Lothian Disability Sport News

Lothian Disability Sport Lawn Bowls Championships 2016

Sunday 21^st August 2016

Longniddry Bowling Club

Longniddry Bowling Club welcomed a number of new players to this year’s annual Lothian Disability Sport Lawn Bowls Championships, providing the stage for many individuals with a physical disability or sensory impairment to showcase their undoubted talent on the green.  The competition attracted three new players from Edinburgh and the Borders to compete alongside some of the more experienced campaigners on the disability bowls circuit and the result was some excellent shots and some very tight and entertaining matches.

The event saw an increase of 27% on last year’s number and this is an area that the branch is extremely keen to develop.  Although the competition received some withdrawals on the day, the organisers were able to draw two groups of players, resulting in some enthralling bowls.  Last year’s Section 5 winner Carole Martin (Longniddry Bowling Club) was matched with two newcomers this year in Mike Nicoll (Jedburgh Bowling Club) and Mary Wilson (Fife) and although played well throughout, was pipped to first and second by Nicoll and Wilson respectively.  Robert Kelly, the East Lothian bowler, continued his incredible record at the competition as he claimed his third successive title in the combined section without dropping any points on route to victory. However, he was pushed all the way by Alex Philips (Sighthill Bowling Club) and Gary Clelland (Bellsburn Bowling Club).  Philips was competing at this first LDS competition and has only been bowling from a Bradshaw Buggy for a number of weeks, highlighting the potential he has in the sport.

The club once again provided hospitality that was second to none with President Mike Carey and Treasurer George Anderson on hand throughout the day to assist with setting the green up, marking ties and all round support for all players involved.  A special mention to the club members who also provided the wonderful assistance serving lunch, teas, coffees and cakes.  Additionally, many thanks to all LDS committee members who supported on the day and in the lead up to the event.

Bowls in the Lothian region is exciting at the moment, with the increase in numbers attending local opportunities to the recent appointment of the East Lothian Indoor Bowls Coordinator.  This post holder will work closely with Lothian Disability Sport to increase awareness of local and national opportunities in the sport and engage more players from the region.  If you have a disability and you are interested in the sport, please get in touch for more information – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0131 475 2364.

Three Lothian athletes and one athlete from the Borders have been selected to compete at this year’s Sainsbury’s School Games, scheduled for 1^st – 4^th September at Loughborough University. 

Christian Buchanan (Swimming / East Lothian), Josh Manson (Wheelchair Basketball / Edinburgh), Ruairi Logan (Wheelchair Tennis / Edinburgh) and Beth Johnston (Swimming / Borders) have all been given the opportunity to compete at the games, which will provide the platform for around 1600 young people from across the United Kingdom to participate alongside their peers.  The competition will reinforce the experience of Olympic and Paralympic Games with opening and closing ceremonies as well as hosting twelve current and future events within the games – providing an excellent precursor to Rio 2016.

We wish all athletes the best of luck as they prepare to travel south of the border to showcase their undoubted talent.   

Come and join the staff at Edinburgh Leisure at Gracemount Leisure Centre for our very special sports day!

In the run up to the inspiring Paralympic Games in Rio we'd like as many kids as possible to come along with their carers to try different sports whatever their support needs are.

Children will be able to try:

• Trampolining
• Swimming
• Diving
• Gymnastics
• Boccia
• Wheelchair tennis
• And more!

Date: Friday 12th August 2016
Time: 10.00 – 15.00
Cost: Participants can take part in as many sports as they want for £5. Participants must be accompanied by their carers.
Age: All children from P1 – S6 with additional support needs welcome with their carers.

Do you have a visual impairment?

Are you interested in cycling?

Glasgow Life are working in partnership with Scottish Disability Sport and Scottish Cycling to provide track cycling sessions at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.  They are keen to support any young person or adult with visual impairment and have recruited several pilots to support tandem riding as part of their commitment to the development of the sport.  

