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 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 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 ’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.

Galaxy Group is now a separate entity and is keen to welcome new members who are looking for support and information around the school leaving stage. The group is open to anyone in who cares for a young person with ASN in the 16-25 year age range. The Trustees are all parents who have been through this stage with their young people and are ready to pass on their experiences and help other families through this difficult life stage.

The group would also like to create more social activities Claire McDonald, Regional Development Manager for for young people at this stage, whether they have Grampian said “I was so proud of the swimmers. This already left school, or are nearing leaving age. Recently was a big ask for them all but they gave outstanding three parent members of the group undertook Boccia performances and I couldn’t have asked any more from training at Aberdeen Sports Village. They would be keen them. The parents were also fantastic supporting their to run a Boccia group, either at the Esslemont Centre swimmer the whole way through the event giving them near Ellon, or possibly in Peterhead. This fun sport the confidence and reassurance needed” resembles carpet bowling but can be accessed by all abilities, whether able bodied or wheelchair user. For further information about disability swimming in Grampian contact Claire McDonald on 07533056564 or The group also organises social activities such as ten pin email [email protected]. bowling and would also be keen to expand a trampoline group which currently meets in Inverurie. The Wednesday lunchtime trampoline session is suitable for young people with complex needs who can come along with their own carers.

If you would like to more about the group please contact the Galaxy Group phone: 07825 216025 or visit our website: www.galaxygroup.org.uk

4 Riding for the Disabled Representing the Garioch Group, which is based at Strathorn Farm, near Pitcaple, Angie Murray, Dave The Riding for the Disabled Association offers many McKeown and Alan Campbell were all successful in the opportunities at local level for riders and drivers, but Scottish Carriage Driving Championships, coming out one of the highlights of the year is the RDA National as overall winners in the disabled category – which Championships held down at Hartbury – the biggest qualified them to participate at Hartbury. equestrian event of its kind in the UK. Group Organiser, Ruth Skinner, said “I am very proud of Once again this proved to be a fabulous experience for the drivers’ achievements. They have put in a lot of hard all the participants. Eleven riders and three drivers from work and deserve their success.” Grampian & Highland Region qualified for the event, and travelled down south to compete in the middle of July – where they enjoyed varying degrees of success.

Regional Chairperson, Valerie Roy, reported that it was an excellent weekend, with just the right amount of sun and very little rain!

Results:-

1st (with an impressive 94%) – Musical Drill Ride – “The Purple Ladies” – representing Highland Group - (Joanne Linskey, Audrey Barnett, Lisa Howarth, Flora Gunn, Evelyn Hall and Sandra Douglas). Apart from their rosettes, one of the highlights of the 2nd –Dressage Grade III – Julie Ashby, Strathbogie Group. driving team’s trip to Hartpury was taking delivery of Julie was also presented with the Pat Straughan Medal of their new carriage. Alan Campbell described it as “a Commendation. brilliant piece of kit, which is lightweight, and the horses seem to pull it along with very little effort.” 1st Equal – Novice Carriage Driving – Garioch Group – Alan Campbell and David McKeown. Sending a team to Hartpury to take part in the RDA’s annual national competition – for the second year in 5th – Intermediate Carriage Driving – Angie Murray. succession - is a major undertaking (if not a logistical nightmare!). 6th – Arts & Crafts – Rebecca Gilchrist, Moray Group Disability Football - Visit to Pittodrie! 2015 has been a significant year for carriage driving, and carriage drivers up and down the country have been Players from our AFC Community Trust Disability celebrating their 40th anniversary. Football Centres had a brilliant day at Pittodrie on Saturday 24th October when they got to play on the famous pitch during the half time break! Players from the newly formed Disability Development Centre got to show off their skills along with some lucky players from the participation centres around Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.

The players had a lot of support from the crowd during the half time activities, especially from the Merkland Family Stand where a number of tickets had been allocated to additional support needs groups in the area including: pupils from Bucksburn Academy, attendees of the Grampian Disability Sport & Aberdeenshire Council Disability Sport Holiday Programme, participants of the Everybody Active ASN

5 sessions in partnership with Sport Aberdeen as well as Football Opportunities participants from the football programmes. There are currently three Disability Football Participation Scottish FA Community Coach Scott Duncan said “We Centres running per week, two based in Aberdeen are committed to developing participation within and one in Inverurie. Further information on AFCCT Disability Sport and we are delighted to allocate such Football participation centres can be found on www. a high number of tickets to various ASN groups in afccommunitytrust.org/news or to book a place the Aberdeen City and Shire. It is also the first time we have hotline is 01224 63 1903. had half time activity consisting solely of players with Additional Support Needs, and I am sure this will be a The Grampian Disability Development Centre is a new memorable experience for those getting to play on the weekly session for talented 12-18 year old Disability pitch at half time today.” players in the area set up in partnership with Grampian Disability Sport and Aberdeenshire Council. Sessions are ran by Aberdeen FC Community Trust coaches.

