge HS and  Ross High all enjoying the day.

Patrick Wilson provided the young people with a display of top class Boccia, demonstrating skills that have seen the BC3 player progress rapidly through the sports pathway.  Patrick, who has cerebral palsy, competed in his first SDS Championship as recently as 2011 and is now travelling the world representing Great Britain, competing in Beijing, China in September last year.

To view some photo's from the event, click here.  All photo's supplied by Tinged Memories Professional Photography.

If you would like more information on Boccia and how to get involved or would like to discuss other opportunities in disability sport, please contact Neal at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0131 475 2364.

Lothian Disability Sport Committee Members

Are you passionate about sport and interested in helping  develop opportunities for individuals with a disability in the Lothian region?  LDS take a lead role in supporting partners to deliver sporting opportunities that allow athletes to progress from recreational and grassroots level all to National and International level.

Lothian Disability Sport are a charitable organisation that lead the development in sport for people with a physical, sensory or learning disability in the region in partnership with a number of key local agencies.  We are currently looking to enhance our volunteer led committee and if you are enthusiastic, motivated and keen to be part of an exciting opportunity then this position could be for you!

Applicants will be asked to attend around five committee meetings per calendar year and be responsible for implementing the ethos of LDS.

We are currently recruiting for a number of positions on the committee, including -

•        Vice Chair
•        Minute Secretary
•        Marketing and Communications Co-ordinator
•        Club, Athlete and Local Authority Representatives

If you are interested then please contact Neal Herbert on 0131 475 2364 / 0770 939 3514 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

More information on Lothian Disability Sport can be found at www.lothiandisabilitysport.co.uk

Dalkeith Miners CYP have established a strand to the club for young people with a disability aged between 5 and 12 years. This session aims to give players a fun, structured environment to include all ability levels and enhance self confidence.

The session has recently seen a reduction in numbers and Head Coach, Steven Williams is keen to try and attract more players from Midlothian and surrounding areas.  Details of the next session can be found below:

Venue:  Soccer City, Mayfield Industrial Estate, EH22 4AD

Date:  Saturday 24th January 2015 (1pm - 2pm)

Young People: The session is open to young people aged between 5 and 12 years.

If interesed, please give Steven Williams a call on 07940 511610

As Inverclyde - our traditional Summer Camp home of over ten years - undergoes a considerable revamp in 2015, SDS have investigated alternative options for the 2015 Summer Camp.

Venues and facilities that are as accessible as Inverclyde are fairly thin on the ground.  SDS are considering the possibility of holding the 2015 Summer Camp at the following time of year and venue:8 – 10 July at Badaguish Outdoor Centre, Aviemore.  This is obviously a very different venue and a different time of year from previous Summer Camps and SDS are very keen to ascertain whether individual attendees would still be interested in attending this camp. The camp would most likely combine some traditional Summer Camp sports with some exciting outdoor activities that lend itself to the spectacular surrounding area. The many and varied physical, social and personal benefits of attending the camp would still be relevant to parents and the young attendees.We are looking for individuals with a physical or sensory disability to register their interest at this initial stage for SDS to determine the feasibility of progressing with this alternative Summer Camp date and venue.Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone or 0131 317 1130 to register your interest in the 2015 SDS Summer Camp and your name and contact will be added to a Summer Camp distribution list.Please note registering your interest does not commit you to, or guarantee your place on the 2015 Summer Camp at this stage. 

*article taken from Scottish Disability Sport

It has been an incredible month for East of Scotland swimmer Scott Quin who has proven to be amongst the very best in world swimming in the S14 classification for athletes with an intellectual disability.  

The Warrender Baths athlete was part of a winning Scotland team who attended the British Gas Disability Championships in Manchester in November and was one of nine East of Scotland swimmers who contributed to Scotland’s first success in ten years.  On a personal level, Quin was in fine form as he took the Men’s SB14 100m breaststroke World Record, in a time of 1:07.38.  This time is considerably faster than the qualifying time of 1.11.00 for the London Paralympic Games 2012, which Quin narrowly missed.  Forward two years and it is clear he is on an upward curve and he is now a member of UK Sports World Class Podium programme.

The talented swimmer continued this great form into the Scottish National Short Course Championships at the Royal Commonwealth Pool over the weekend.  Competing in the men’s 100m breaststroke, the Mighty Quin posted a new World best time of 106.92 in the heats, breaking his own World Record!  