No experience is required

Sessions take place every second Thursday evening and the next available dates are:

• Thursday 7th of July 6-8pm
• Thursday 21st of July 6-8pm
• Thursday 4th of August 6-8pm

Further information can be found on the attached flyer or via the link below:

http://www.emiratesarena.co.uk/cycling/Pages/Para-Cycling-Track-Sessions-.aspx

Lothian Disability Sport

Annual General Meeting Report 2015/2016

Monday 20^th June, 2016

The Lothian Disability Sport (LDS) Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2015 / 2016 was held at Norton Park Conference Hall, Albion Road, Edinburgh, EH7 5QY on Monday 20^th June 2016.  This preceded the Annual Awards Ceremony as LDS continue to recognise the considerable achievements of athletes, clubs, coaches and volunteers over the previous twelve months and celebrate the consequent impact these individuals have on disability sport across the Lothian region.  LDS are proud to work alongside and support a whole host of talented, dedicated and inspirational individuals and delighted to continue to recognise these achievements.

LDS Chair, Helen Bruce began the evening with the formalities of the evening and continued to look ahead to Rio and recognise the significant achievements of those athletes who have already gained selection from their respective sports for the Paralympics in Brazil later this year.  At the time of the AGM, six athletes from the East region had been selected with an additional two athletes being announced since.  There have also been other hugely significant achievements over the previous 12 months on the world stage, as the Special Olympic World Games were held in Los Angeles in July / August 2015; six athletes and four coaches were selected from the Lothian region to represent their country in a variety of sports, with a significant level of success achieved.   Helen continued to champion the importance of partnership work between LDS and organisations such Scottish Disability Sport, FABB Scotland and Lothian Special Olympics and emphasised her appreciation of the continued support towards the funding for the Disability Sport Coordinator post from the four local authorities across the Lothian region.  A full version of the Chair report is attached.

Neal Herbert, the LDS Branch Coordinator, then presented the 2014 / 2015 Sports Review which highlighted the ongoing development of clubs in the region and the considerable work that is being delivered on a consistent basis from a committed band of coaches and volunteers across the region.  The review was based on the LDS Strategic Plan’s Priority, Development and Participation sports.  Highlights from the previous 12 months include Lothian Disability Badminton Club entering a team to compete against mainstream club players in the Lothian League, undoubtedly showcasing disability sport along the way.  Additionally, the excellent work across the region in swimming is evident with the continued rise in the numbers of individuals accessing local opportunities in terms of clubs and events.  Events continue to act as a route into more regular activity for athletes and players to become engaged in sport.  The numbers accessing the school calendar of events continues to rise as 765 young people from over 40 schools (both mainstream and ASN specific) attending a range of events, highlighting the appetite to access local opportunities in a host of sports.  In addition to local events, Lothian were able to enter teams into all but one SDS National event this year, experiencing a significant level of success – one highlight being Alan Gordon claiming the Carpet Bowls Championship for players with a learning disability.  A full version of the Sports Review for 2015 / 2016 is attached.

The evening concluded with the LDS Annual  Awards, with SDS CEO Gavin MacLeod and multi Paralympic medallist Jim Anderson OBE presenting the awards to the following athletes -

Senior Sports Person:  Stephen Clegg – This year saw another swimmer claim the senior award with Stephen being named after some outstanding achievements in the pool over the last 12 months.  The East Lothian Swim Team (ELST) athlete has really progressed in the last 18 months and that has culminated in his selection for the Paralympics in Rio later this year.  Stephen, a visually impaired swimmer, has worked incredibly hard after his re-introduction to the sport, something ELST Head Coach Bruce O’Halloran recognises stating “The drop (in time) he has made in the last six months is testament to the work he’s put in”.  The Scottish Disability Sport Academy Athlete produced some fantastic performances at the recent British Para International Meet in Glasgow and the IPC European Championships in Madeira, claiming a number of personal bests while recording multiple British records to confirm his position as the country’s leading S12 swimmer at the moment.

