Lothian Disability Sport News

Lothian Leopards Disability Athletics Club (LLDAC) were delighted to host the 'launch day' for their new running bikes on Saturday 20th June at club's home, Meadowmill.

LLDAC Head Coach Jean Dobson has worked closely with Lothian Disability Sport over the past 12 months and were lucky enough to secure funding from the Bank of Scotland Community fund, enabling the club to purchase two running bikes and provide another opportunity for young people with a disability in the Lothian region.  In addition, Enjoy Leisure have also supported the club's vision and also purchased two running bikes which will also be used by members during club sessions.  The bikes will be the first across the East region of Scotland and proves to be a extremely significant development.

The race running bike is a three wheeled cycle with no pedals which supports riders as they walk/run.  They are designed for those with a disability that affect mobility, balance and co-ordination, such as cerebral palsy.  The lightweight frame and low rolling resistance, little effort is required to propel the bike.

The 'launch day' was supported by Enjoy Leisure, Lothian Disability Sport and East Lothian's Athletics Development Officer, Jamie Bowie.  The day was also lucky to have coaches from the ACE Race Running Club in South Ayrshire attend - Peter and Margaret Drysdale using their considerable experience to provide some valuable input and information for coaches and athletes alike.  In total, the day attracted 13 young people along - some who had experience of running bikes and some individuals trying the sport for the first time.  We hope that these athletes will engage on a regular basis and strengthen the club and race running in the East as a whole.

If you would like further information on this opportunity, please contact Neal Herbert on 0131 475 2364 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Lothian Leopards Disability Athletics Club and enjoyleisure are delighted to announce the arrival of four disability running bikes at the East Lothian Athletics Arena, at Meadowmill - a first for East Lothian, and a first for the East of Scotland.

The ‘Petra RaceRunners’ or ‘Running Bike’ is a three wheeled cycle with no pedals which supports riders as they walk / run.   They are designed for those who have disabilities which affect mobility, balance and coordination, such as Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinsons Disease, but can be benefited by so many others.  With a lightweight frame and very low rolling resistance, very little effort is required to propel the bike.

A total of 4 bikes, ranging in size suitable for 6-13 year olds, have been purchased for use by athletics disability club Lothian Leopards at their weekly training sessions on Thursday evening 6pm-7pm at Meadowmill Sports Centre.  They will also be available to other users.  Contact Meadowmill Sports Centre on 01875 619079 for more details.   Funding for the bikes, costing a total of £6k was provided by enjoyleisure and a grant awarded to Lothian Leopards via the Bank of Scotland Community Fund. 

To officially welcome their arrival Lothian Leopards are holding an Open Day on Saturday 20th June at Meadowmill Sports Centre (athletics track), between 1pm -3pm.  During the event, there will be an opportunity for young people to try the bikes for themselves, as well as a range of other athletics activities and learn more about what the club has to offer.

Attending the event and showcasing the bikes capabilities will be 14 year old World RunningBike Champion Gavin Drysdale, from Ace RaceRunning Club in South Ayrshire.  In 2014, Gavin represented Scotland at the International Wheelchairs & Amputee Sports Federation World Junior Games at Stoke Mandeville and returned with 4 Gold Medals.

Jean Dobson, Head Coach for Lothian Leopards comments; “We are absolutely thrilled to have the RunningBikes at Meadowmill.  They truly are a fantastic innovation that dramatically increase the opportunities for young people to actively participate in sporting activities and discover speed, agility and movement that previously would have been deemed unavailable to them.”  

Neal Herbert, Brand Disability Sport Co-ordinator for Lothian Disability Sport adds; “We’re delighted to welcome the RunningBikes into East Lothian.  We’re hopeful their arrival will boost participation in disability sport in the Lothian area.”

Scottish Commonwealth Athlete and Athletics Development Officer for enjoyleisure, Jamie Bowie commented; “enjoyleisure was delighted to support Lothian Leopards request to assist fund the bikes.  The excitement and sheer joy of the youngsters utilising the bikes is clear for everyone to see.  I urge anyone who could benefit from using the bikes to come along to the open day and try them for themselves!”

General Manager Bill Axon added, “enjoyleisure’s fundamental aims is to facilitate opportunities for the participation and enjoyment of sport for all members of the local community.   The arrival of these bikes in East Lothian enables more young people with disabilities to have the opportunity to get involved in sporting activities.”

Lothian Leopards Open Day: 1pm – 3pm Saturday 20^th June at Meadowmill Sports Centre.

For further information about the event and Lothian Leopards please contact Jean Dobson (Head Coach) on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 07882 376338 or Neal Herbert on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 0131 475 2364.

Lothian-Leopards---RaceRunning.pdf

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.