Lothian Disability Sport News

SFA School League Fixture 2 - Dalkeith School Campus, Midlothian

Friday 20th March 2015

The second fixture in this season's Scottish FA School League for players with a learning disability was played at Dalkeith School Campus on Friday 20th March.  The league, which encourages players from S3 and upwards to represent their school in four fixtures throughout the 'season' and gives the  young people the opportunity to travel to each local authority and play against their peers from different areas of Edinburgh and Lothians.  The winners and runners up of the league will then be invited to the SDS/SFA National event, where they will compete against other top teams from across the country

The fourth Edinburgh Paralympic Experience Event took place at Forrester / St Augustine’s High School in Edinburgh on Friday 13 March 2015 and it proved to be the largest to date, with 61 young people with a physical or sensory disability registering to participate.  The event is delivered through a unique partnership approach between Edinburgh Active Schools, Scottish Disability Sport and Lothian Disability Sport and this year, Edinburgh Leisure provided valuable support to the swimming element of the event.

Interested in Rugby?

The Edinburgh Clan are the regions first Unified Rugby Team and train indoors every Wednesday at Broughton High School, Edinburgh from 8pm - 9pm.

The session is open to players (male and female) over the age of 16 with a learning disability.

Lothian Disability Sport Spring Swim Gala 2015

Saturday 14th March 2015

Mercat Gait swimming pool played host to the annual Lothian Disability Sport Spring Gala and again built on the number of entrants from the previous year.  The gala saw 69 swimmers from across the Lothian region and further afield with swimmers from Forth Valley (Stirling Swim and University of Stirling) and the Borders (Borders Baracudas) travelling to swim against their peers.

There was strong representation from the established clubs from the region with Lothian Racers, Loanhead Swim Team and Lothian Waves attending in numbers.  Livingston and District Dolphins Rainbow Squad also continue to grow and this was reflected in the increase of swimmers who represented the club (13 young people).  This is down to the hard work currently undertaken by the club who have facilitated talent ID days as well as supporting the SDS/Scottish Swimming/Xcite Leisure development day in the West Lothian region.  There was also increased numbers from Mercat Greats, a swimming session from East Lothian (Mercat Gait Swimming Pool) who provide opportunities for young swimmers with a learning disability and/or autism.

ParaSports Stars - a sports club for athletes with a physical disability.

Lothian Disability Sport are working in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, Edinburgh Active Schools and Scottish Disability Sport to offer an exciting opportunity for school aged young people with a physical disability from the Edinburgh and the Lothian region.

These sessions will begin on Friday 24th April at Forresters/St Augistine's Community Sports HUB, Edinburgh (2.00pm - 4.00pm) and run every Friday until the end of the school term - a 9 week programme.

During the 9 week programme, Athletics, Badminton, Wheelchair Basketball, Judo and Fencing will be delivered from a number of experienced coaches.

If you are interested in this opportunity and to book a place on this programme, please contact Edinburgh Leisure on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0131 458 2167.

Lothian Schools 5-a-side Football Festival and Competition

Thursday 5th March 2015

The annual Lothian 5-a-side festival for secondary aged pupils with a learning disability saw a change of venue from previous years, as Portobello Powerleague played host for the first time.  The last minute change of venue was embraced by all nine schools entered, with representation from all four local authorities which is again very pleasing.

The format of the event remained the same, with six skill stations delivered in the morning session allowing the young people to perfect their passing, dribbling and shooting techniques before putting this into practice after lunch.  These sessions were delivered by coaches and volunteers from Street Soccer and the SFA, proving a huge hit with the majority of the young people in attendance on the day.  The close partnership working and hard work of Street Soccer and the SFA is crucial to these events, providing the platform for the school pupils to enhance their skills and participate against their peers from across the region.

Boccia Leaders Award - Edinburgh

Venue: Meggetland, Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1AS

Date: Thursday 2nd April 2015

Time: 6pm - 9pm

Cost: £30 

The Boccia Leaders Award will provide coaches, teachers and volunteers with the necessary knowledge, skill and abilities to introduce the game to all children, young people and individuals with an interest in the sport. 

Boccia is a Paralympic Sport for players with a severe physical disability but can be played by all. A mixture of theory and practice, the course will provide an overview of the structure, the rules and practices.

For more information or to book a place on the course, please contact Neal Herbert on 0131 475 2364 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Scottish Disability National Sportshall Athletics Festival

For the 9^th year running Scottish Disability Sport in partnership with Scottish Athletics, Sports Development and Active Schools hosted the National Sportshall Athletics Competition at Grangemouth Community Centre on the 4March.  The competition welcomes young people from both primary and secondary schools with a physical/learning disability or sensory impairment.  A total number of 90 pupils (10 teams) took part in a range of scoring indoor athletics events such as the javelin throw, standing long jump, speed bounce, target throw, chest push and high stepper.

A goalball session is scheduled for Saturday 7th March at Edinburgh College, Sighthill Campus from 1pm to 3pm.  Sighted family and friends are welcome to attend.

What is goalball?

Goalball is an exciting, indoor, 3-aside team sport, of attack and defend - with a unique twist!

The sport was originally devised in 1946 to help rehabilitate soldiers who had lost their sight during the war. It has been played throughout the world ever since, at the highest level, by people who are blind or partially sighted.