Young Sports Person and Jim Anderson OBE Bursary: Josh Manson – The Edinburgh based 16 year old has developed rapidly throughout the season and is now an integral part of the Lothian Phoenix under 19 League squad, whom narrowly missing out on a place in the British Wheelchair Basketball Junior League Finals this year.  Despite his young age, Josh represents Lothian Phoenix in the senior national league division 3 and division 1 squads and has also been invited along to attend under 23 training camps, experiencing the sport with far older players.  Out with playing the sport, Josh has proved a great ambassador for Wheelchair Basketball and disability sport as a whole through work he has done in partnership with Scottish Disability Sport – presenting to head teachers on the value and importance of inclusion young people within the mainstream PE environment.  Josh has also presented confidently and enthusiastically on other projects including the East Paralympic promotional video, which will hopefully help inspire other young people to follow in his footsteps.

Club of the Year: Lothian Disability Badminton Club (Lothian League Team) – LDBC are an extremely strong club and took the steps into the mainstream environment for the first time over the last 12 months, entering the Lothian League Division 5.  This foray saw ten club members play competitively against their peers from local mainstream clubs, only missing out on promotion at the play off stage – emphasising the strength and depth at the club as all players have progressed through the LDBC player pathway.  This is certainly the first time a disability club have entered the Lothian League and highlights the continued development of the club.

The team consisted of players of all ages and disabilities and really did showcase disability sport in a truly positive manner with hard work, determination and enthusiasm highlighting an overall exceptional attitude throughout the fixtures.

Volunteers of the Year: Elma Morrison and Rosie Palmer (Lothian Waves) – Elma and Rosie have been involved with disability swimming for over 20 years, initially when the session was introduced as an extra swimming opportunity at Greys Mill School in the late 1980’s.  In the mid 1990’s the session was turned into an informal club called Lothian Waves, before being established as a constituted club in 1999 and Elma and Rosie have been heavily involved throughout, providing considerable knowledge and experience in the water.  This support helps facilitate an exceptionally positive learning environment for all children who have accessed opportunities at Grey’s Mill and laterally Lothian Waves and provided the platform for many young people with a disability to access a quality swimming experience.  As volunteers, Elma and Rosie have given over 25 years of their life to ensure that children have been given the opportunity to enjoy swimming and the chance to learn how to swim.

Endeavour Award: Alan Gordon (Carpet Bowls) – Alan made history at this year’s recent Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) National Carpet Bowls Championships, being the first Lothian player to claim the top prize for male players with a learning disability – it was also Alan’s first appearance at a National event, demonstrating his development over the last year or so.  Alan attends weekly sessions at Musselburgh Sports Centre and has worked closely with Head Coach, Richard Douglas who highlighted “it is clear that Alan enjoys the game of carpet bowls and brings enthusiasm, while he also encourages and helps other players”.  The willingness to support other bowlers is evident and plays an important role in Alan’s participation in the game and this friendly nature has helped gain admiration from friends and fellow competitors.   Alan has overcome various obstacles to attain the National Championship and this achievement is down to hard work and a significant willingness to learn.

Special Achievement Award: Special Olympic Athletes – This year’s awards also recognised the significant achievement from the six athletes who represented Great Britain at the Special Olympic World Games held in July / August 2015 in Los Angeles.  The Games were the world’s largest multi sport event in 2015 with 165 countries sending an incredible 7000 athletes and 2000 coaches and the Olympic spirit was certainly fostered throughout with unparalleled spirit, enthusiasm and teamwork present throughout.  The Great British Team consisted of 112 athletes, 5 unified partners, 19 head coaches and 22 coaches and for Lothian to have such a strong representation is testament to the work that is being done by the organisation in the region.  In addition to the six athletes, Lothian had 4 head coaches and one unified partner who were selected to lead and support a whole host of athletes, further reinforcing the strong special olympic network in the area.  Please find a list of athletes and coaches below –

Name (region)                                  Sport                                     Achievement

Kathleen Inglis (East Lothian)           Judo                                      Bronze Medal

Dean Lawrie (East Lothian)               Football (11-a-side)              Gold Medal

Jack Bell (Edinburgh)                        Football (unified)                   Silver Medal

