January 2016
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January 2016 opportunity to participate in a variety of sports which are adapted to their individual needs. The learning experience for the students is invaluable. The coaches who leave from the course this year will have learnt so much about inclusion and hopefully they take this out into their field of work and ensure any opportunities within the community are accessible to everyone” For further information please contact: Claire McDonald, Regional Development Manager, Scottish Disability Sport on 07533056564 or email: claire.mcdonald@ scottishdisabilitysport.com The First Moray Parasports Day 2015 sportMoray Recognition Awards Moray College UHI played host to the first ever Parasport Day to be held in Moray. Children from across the area November also saw the 16th sportMoray Recognition with a physical and or sensory impairment came to the Awards taking place at Elgin Town Hall. Over 175 guests college on 3rd November for a day of Parasport fun. attended this annual awards night that recognises the dedicated athletes, committed volunteers and strong The day was run in partnership with Scottish Disability sports clubs and teams operating in the Moray area. Sport, Moray College and Moray Active Schools. Ann Rossiter, Chair of sportMoray welcomed everyone to the evening and set the scene for the evening The sports students delivered a fun vibrant basketball with the new Sport in Moray video clip produced by session to kick the day off. This was then followed by Poppycock Films which highlights the importance of athletics delivered by Shona Malcolm from Scottish sport for people of all ages and the strength of sport Athletics and in Moray. Ann also informed the audience that 3 of Boccia delivered the Award winners from 2014 went onto win Regional by Active Awards by sportscotland in their annual awards Schools. ceremony – Bunty Gardiner from Cullen was crowned Grampian Volunteer of the Year, Campbell Ross from The children had Forres was voted Young Person’s Coach of the Year for a fantastic day Grampian and Steve Murdoch from Elgin was voted with many of the Grampian Technical Official of the Year. children trying one or more of The Special Achievement Award, which is awarded to the sports for the an individual who has attained an outstanding personal first time. achievement in sport through overcoming adversity, had two shortlisted nominations: Yvonne Alexander Sport Lecturer at the college said “The event was fantastic. The children got the 1 George provides a unique Callum Jacklin, Elgin opportunity across the region for anyone with a disability to Sport – Curling get involved in Table Tennis regardless of their ability. He In September 2011, Callum was diagnosed with scoliosis runs a club specifically set up (curvature of the spine) and in early 2012 was informed for players who struggle to that if he did not get a spinal fusion operation, due to achieve in the mainstream the rate his curve was progressing, it was encroaching table tennis environment. on his heart and lungs, and by his early 20’s, he would He enhances their skills in a safe secure environment be severely disabled and in a wheelchair. In April 2012, building their confidence. Many players have he had the operation that required 2 titanium rods developed well and are now able to compete and play being attached to his spine and 18 screws. Five weeks in the mainstream environment. He has also supported later he returned to school and 17 months later he was athletes to transition into allowed back on the ice. This season he has skipped coaching allowing the his own team in the Moray Province League Division 5 structure he set up more than and led his school curling rink to the National School 30 years ago to be sustainable. Championships. He qualified as an assistant coach this He also runs a league for year and walked all 96 miles of the West Highland Way, players across Scotland raising money for scoliosis research. with a disability so they get competitive opportunities out with their cub environment on Milnes Disability Sports a regular basis. George has also been the driver behind getting a disability section into the North East Table Tennis Club (Disability Sport) Competition held at Aberdeen Sports Village each year. Thus allowing players to develop further and gain The Milnes Disability Sports Club started in August further competitive opportunities at the next level. 