Linking with this we have also set up a satellite session in Fraserburgh for any interested players in North Aberdeenshire. Sessions will be ran by a Scottish FA qualified coach and will have links with the AFC Community Trust Disability Development Centre. We are holding an open trial for this new North centre on Wednesday 13th January, 7-8.30pm at Fraserburgh Academy and invite any interested P7-S6 players with a physical, sensory or learning disability to attend.

Both centres have a focus on technical and tactical development and aim to provide all players with competitive playing opportunities as well as the option to trial for Scottish FA national squads.

For more information on Disability football or to book a trial for either of the Grampian Disability Development Centres please contact Caitlin Dudley, Disability Sports Officer on caitlin.dudley@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk or 07768 051479.

6 For more information on any of the above or to find out about future holiday programmes please contact Caitlin Dudley, Disability Sports Officer, on caitlin.dudley@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Disability Sport October Holiday Programme We had loads going on in the Disability Sport October Holiday programme this year with over 30 participants joining in the fun! School Events Participants enjoyed half day camps at Aberdeen Sports Village where they got to try trampolining, boccia, athletics, pool fun and lots of team sports! We also Norma Buist Grampian Regional had lots of fun ice skating, ten pin bowling and tubing Junior Schools Swimming Gala around Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire! Monday 14th September saw twenty six junior Participants were able to try out gymnastics through swimmers from across Grampian battle it out at the Garioch Gymnastics club in Inverurie. This was a Cults Pool to gain selection for the Scottish Disability taster session prior to a regular adult session that will be Sport (SDS) National Junior Championships. The SDS starting soon, please get in touch if you would like more Championships will be held at Tollcross on the 18th information! November 2015.

This holiday programme we also secured funding Ex. Scottish International Swimmer, Andrew Lindsay, through the Community Activity Fund, provided by was there to help and gave a demonstration of his SportScotland and Subsea 7, to allow our participants to 100m Backcrawl event to showcase performance try skateboarding and climbing at Transition Extreme! swimming. Andrew has competed in 4 Paralympic The participants all really enjoyed these sessions and games for team GB in the S7 class for physically some are going to apply for individual funding to disabled swimmers and in each of them, bringing back continue these new sports! If you are interested in this medals. He has held the Paralympic and world record funding opportunity please get in touch, it’s really easy for a decade breaking it most recently in 2006 world to apply for! championships.

7 The day ended with a big canon relay with randomly local clubs, hopefully we can build on the success of this selected teams. Each team made up of swimmers from first festival to encourage more schools to attend the different schools working together showing great next two league fixtures! Promising players from the sportsmanship. Andrew also got in the pool to join the relay. day have also been invited to trial with the Grampian Football Squads which compete at a National Level so The day was supported with the help of active schools this is only the beginning for some of these players!” teams in Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire making sure the experience was of the highest standard for the This festival was the first of three festivals running in swimmers. the 2015-16 league with the next one, Cove Rangers Football Festival, being held at Aberdeen Sports Village The 2015 schools gala took on a new identity being on 14th January. named after the much loved Norma Buist who sadly died in 2014. Norma was a huge driving force behind swimming in the area and sadly missed by many. We were delighted that Norma’s husband Aird and her daughter Sally gave up their time to present the medals. A massive thanks you to all who made the gala such a success.

Awesome Autumn for ASN School Sport The Autumn Term has been a busy one for schools, with three events on the school sport calendar.