Richard Cooke (Edinburgh)              Ten Pin Bowling                     Three Bronze Medals

Colin Robertson (West Lothian)        Bocce                                    Gold Medal

Michelle Moran (Midlothian)              Swimming                              Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals

Yvonne Anderson                             Swimming

Jo Imrie                                             Judo

Elaine McKenna                                Football (11-a-side)

Jamie MacDonald                             Golf

Joseph Van’t Hoff                             Unified Partner (Football)

East Junior Wheelchair Basketball players enjoy success at the Regional Championships in Stirling

Junior players from across Scotland gathered for the inaugural Wheelchair Basketball ‘Regional Junior Championships’, at the Peak in Stirling.  The Championships form an important step in the talent pathway for young players, with many progressing onto Scotland honours.

The competition was split into two age groups -  U13s, playing 3v3 on 8ft sized hoops, and the U19s playing 5v5 on 10ft sized hoops.  Several of the games were so tightly fought they went to double overtime. 

Tina Gordon, wheelchair basketball development officer for basketballscotland commented,

“This is such a fantastic day for the development of junior wheelchair basketball.  The quality of play and camaraderie between players, has certainly made for a fun and exciting atmosphere.”

The event was sponsored by RGK Wheelchairs and supported by Scottish Disability Sport; Active Stirling; the Peak Sports Village; Stirling Knights; Stirling Sainsbury’s, and The Lord’s Taverners.  RGK Wheelchairs also provided the award for the Most Valuable Player, which was awarded to Morwenna Hastings, representing Highlands.

Final placing’s:

U13s

1. East
2. Tayside & Fife
3. West
4. Grampian and Central

U19s

1. West
2. East
3. Tayside & Fife
4. Grampian and Highlands
5. Central

Lothian Open Boccia Championships 2016

The Jack Kane Centre once again played host to the Lothian Open Boccia Championships and welcomed 50 players from around Scotland to compete over four sections.  Players travelled from the West of Scotland, Dumfries & Galloway and Forth Valley and helped the strong Lothian contingent contribute to an excellent day of boccia.

There was fierce competition throughout the day in class A (players with physical disability) with experienced players in all three of the sections and it was Lucy Rutledge, Ross Munro (both West of Scotland Boccia), Arthur Lawson (No Limits) and Callum Glasgow (Right on Target) who shone through and qualified for the semi finals.  At this stage, the two players from the West met with Ross narrowly triumphing 4-3 after the four ends of play.  The other semi final saw No Limts player Arthur Lawson defeat Forth Valley’s Callum Glasgow and set up an exciting East / West final.  A very close match saw Ross Munro claim the title with a 5-4 victory and leave Arthur Lawson with a silver medal and Lucy Rutledge with a bronze after defeating Glasgow in the 3^rd/ 4^th playoff match.

Similar to class A, the class for players with a learning disability was hotly contested with some impressive boccia being played throughout.  In the male section, the Right on Target players were well represented in the at the semi final stage with Darren Rooney and Lee Duncan qualifying alongside Daniel Strang (No Limits) and Faizan Haq (Edinburgh Leisure High Flyers) from a competitive group stage.  It was Rooney and Strang who defeated Haq and Duncan respectively to qualify for the final stage of the competition and it was the No Limits player who claimed victory after a tense final.  The semi final stage in the female section was dominated by Lothian players as three from the four were local to the competition however it was Right on Target player Barbara Anne McGinn who qualified for the final after defeating Jodie Lavin (LSO).  McGinn was joined by Philippa Robertson (LSO) as she defeated last year’s winner Kirsty McCallum (No Limits) in the other semi final and maintaining the record of having a Lothian player in each final at this year’s competition.  Philippa Robertson equalled Daniel Strang’s achievement in the male section, winning the trophy and keeping the title in the Lothian region.