It is clear the 24 year old has excelled in recent months and we look forward to watching his progression towards the Paralympic Games in Rio 2016.
 

*article taken from Scottish Disability Sport

Lothian Disability Sport

Carpet Bowls Championships - Sunday 30th November 2014

Musselburgh Sports Centre, East Lothian

Experienced bowlers Amanda Craig, Stewart Martin and Neil Shirley proved victorious in their respective sections at the Regional Carpet Bowls Championships on Sunday 30th November.  After a handful of withdrawals on the day, twenty eight bowlers were looking to secure a place on the Lothian team for the National Championships in Dundee on the 31st January 2015. 

In the ladies section for players with a learning disability, West Lothian bowler Amanda Craig experienced some mixed results during the group stage of the competition, winning two and losing one.  However she soon found her form at the semi final stage as she convincingly overcame Prestonpans bowler Carole White before coming up against Philippa Robinson in the final.  Philippa had played excellently throughout the day on her debut at the competition and was unfortunate to lose out in the final as Amanda Craig reclaimed the trophy she also won last year.

In the male section, Stewart Martin managed to defeat the experienced campaigner and multiple time previous winner Gordon Graham of West Lothian 10-3 in the final.  The tie was slightly closer than the score line would suggest as Prestonpans stalwart Martin galloped into a 6 shot lead after only two ends and this gap proved too much for Graham to claw back.

In the section for players with a physical disability, previous winner Neil Shirley re-claimed the title in the combined PD section.  Shirley proved too strong for Margaret Brown and Jimmy Restorick, although did lose out to the experienced Robert Kelly meaning he would have to claim the title on shot difference from club mate Jimmy Restorick. 

Well done to the winners and all bowlers who participated, making the event very competitive and enjoyable throughout.  Thanks is extended to Musselburgh Sports Centre, Prestonpans Disability Bowling Club and all volunteers who gave up time to mark ties and support the event.

Winners

Players with a Learning Disability

 Ladies

Winner:                Amanda Craig (West Lothian)

Runner Up:         Philippa Robinson (Lothian Special Olympics)

Male

Winner:                Stewart Martin (P'pans Disability Bowling Club)

Runner Up:         Gordon Graham (West Lothian)

Players with a Physical Disability

Combined Section

Winner:                Neil Shirley (P'pans Disability Bowling Club)

Runner Up:         Jimmy Restorick (P'pans Disability Bowling Club)

Neal Herbert

Lothian Disability Sport

Football Participatory Event - Lothian School Calendar of Events

Wednesday 26th November 2014 - Heriott Watt University, Edinburgh

Heriott Watt University Astrodome welcomed a host of young people from Schools across the region to kick off this year's Lothian Football Participatory Event on Wednesday 26th November.

Young People travelled from all four local authorities to continue the impressive attendance over the previous few years, with coaches from the Scottish FA and Street Soccer leading and delivering six skill stations in passing, shooting, dribbling and control.  This was followed up by small sided games with the primary aged teams from Prospect Bank and Kames (both Edinburgh) experiencing the event for the first time, while the slightly more experienced and older pupils from Woodlands (Edinburgh), Musselburgh Grammar (East Lothian) and Cedarbank (West Lothian) battled it out in the Secondary category.  There was also representation from Drummond CHS (Edinburgh) and Saltersgate (Midlothian), taking the number of young people to over 90.

Thanks is extended to the coaches from the SFA and Street Soccer and also Heriott Watt University for providing an ideal venue for the young people to develop their skills.  Links with the Heriott Watt Sports Union were also established, as they provided volunteers to assist with the event and this is an area the organisers will look to strengthen for next year.  Special thank you to Scott Montgomery, Active Schools Co-ordinator for Midlothian, for organising the event.

Hope to see you all next year and thanks again for your continued support.

For more photo's from this event can be found in the gallery.

SDS National Junior Championships for Swimmers with a Learning Disability

Tollcross Swimming Pool, Glasgow - Wednesday 19th November 2014

Tollcross Swimming Pool played host to the SDS Junior Swim Championships for swimmers with a learning disability yesterday.  The Commonwealth Games venue provided an ideal setting for swimmers to showcase their form in the pool and give them a taste of swimming in such an impressive environment.

Lothian were able to enter a team of 37 swimmers after using the Regional Schools Swimming Competition as a qualification event.  The Regional event welcomed entrants from 14 schools across the region with 71 young people swimming at Dalkeith School Campus.  This allowed swimmers from Briadburn, Cedarbank, Drummond CHS, Meldrum PS, Preston Lodge HS, Prestonpans PS, Saltersgate, Spark of Genius, West Calder HS and Woodlands the opportunity to swim at the National event.