Deveronvale Football Festival The Beach Leisure Centre hosted the Inclusive Zone Basketball festival on 11th November with teams from The North Region Secondary Schools 2015-16 ASN Anna Ritchie School, Carronhill School, Mile End School, Football League kicked off on Thursday 1st October with Hazlewood School and Dyce Academy all in attendance. Deveronvale Football Club hosting our first festival. The In the morning the teams all played each other in short sun was shining for this first 5 a-side tournament which round robin games and after lunch they had a fantastic Banff and Bucksburn Academy attended at Princess time playing wheelchair basketball. Carronhill brought Royal Park, Banff. Banff Academy brought along 22 along a guest with them, Scottish Commonwealth players that split into 3 teams for the day to play each Gymnast Steve Frew who was spending the day with the other along with the Bucksburn team from Aberdeen school as part of the Sky Living for Sport Programme. City. Bucksburn played well throughout all of their The pupils had a fantastic time meeting Steve and matches to take first place with Banff Team 1 coming chatting to him about his experiences and he spent the runner up in the final! day cheering on and encouraging all of the players. Also as part of the Sky Living for Sport Programme, the Dyce A special thanks must go to the Princess Royal Academy team were accompanied by two senior pupils Sports and Community Trust and the Deveronvale in their role as sports ambassadors who did a fantastic Football Club officials for organising and running the job of refereeing the matches. tournament and thank you to all of the accompanying school staff and City Active Schools for helping on the November finished with a new addition to the school day also. sport calendar with a tennis and table tennis session at Westburn. Teams from Aboyne Academy, Anna Ritchie Caitlin Dudley, Disability Sports Officer for School, Mile End School and Dyce Academy all took part. Aberdeenshire Council said “It’s great to see these Tennis took place at Westburn Indoor Tennis Centre led opportunities being put on around Aberdeenshire with

8 by a fantastic team of Sport Aberdeen coaches who led She said, “this the pupils in small groups through a variety of tennis was a really great skills and activities. This follows on from a roll out of atmosphere Inclusive Tennis training workshops and equipment where the bags which were offered to ASN and mainstream kids all had a schools in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire in 2014.15. very positive Table tennis sessions were delivered at Westburn experience and Lounge led by a team of highly experienced volunteers learned lots of from the local table tennis community including George new skills”. Keith, Doug Farquhar and Special Olympics player Alex We hope you have all enjoyed the activities this term and look forward to seeing you all next term for the following activities:

14th January Primary and Secondary Football Festivals at Aberdeen Sports Village

5th February Giant Heptathlon at Aberdeen Sports Village – City Schools Only

Rae. Despite being a tricky sport to master, the players 19th February Curling Festival at Curl Aberdeen all learned quickly and were soon having fun rallying the ball back and forth across the net. Morag Taylor 10th March Athletics Festival at Aberdeen Sports from Dyce Academy said “These events are a fabulous Village incentive for our pupils to participate in regular school based lunchtime activities, supported by our Sky Sport 18th March Boccia Festival at Sheddocksley Sports Ambassadors as they then have the opportunity to Centre come to a festival and represent the school putting their skills into practice. Meeting pupils from other schools, and returning to Dyce Academy and sharing their experiences is a great confidence booster for them as well as good physical activity.”

Finally the term ended with the first meeting of the boccia league at Sheddocksley Sports Centre led by the Active Schools Aberdeen team. There were nearly 50 pupils in attendance from a range of For more information on the ASN School Sport Calendar, schools, and they all enjoyed honing their boccia skills please contact: with some fun drills and activities before playing some matches. This programme only began last year and has Aberdeen City – Grant Wilson on grown exponentially in the short time it’s been running. [email protected] Gemma Lewis, a senior Active Schools Coach and RGU 3rd Applied Sports Science student, was leading the Aberdeenshire - Caitlin Dudley on staff to gain valuable experience for event management. [email protected]