Class C saw four players using assistive devices battle it out in a round robin format with the player recording the most points being declared the winner.  It was Sean McCann who made home advantage count as the East of Scotland Boccia club player used his experience and played well throughout, defeating Aaryn Widd (Forth Valley), Connor Meechan (Forth Valley) and Andrew Douglas (Edinburgh Leisure High Flyers) to claim the top spot - Aaryn Widd securing second and Connor Meechan third.

The junior section saw an increase in entry from the previous two years, with four groups of players pitting their skills against their peers from across the region and indeed the country.  It was Dumfries & Galloway who took full advantage with the final stage being contested by two players from the region.  Christian Mason and Hayden Keir – the two players who were winner and runner up last year – battled it out with the latter coming out on top and claiming the gold medal.  LSO youngster Chloe Ewens claimed third sport with her debut at the competition.

A full list of first, second and third placed players can be found below –

Class A – Players with a Physical Disability

Gold:     Ross Munro (West of Scotland Boccia)

Silver:   Arthur Lawson (No Limts)

Bronze:                Lucy Rutledge (West of Scotland Boccia)

Class B – Players with a Learning Disability (Male)

Gold:     Daniel Strang (No Limits)

Silver:   Darren Rooney (Right on Target Boccia Club)

Bronze:                Faizan Haq (Edinburgh Leisure High Flyers)

Class B – Players with a Learning Disability (Female)

Gold:     Philippa Robertson (LSO)

Silver:   Barbara Anne McGinn (Right on Target Boccia Club)

Bronze:                Jodie Lavin (LSO)

Class C – Players using Assistive Devices

Gold:     Sean McCann (East of Scotland Boccia Club)

Silver:   Aaryn Widd (Right on Target Boccia Club)

Bronze:                Connor Meechan (Right on Target Boccia Club)

Class D – Junior Players under the age of 18 (all disability groups)

Gold:     Hayden Keir (Dumfries & Galloway)

Silver:   Christian Mason (Dumfries & Galloway)

Bronze:                Chloe Ewens (LSO)

I would like to thank all players and coaches for travelling to the competition and making it a success.  I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to all individuals who assisted with refereeing / time keeping / results table  - the competition could not run without your much needed and appreciated support.  Finally, a special thank you to Scottish Disability Sport’s Coaching Future’s Boccia Apprentice, Lewis McCulloch who was on hand to provide his experience throughout and also expertly present the medals at the end of the day.

If you are interested to hear more about the boccia opportunities in the Lothian region – get in touch on 0131 475 2364 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Handcycling Opportunity in Edinburgh

To celebrate Bike Week 2016, Handcycling Edinburgh, in conjunction with Edinburgh All-ability Cycling is hosting a handcycle taster event!

If you have ever wanted to try handcycling or would like to try a bike different to one that you may already have, come visit us on:

Sunday, 12 June from 10:00 – 12:00

or

Tuesday, 14 June from 12:00 – 16:00

The event will be held at the Edinburgh All-ability Cycling Centre located at the Bangholm Outdoor Centre in Edinburgh.  The full address can be found below -

Bangholm Outdoor Education Centre

23 Craighall Gardens,

 Edinburgh

EH6 4RJ.

Please follow the link below to be directed to the specific facebook pages highlighting the information relating to the handcycling events on Sunday 12^th and Tuesday 14^th June. 

This is the individual link for the taster session with Handcycling Edinburgh on Sunday 12^th June.

https://www.facebook.com/events/533680573483712/

This is the individual link for the taster/short led rides with Handcycling Edinburgh on Tuesday 14^th June

https://www.facebook.com/events/281042978909648/

For further information on this handcycling opportunity, please contact David Glover, Edinburgh ABC Development Officer, on 07500 069357 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Lothian Disability Sport (LDS) will hold their third Regional Boccia Championships on Saturday 18^th June at the Jack Kane Centre, Edinburgh for players of all ages with a physical or learning disability.  The competition will be delivered in partnership with Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) and Lothian Special Olympics (LSO) and provide an opportunity for players to compete against their peers from the region and further afield.

For the Lothian contingent, the competition will act as a qualifying event for the upcoming Scottish Boccia Open and also provide some competitive experience for players representing Lothian at next year’s Special Olympics National Games in Sheffield.

