Lothian Disability Sport News

Wednesday 3rd June - Grangemouth Athletics Stadium

Lothian were able to enter a strong team of 21 athletes from across the region at the annual SDS junior track and field athletics at Grangemouth.  Many athletes from Woodlands (Edinburgh), Cedarbank (West Lothian), Saltersgate (Midlothian) and Kaimes (Edinburgh) were looking to better performances from previous years while newcomers to the event were experiencing the competition for the first time.  The selection team were able to enter a healthy number to the National competition due to the impressive turnout at the Regional event three weeks earlier which is very encouraging for the area.

Aaron and Corey McDowell (East Calder PS, West Lothian) are experiencing athletics for the first time after attending the Regional event and securing a place at the National event, going on to win medals in the 60m and Standing Long Jump.  Kate Snodgrass (Cuiken PS, Midlothian) also bettered her performance at the Regional event, shaving an impressive 8 seconds of her 800m time from the Regional event and claiming medals in the 100m and 800m.  There was also notable performances from Amy MacBeath (Lasswade PS, Midlothian) as she recorded PB's in the 60m and 100m and Matthew Power (Woodlands) who claimed medals in the 100m and 1500m.  Jonathan Watson and Chloe Wilson (both Saltersgate) showed the way in the Shot Putt, both throwing imposing distances to win themselves a medal.

Well done to all athletes who competed and represented Lothian superbly throughout a long day of sport.  Thank you is extended to all support staff and parents who supported the event and ensured that all athletes were given the opportunity to participate.

Meadowmill Sports Centre played host to the annual Lothian Track and Field Athletics competition on Wednesday 20th May. This was second year the venue had kindly welcomed the athletes from around the Lothian area after taking over hosting duties from Dalkeith School Campus. 

The event took a slightly different approach this year, as senior athletes were invited to participate alongside their junior colleagues for the first time. This allowed 10 senior athletes from Port Seton Resource Centre the opportunity to participate and post times and distances for the National Championships in September. In total, the entry stood at 96 athletes with some individuals making their debut at the event and some returning to try and improve upon their personal bests. It was excellent to see new faces from across the Lothian region, with Dunbar Grammar School joining Cuiken, Campie and East Calder Primary schools attending for the first time.

Like last year the weather was kind to the competitors, allowing for some fine performances on the track and field - notably the female 800m, male 400m and long jump, to name a few. The atmosphere created by all the competitors made the day thoroughly enjoyable and will hopefully encourage the athletes to access local opportunites in the sport. If you would like more information on athletic opportunities in the region, please get in touch 0131 475 2364 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Special thank you to all the officials at Scottish Athletics and volunteers from Lothian Disability Sport who both gave up their time to come and help make the day a success. Also, thanks to all the school staff and athlete's who supported this year's competition, we hope to see you next year.

Please click the link for results - LDS Track & Field results 2015

Friday saw the first session of the Para-sport Stars programme at Forrester/St Augustine's Community Sports HUB, giving the young people in attendance the opportunity to try badminton and athletics.  The two hour session was led by local club coaches with extensive experience in disability sport, with the young people playing badminton for the first hour before breaking to resume with a second hour of athletics.

The Para-sport Stars programme is open to school aged young people with a physical disability, aiming to provide a taste in a range of sports before signposting them to clubs in sports they have particularly enjoyed.  The programme will also include sessions in wheelchair basketball, judo and fencing.

These session are completely free for young people and run from 2pm - 4pm every Friday until 19th June.  Although the programme is based in Edinburgh, we would certainly welcome young people from additional local authorities across the Lothian region.

If you are interested in this opportunity and would like to register then please contact Edinburgh Leisure on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0131 458 2167.  

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.

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.

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..

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.