2014 with the aim of providing physical activity for children with a physical disability. A year later there is a George who has a disability himself and former core of highly motivated children who have improved Paralympian travel’s the length and breadth of the their skills in a variety of sports. The sessions are split country with his athletes allowing them to get out of the into two parts with boccia being a constant weekly sport what he has for many years. activity. This year some of the members participated in the Grampian Boccia Championships in Aberdeen, and returned with gold and silver medals. The Dundee Discovery Games - Table determination, adaptability and positive attitude of the Tennis members of the club, is unbelievable, and they have all increased their confidence, self-esteem, co-ordination On Sunday 13th September a table tennis team of 9 and strength since attending. All the members are truly players representing Grampian Disability Sport went to inspirational characters. Dundee to compete at the annual Dundee Discovery Callum Jacklin received the award on the night although both were recognised as being outstanding achievements. Congratulations to all involved! George Keith Wins Grampian Sportscotland Regional Award 2015 On Friday 13th November George Keith was awarded his trophy from Sportscotland as winner of the Disability Coach of the Year category. This is in recognition of his coaching achievements and commitment to the sport of table tennis for people with disabilities across the Grampian area. 2 Games which were held at the table tennis facility at Aberdeen staff and event organiser Bill Farquhar Wards Road, Dundee. designed some new games to add an element of surprise. The squad comprised of 2 female players with a learning disability, 5 male players with a learning disability and 2 Doric Dolphins Swimming Club came out on top male players with a physical disability. as winners with the most points at the end of the afternoon, with all participants receiving a well-earned In the ladies section Lisa Hendry won the silver medal medal. Everyone enjoyed a great social evening, and Lisamarie Hudson won the bronze medal. The gold meeting old and new friends alike. medal was won by Lisa Bradley from West of Scotland. Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels Association’s Jim Byers In the male learning disability class A, the Grampian said that the organisation was honoured to continue its squad swept the board winning all three of the medals, support of the event, and staff from hotels throughout Alexander Rae the gold, Graeme Morrison the silver and the area came and volunteered to help a team for the Stephen Welsh the bronze. afternoon. The Association has continued its support for disability sport in Aberdeen by making a generous The male learning disability class B group saw Michael donation of £600 to Sport Aberdeen’s disability sport Hudson win the bronze medal while Michael Finnie programme. Jim Byers said that “The Hotels Association gave a credited performance to come forth. is delighted to be able to support the wide range of disability sport activities within Aberdeen, from school The physical disability class players were just as based sessions for children to community sports successful with Grampian’s George Keith and Terry sessions for adults there is something for everyone to Sowah taking the gold and silver medals. get involved with, showing that sport really is for all.” The open doubles saw George and Terry collect the Huge congratulations to the participants, supporters, gold medals while Graeme Mossison teamed up with volunteers and of course event organiser Bill Farquhar Dundee’s Shane Sellarajah to take silver. The Grampian and the Beach Ballroom staff for another fabulous Fun pair of Alex Rae and Michael Finnie won the bronze. Olympics. All in all a very good event and an excellent Picture below: Jim Byers, Aberdeen City and Shire performance by the Grampian Disability Sport squad, Hotels Association presenting Andrinne Craig from roll on next September. Sport Aberdeen with a donation towards the disability sport programme with pupils from Dyce Academy. Fun Olympics 2015 The Beach Ballroom played host to the annual Fun Olympics in November with over 100 participants enjoying the day. The event open to teams and organisations, offers the opportunity for an afternoon of fun games and activities followed by a meal and disco in the evening. Hosted by Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels Association and supported by Aberdeen City Council’s Common Good Fund, the long running event is a favourite amongst disability groups and organisations. Sport 3 Grampian Swimmers Success at the Galaxy Group National Juniors Swimming Gala Galaxy Group celebrated On 4th November six junior swimmers with a physical becoming a Scottish or sensory disability attended their first National Charitable Incorporated Championships. The nerves were high as this was not Organisation (SCIO) at only their first nationals for many it was their first ever a launch lunch, held gala. Once the swimmers got in the water for their last month at the Station Hotel, Ellon, for members and warm up and their first swim was out of the way the supporters. nerves settled and the medals started to roll in with Grampian taking home 9 medals in total. The Group, which began as an offshoot of the Parent Support Group, PAGES, (Parents Advisory Group for Education and Socialisation), is aimed at families of young people with additional support needs (ASN) who are reaching the transition from school to adult life stage.