Please find the details of the competition below –

Event:   Lothian Boccia Championships 2016

Venue: Jack Kane Centre, 208 Niddrie Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH16 4ND.

Date:     Saturday 18^th June 2016

Time:    9.30am – 4.30pm

Please find the entry form for the competition here.  If you require further information, 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..

Lothian Disability Sport AGM and Annual Award Presentation 2016

The Lothian Disability Sport (LDS) Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for Monday 20^th June at Caledonia House, South Gyle, Edinburgh, EH12 9DQ – 7.00pm for a 7.15pm start.

 The evening will also include the LDS Annual Award Presentation, recognising individuals and teams who have achieved particular success or achievement in their sport over the previous 12 months.  Nominations are welcome in the following categories –

• Young Sports Person Award
• Senior Sports Person Award
• Team / Club Award
• Volunteer / Coach Award
• Endeavour Award

Please find the award nomination form attached here.  Please note, all nominations should be completed and returned to myself before, or on Friday 3^rd June 2016.  Nominations can be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or sent to the following address –

Lothian Disability Sport

Norton Park,

57 Albion Road,

Edinburgh,

EH7 5QY.

Everyone at LDS are looking forward to seeing you on Monday 20^th June.

Lothian Disability Track & Field Athletics 2016

Meadowmill played host to the annual Lothian Disability Track & Field Athletics Qualifier on Wednesday 27^th April, attracting over 80 young people from across the Edinburgh and Lothian region.  This year saw the event run in parallel with the East Lothian Youth Games ensuring a very busy day and providing the opportunity for a disability specific event to be included within a mainstream sports programme. 

Lothian Disability Sport worked in partnership with East Lothian council and Scottish Athletics to facilitate the event which provides the opportunity for individuals with a physical, sensory or learning disability to record times and distances in a variety of track and field events.  The fundamental aim of the competition is participation and providing a taste of the sport to a whole range of budding athletes.  Additionally, the participants are also given the opportunity to post times and distances that will put them in contention for selection to represent the Lothian region at the upcoming Scottish Disability Sport National Event – here they will compete against their peers from across the country at Grangemouth Athletics Stadium in early June.  Both the Regional and National competitions provide the platform for young people to participate as the format allows different disabilities and athletic abilities the chance to compete against their peers with similar entry times / distances.

The event saw strong representation from experienced campaigners Dunbar Grammar (East Lothian), Woodlands (Edinburgh), Saltersgate (Midlothian) and Cedarbank (West Lothian) while we welcomed new additions from Duddingston PS and Nether Currie PS (both Edinburgh).  With 88 young athletes registered to participate, clearly demonstrating the demand for athletics in the Lothain region – a sport which helps young people learn the fundamentals of sport and physical activity.  Results from Wednesday’s event will be available soon.

If you are interested in finding out more surrounding opportunities in the area, please contact Neal on 0131 475 2364 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Lothian Phoenix and Scotland wheelchair basketball coach Niall Ritchie has been recognised as the basketballscotland’s ‘East & Central Disability Coach of the Year’ for his continued dedication to the sport both regionally and nationally.

Niall has been coaching for around 6 years and leads the Lothian Phoenix under 15 and under 19 squads experiencing a good level of success recently.  Additionally, Niall also takes up the responsibility of the under 15 Scotland squad, assistant for the under 23 squad and also dedicates time to the Phoenix committee and Scottish Development Group.

In 2015, Niall was also recognised for his undoubted dedication and immersion in the sport by Lothian Disability Sport (Coach of the Year) and Disability Coach of the Year (Edinburgh Sport Awards).  A great asset to the region and the sport of wheelchair basketball, well done!

Edinbrugh Leisure are currently on the look out for a new Disability Sport Development Officer.  If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity, please see the details below and click here for the job description.

Disability Sport Development Officer

Vantage Point

Full time, 35.75 hours per week

Temporary post - 1 year

£25,155 per annum

Nine Lothian bowlers were selected to compete at the first ever Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) National Indoor Bowls Singles Championships held on Sunday 17^th April at Falkirk Indoor Bowling Club.

