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wheelchair tennis action shot returning a ball
ABOUT US - LOTHIAN DISABILITY SPORT

About Us
Who We Are

Having fun at the gym

Our Story

LDS was originally set up as Lothian Sports Association for the Disabled back in 1962. Since then it has evolved over the decades, culminating in the creation of the registered Scottish Charity Lothian Disability Sport (LDS) in 1998.

wheelchair basketball intercepting the ball

Lothian Disability Sport Aims

The underlying principles of LDS are to promote sport and physical activity for people with a physical, learning or sensory impairment through the following ways:

  • To promote the welfare of all people with a disability through sport and physical recreation by providing sporting and leisure opportunities for all people with a disability.
  • To help individuals develop confidence through participation in sport and leisure activities in order to promote health and well being.
  • To encourage individuals to develop any particular sporting abilities which they may have and to aid them in furthering their sporting potential to a level to which they aspire.
  • To provide and promote opportunities for clubs and club members to participate in a range of sporting and leisure activities, including competitive sport, and encourage and support them to do so.
  • To publish and distribute regular up-to-date information on activities and facilities.
competitive wheelchair athlete preparing for race

Development Pathway

LDS run a comprehensive sports specific programme which allows approximately 1500 young people and adults with a disability the opportunity to take part in sport each year.

We run several regional competitions and enter Lothian teams into all the major national Scottish Disability Sport events, where we have a tremendous record of achievement.

In addition, we have a strong club network, where we work in partnership to ensure people with a disability can improve in their sport.

Since 1982 we are proud to have produced 38 Paralympic athletes, competing at the very highest level and in London 2012 we were represented by four Lothian based athletes, two of which, winning silver and bronze.

Our Policies

At Lothian Disability Sport, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone involved. Below you’ll find our key policies, including safeguarding, anti-bullying, data protection, ethics, and disciplinary procedures. These documents outline the standards we uphold and the steps we take to ensure the wellbeing of all participants, staff, and volunteers. Please take a moment to review them.
DocumentUpload DateLink
Anti Bullying Policy
22/04/2023
Download PDF
Disciplinary Procedures
28/04/2023
Download PDF
Data Protection - Athletes
28/04/2023
Download PDF
Data Protection - Staff
28/04/2023
Download PDF
Equality Policy
28/03/2023
Download PDF
Ethics Statement
28/04/2023
Download PDF
Volunteers Policy
28/04/2023
Download PDF

Become an
Affiliate

We are keen to try and increase the number of clubs, schools and other groups that are affiliated to Lothian Disability Sport to enable us to work more effectively for disability sport in the Lothian’s.

If this doesn't include you, why not consider it?

Benefits

  • Access to an extensive Lothian wide programme of competitive and recreational events
  • Up to date information on local sports opportunities
  • Information on coaching and training opportunities and access to coach education courses
  • Third party liability insurance, through Scottish Disability Sport
  • Grant aid to clubs and individuals
  • Publicise your group and activities through LDS social media and website
  • LDS Annual Awards presentation
  • Participate at SDS national competitions and events
  • Ongoing advice & support
Contact us