The team were successful with many athletes picking up medals and achieving personal best times in the water.  Christian Buchanan of Lothian Racers and Musselburgh Amateur Swimming Club continued his fine development, with a string of impressive performances against more senior athletes.  There were also medals for athletes making their debut at the event, with Amy Moffat of West Calder HS and Lucas Harthill of Preston Lodge HS claiming silverware in their respective events.  Saltersgate School were the most successful overall in terms of medals won, with swimmers Seth Downs, Jordan Milton and Jade Reynolds among those taking their prizes back to Midlothian.

Special thank you goes to the organising team at Scottish Disability Sport, the officials and support provided from the local college and centre staff for making the day so enjoyable for all those who were able to attend.  

Lothian Disability Sport Successful in Bank of Scotland Community Fund Bid

Lothian Disability Sport (LDS) were fortunate to be awarded the top prize of £3000 through the Bank of Scotland Communities Fund last earlier this week.  This initiative welcomed applications from  a range of organisations, with a shortlist of worthy candidates being drawn up in each area across the country.  LDS were shortlisted against four other projects across the East Lothian region with public voting used to establish the outcome and which organisation would receive the funds of £500, £1000, £2000 and £3000 - with LDS coming out on top with 36% of the public vote.

The £3000 awarded has been ear marked to purchase two running bikes that will be hosted by Lothian Leopards Disability Athletics Club.  LDS and Lothian Leopards worked in close partnership on this process and many hours of hard work from the club coaches and volunteers helped significantly to achieving this deserved result. 

The running bikes can be used for individuals aged 3-4 years through to adulthood and are often used by athletes with Cerebral Palsy, although suitable for those with Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease and other disabilities that may affect mobility and balance.  The bikes will provide a new and exciting strand to the club and offer additional opportunities for athletes in the region looking to get involved with sport.

A huge thank you to everyone who text, tweeted or cast a vote in their local branch, you have supported the development of disability sport in the Lothian region.

Lothian Swimmers Perform Well at SDS Junior Swim Champs

Six swimmers represented Lothian at the SDS Junior Swimming Championships on Wednesday 5th November at Grangemouth Sports Complex.

This year's Lothian team was made up of swimmers from Lothian Racers and Livingston & District Dolphins Disability Squad, with West Lothian swimmers Aaron and Corey McDowell making their debut at the event.  The youngsters, who attend East Calder PS were quick to get into their stride with both brothers picking up medals - Aaron just pipping Corey to first place in the 25m FS Front race.  A strong Lothian Racers contingent was also present, with Sophie Gault, Jamie O'Boyle and Kris Fleming representing the club and region well throughout with a number of medals travelling back East at the end of the day. 

There was success for a few ex Lothian Racers athletes, with Kris Flemings older brother and Warrender Baths swimmer Jamie continuing his impressive development and picking up medals in a number of races including the 100m FS Front.  Another ex racer, Beth Johnston, representing the Borders had a fantastic day and kept up her recent form in the pool - breaking a long standing record in the 50m FS Back (39.15s). 

Congratulations to all swimmers.

For a full set of results from this event, please click here.

38 Scottish swimmers have been selected for the British Gas Open Short Course Championships to be held at Manchester Aquatics Centre on the 22nd and 23rd of November.

The squad will be aiming to better their 2nd place finish at last year's event against strong competition from Wales and England. The East of Scotland have strong representation, with nine swimmers being selected (six from Lothian and three from the Borders). The majority of these swimmers all competed at the recent Lothian Disability Sport Autumn Swimming Gala, continuing to provide support to the region.

Paul Wilson, Disability Performance Development Manager stated, "This is a huge team for us to be taking down to Manchester this year so I’m really excited to see how the swimmers perform".

Beth Johnston
Laura Pilkington
Shannon Crosbie
Donald Gray
Finlay Lindores
James Clegg
Robert Dalgleish
Scott Quin
Stephen Clegg

Superstar Sports Club provides a safe space for children with a physical disability to play games and participate in exercise and physical activity, while introducing the young people to a range of accessible and adapted sports.  All individuals currently attending the club have a physical disability and attend mainstream education.

The club is based at Musselburgh East Community Centre and currently has five members and now seeks a level two athletics/sports coach