The inaugural event saw 49 players compete over the weekend as players with a physical disability / visual impairment participated during the Saturday and players with a learning disability battled it out on the Sunday. 

The sole Lothian representation on the Saturday was West Lothian’s Gary Clelland (B6) who left victorious after wins against Billy Allan (Fife) and Fraser Mathieson (Forth Valley).  The Sunday saw the real influx of bowlers from the East of the country and it proved an extremely successful day as Amanda Craig (West Lothian) secured the ladies section A title while Midlothian’s Raymond Brumby took the runner up spot in the male’s equivalent with a spirited show in the final.  The male section B final was played out by two Lothian bowlers as John McMillan (West Lothian) narrowly edged out Edinburgh’s Euan Wright.  Christina McSherry came close to securing the woman’s B section title but was defeated by her opponent from Glasgow culminating in a runner up medal for the West Lothian bowler.  The remaining Lothian contingent were Gordon Graham (West Lothian), Jacqueline Vickers (West Lothian) and Lisa Wilkie (Midlothian).

This event, coupled with the outdoor and carpet bowls events that are offered both regionally and nationally clearly highlight the opportunities available within the sport for participants with a disability.  If you are interested in finding out more information about local opportunities, please contact Neal on 0131 475 2364 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Edinburgh All-ability Bike Centre have relaesed details for their open session programme.  This information gives details of days and times that sessions are open to individuals to come along and try the wide range of bikes on offer.  Group sessions are also available and both will be based from Bangholm Outdoor Education Centre, Edinburgh, EH6 4RJ. 

Edinburgh ABC has a range of bikes, trikes, tandems and adaptive cycles so anyone can come along and enjoy cycling and the sessions are completely free to attend.

If you are interested in booking a place or finding out more information about these sessions, please contact ABC Development Officer David Glover on 0750 006 9357 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To download a flyer highlighting all available times to access this opportunity, please click here.

In the year of Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, Scottish Disability Sport invites you to join them in a National Celebration of Para Water Sport and Para Cycling.

Scottish Disability Sport are working in partnership with Scottish Rowing, FABB Scotland/ Blazing Saddles Adaptive Cycling, Scottish Canoe Association, Royal Yachting Association Scotland, Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park and Help for Heroes Sports Recovery to offer people with physical disabilities, hearing and visual impairments the chance to try different sports with family and friends.

A flyer and application pack are linked for more information.

If you are interested in this opportunity then please contact Scottish Disability Sport on 0131 317 1130 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The annual Paralympic Experience Event was held on Friday 18^th March at Forrester / St Augistine’s High School and attracted a record number of young people from across Edinburgh, the Lothian and Borders, reinforcing the popularity of the event in the region.   The day long event is open to school aged young people with a physical or sensory impairment and is facilitated through the strong working relationship between Edinburgh Active Schools, Scottish Disability Sport and Lothian Disability Sport who take the lead in organising, coordinating and planning the event.

Sixty four children registered to participate, however the number reduced to 58 after a few call offs on the day and the youngsters were given the opportunity to try six different sports as local coaches delivered engaging sessions in badminton, basketball, judo, swimming, tennis and wheelchair rugby. The sports sessions were chosen after taking feedback on board from last year’s event with each activity proving successful in the past.  Swimming was included for only the second year after being introduced in 2015 and again allowed many of the participants, regardless of experience or ability the chance to try the sport under the watchful eye of coaches from local club Lothian Racers and staff from Scottish Swimming.  Edinburgh Leisure have spearheaded the swimming element over the last two years, providing experienced swim staff on poolside and in the water to oversee and support the less experienced young people.  The delivery provided by local coaches is a crucial aspect of the event providing an invaluable club link and providing a familiar face for any young athlete looking to make that transition into regular activity.