However, goalball is a truly inclusive sport in that fully sighted players can also play domestically. This is because everybody is required to wear eye shades so that nobody can see. Players therefore have to rely entirely on their other senses.

The ball contains internal bells so players are able to track its movement by its sound, whilst the court is marked out with tactile lines so players can feel where they are. The idea of the game is quite simply to score goals by bowling the ball along the floor, past the opposing team.  

For more information on Goalball and this excitng opportunity in Edinburgh, please click here.

Are you interested in coaching and supporting young people with a disability in an athletics setting?

Lothian Leopards are looking for enthusiastic, organised, reliable and most importantly, fun individuals to support the development of the club.  If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please see the ad below - 

The Lothian Leopards Disability Athletics Club has rapidly grown over the past year and was initially established in partnership between Scottish Disability Sport, Lothian Disability Sport and Scottish Athletics to provide an environment for school aged pupils with physical, learning or sensory impairments to develop their skills.  The club, based at Meadowmill Sports Centre , East Lothian boasts around 15 members with a range of disabilities and now seek additional volunteers to support the current network of coaches and volunteers.  The role requires hands on enthusiastic approach and promises to be a hugely rewarding experience for the right individual.  In addition, the successful candidates will have the chance to develop their coaching skills through the variety of coaching opportunities and CPD’s that run across the East of Scotland.

MAIN DUTIES:

• Under the direction of the lead coach, work with and support a small group of participants to help them achieve the aims of the session, whether it be practising skills or playing a game
• Support coaches when organising / supervising young people at the beginning and end of the session and during breaks
• Ensure that you are well briefed about the special needs of the participants involved i.e. motor and learning difficulties, communication and sensory issues, any significant medical conditions, levels of fitness
• In liaison with the Lead Coach ensure that the playing area is safe to use. If there are any hazards which cannot be overcome, point these out to the participants before you start the session
• Identify, if required and in line with club procedures, additional volunteers to assist in the running of club activities e.g. parents
• Abide by the Code of Ethics & Conduct and adhere to all club policies; child protection, fair play and equal opportunities to all members
• Take responsibility for ensuring that the equipment is correct and is kept in good working order.
• Be aware of and follow the procedures for recording accidents
• Be aware of the clubs Health & Safety policy and Emergency Procedures and take their own responsibility for Health & Safety
•  

TIME COMMITMENT: 60 minute session – Thursday evenings between 6.00 pm to 7.00pm

What we will offer you:

• Experience in a sport development environment including contact with National Governing Body’s and Sports Development professionals throughout Edinburgh.
• Support in working with athletes with disabilities
• Improved employability through skills development.
• Opportunities to access free coaching courses.
• Opportunity to support club at athletic competitions.
• The chance to develop as a coach.

 To express an interest in the role(s) please contact the Lothian Leopards Disability Athletics Club Lead Coach, Jean Dobson on 07882 376338 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Would you like to volunteer and gain experience working with athletes with a disability?

Forrester Disability Judo Hub is a JudoScotland Workforce Development Project based at Forrester/St Augustine's Community Sports Hub. The vision of this project is to create opportunities for coaches and volunteers to gain experience working with people of all ages, with physical, sensory or learning disabilities.  By creating a strong workforce, the aim is to enhance the participation and opportunities in judo for athletes with disabilities throughout Scotland.
 
At Forrester, judo has something for everyone and each participant’s motivation to join in may differ: to get fit and healthy, to meet new friends or to learn new skills. Whatever the reason, the coaches aim to make every class as enjoyable and beneficial as possible for all those who take part and help build self-confidence, promote self-discipline and improve fitness and physical literacy.
 
The main goal is to be as inclusive as possible and allow everyone the time to grow in the different avenues of participation. If it’s competitions that appeal, these players will be prepared and nurtured through an array of fun, skill-based activities and the progressive technical syllabus. Competing is not for everyone, so all classes are just great fun and take place in an environment where everyone can learn and progress through the grades at their pace.
 
Whatever appeals most, JudoScotland concentrates on teaching the important culture of the sport of judo and encourage the athletes to be humble, whilst the coaches and volunteers respect and appreciate the individuality of all.

JudoScotland is looking for volunteers to help create a challenging and fun-packed atmosphere at the weekly sessions. No prior judo knowledge is required; however, strong people skills would help.

These fantastic opportunities would best suit those who enjoy engaging with and inspiring the next generation; our motto is ‘Ganbatte’ - ‘Try Your Best’!

Hub Sessions

EVERY THURSDAY
Forrester/St Augustine's Community Sports Hub, Edinburgh
6.30pm – 8.30pm for volunteers

Disability Awareness Block – New Participants

Following the success at Forrester Hub, JudoScotland now look to work in partnership with SDS to develop a similar project in Fife. The aim of this new project is to introduce novice participants with disabilities to judo and thereafter encourage them to become involved in local clubs with local coaches.

Wednesday, 25th of February x 5 weeks
Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre, Glenrothes
5.00pm – 6.00pm for volunteers
Suitable for: 14years +

If you require any more information phone Stephen on 07595 710470; alternatively, please call the JudoScotland Development Team on 0131 333 2981.
 

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.