The event relies heavily on parental support, with the vast majority of participants being accompanied by their parents for the entire day.  This allows both the children and parents the chance to discuss sporting opportunities with coaches and professional staff and highlights the excellent sports sessions that are available in the region.  The quote below was taken from a parent after this year’s event -

“Another really good day this year and lots of positive feedback again from other parents that were present.  Kevin Simpson (ex Paralympic tennis player and this year’s Q&A panellist) is a great speaker and provided much inspiration to the kids, as does the event as a whole.” 

This year’s Question & Answer session saw ex Paralympic Tennis player, Kevin Simpson and Lothian Phoenix and Scotland under 23 wheelchair basketball player Josh Manson discuss their experiences in disability sport aiming to inspire the stars of the future to potentially follow a similar path.  In addition to the Q&A session, this year saw the introduction of a ‘Market Place’ where around 14 organisations attended to promote their programmes, projects and activities and discuss further opportunities with the large number of parents in attendance.  This was further complimented by the CPD Workshop delivered by experienced tutor Richard Brickley MBE, providing an insight into ‘How to Identify and Include Children and Young People with a Disability in Sport’ with over 20 teachers, coaches and volunteers strengthening their knowledge in the field.

Thanks is extended to all parents and young people for their attendance and participation, the club coaches, volunteers and Governing Bodies of Sport for delivering sessions that were engaging and inclusive for all the youngsters in attendance.  The Paralympic Experience Event will come round again in 2017, so please keep a close eye here for all the latest information.

Over the previous two years Tranent Colts have successfully developed their existing session which is aimed at primary school aged young people with a physical, learning or sensory impairment and are now offering an exciting opportunity for players of secondary school age (13 – 17 years).

Details of the secondary aged session can be found below –

Club:     Tranent Colts

Day:       Every 2^nd Saturday (starts 23^rd April)

Time:    10.45am – 12noon

Venue: Ross High School, Well Wynd Road, EH33 2EQ.

Please get in touch with Willie Gilhooley, the club disability officer for further information on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 07905 380029.

A flyer for the session can be dowloaded by clicking here.

Mercat Gait played host to the annual Lothian Disability Sport Swimming Gala, with swimmers turning out in huge numbers; many aiming to improve personal best times while others were experiencing the event for the very first time.

A total of 91 swimmers had registered to enter, however that number was reduced after a number of withdrawals on the morning of the event.  Local clubs have been working tremendously well over the previous few months and this is clearly evident from the huge number of swimmers now accessing the opportunity.  Experienced clubs Lothian Racers, Lothian Waves, Loanhead Swim Team and Livingston & District Dolphins (Rainbow Squad) were able to enter a number of experienced swimmers while also promoting some of their younger swimmers to attend their first gala.  Other clubs like Mercat Greats and Enjoy Leisure continue to develop their weekly sessions and the young people now accessing the competition has increased significantly over the last 12 months, testament to the swimming development work being undertaken in the East Lothian region.  This event also continues to attract some of the region’s most promising swimmers as east regional squad members Christian Buchanan and Shannon Crosbie were in attendance aiming to continue their development and record new PB’s.  The region also welcomed entrants from additional local authorities, as Jenna Brus (Borders Barracuda’s), Jill Hendy (Stirling Swimming) & Mairin Savage (Stirling Swim) came from slightly further afield to swim in East Lothian.

Edinburgh school Braidburn were also present and entered four swimmers who were looking to better their swim times from the school swim qualifier held last October.  The staff from the school supported their swimmers superbly throughout and provided the opportunity for their pupils to access this event which is of course, held out with the school week.

Further support was provided from a whole band of officials, time keepers and volunteers who kindly give up their time to ensure the event runs smoothly and gives the swimmers the best experience possible.  Special thank you goes to John Sluman for organising such a large group of enthusiastic officials and John Brodie for continuing to plan / coordinate the programme prior and on the day of the event.  Jim Anderson OBE was on hand to present the medals to all swimmers and provide all attendees the chance to purchase his recently released book, Jim the Swim.

A full list of results can be found by clicking here.  If you are interested in finding out more information about swimming opportunities in the Lothian region, please get in touch on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..