9 Making Boccia Accessible grows in their countries. It’s exciting to think how many new people with physical disabilities will experience I’ve been volunteering in the Paralympic sport of the joys of sport as a result of the time I took to travel boccia for around 10 years both locally and nationally. to Colombia. I’d really encourage giving up some free Volunteering has given me some fantastic experiences time to get involved in something you are passionate and allowed me to work with and meet some truly about, either within or out of sport. It doesn’t always inspirational athletes and their families, coaches and have to be about exotic trips though. I’ve enjoyed professionals. Far from being a sacrifice, giving up a countless winter evenings coaching boccia in Aberdeen few hours each week and a few days of my annual leave just as much and I know I’m not alone, lots of people each year has allowed me to develop new skills and reading this newsletter will be doing great things in opened up some fantastic opportunities to travel. disability sport – so why not let us know about it for the next issue! In October 2015 I was approached by Bis-Fed the International Boccia Federation who asked if I’d travel Andrinne Craig, Boccia Coach to Colombia to deliver a Making Boccia Accessible Workshop to representatives of National Paralympic Committees from nine Central and South American Countries. My co-tutor and travel companion Darren Other News Thomson and I jumped at the opportunity. Darren is an international referee in boccia as well as a member of Intellectual Impairment Talent Dundee Disability Sport our neighbouring SDS Branch. Development Event Making Boccia Accessible is a programme funded by UK Sport and the IPC’s AGITOS Foundation which The Intellectual Impairment Talent Development Event aims to promote boccia in parts of the world where is being delivered by Scottish Disability Sport (SDS), in the game is underdeveloped or not played at all. With partnership with, Scottish Athletics, Scottish Swimming the funding Bis-Fed secured over 400 sets of boccia and Table Tennis Scotland for club level athletes, who balls which will be distributed to 20 countries across aspire to represent Scotland and/or Great Britain, in the Africa, Asia and Central & South America, with the aim Paralympic sports of Athletics, Swimming and Table of introducing 10,000 new players to the sport. Key Tennis. It is designed to give individuals with a learning to the project is training Boccia Ambassadors from disability (intellectual impairment) an insight into high each of the three regions and whilst in Colombia, we performance sport, whilst providing an opportunity to trained 16 ambassadors from countries including Costa progress. Rica, Honduras, Peru and Trinidad & Tobago. Their enthusiasm to introduce and grow the sport of boccia SDS are looking to identify individuals with a learning was phenomenal and their eagerness to learn shows disability (intellectual impairment) who currently the sport is in fantastic hands. Each country travelled participate in either athletics, swimming or table home with 15 new sets of boccia balls and the tools to tennis, who produce performances that indicate they train more coaches, school teachers and community have the potential to move forward and challenge for volunteers how to deliver the sport to young people. representative honours. These individuals are likely to I’m really looking forward to keeping in contact with be within the mainstream sporting environment and we the people I met and hearing from them how the sport hope this event will support their identification.

The event will take place on Sunday 31 January 2016 at Scotstoun Sports Campus, Glasgow.

For further information or for an application form, please contact Gary Fraser, SDS Regional (East) & Performance Manager, on gary.fraser@ scottishdisabilitysport.com or 0131 625 4412

10 Scottish Rowing Para Development Boccia fun for TSB! Day Staff from the Inverurie TSB Branch had great fun trying Scottish Rowing’s Para Development Day will run on their hand at Boccia before the October break! The Sunday 31st January 2016 from 10-4 in Motherwell branch, which has chosen Grampian Disability Sport as their charity of the year, came along to one of the Boccia There will be a mixture of informative and practical sessions held at Inverurie academy on a Monday night sessions to educate delegates on classification, to learn some skills and have a go at playing! pathways and equipment as well as opportunity for discussion with both current para athletes, and leading experts in para rowing from British Rowing, and Team GB.

This will be an exciting and educational day which will provide you and your club with the knowledge, and the confidence, to develop inclusive opportunities. To book your place or if you have any further questions on the Para Rowing Development Day, or on anything else related to para rowing in Scotland, please contact Sophie Warburton via email [email protected]. uk or by phoning 01698 250206. Visual Impairment Sport Engagement Day The Inverurie Boccia club also completed their annual tournament in October, the results are as follows: Scottish Disability Sport is running this event on Saturday 19th March 11am to 4pm. The event will Gold: Kerry Mathers take place at Forrester High School in Edinburgh and is specifically designed to introduce and engage children, Silver: Fraser McConnell young people and adults with a visual impairment to sport. Sports available on the day include athletics, Bronze: Megan Green bowls, football, goalball, judo and swimming. For participants aged 10 years + Sportsmanship: Liam

Registration is essential Congratulations to the medal winners and well done for everyone taking part! For more information or to book a place on the day please contact: 0131 317 1130 or Fundraising night at Ashvale [email protected]. Grampian Disability Sport held a fantastic fundraising Wheelchair Dance – Training quiz night at the Ashvale, Inverurie in October with £377 Opportunity being raised. Well done to everyone involved!

There’s a Level 2 Wheelchair Dance instructor course taking place in Stirling from the 8th – 12th February. WDSA (the NGB for wheelchair dancing) is keen to develop the sport in our area & is offering a bursary to any potential instructors to take the course cost down from £350 to £175. Details are on their website - http:// wdsauk.co.uk/events/?event=211

11 Club Information Special Olympics Ski Group The Special Olympics ski group continues to train Granite Strikers weekly at Aberdeen Snowsports Centre. In addition Powerchair to our regular training sessions, we started a new beginners programme in September 2015 with 5 Football Team new athletes with learning disabilities joining the programme. This beginners programme will continue The Granite Strikers from January 2016. We remain open to newcomers with Powerchair football team learning difficulties who would like to ski. have moved to a new Contact: [email protected]. training base at Alex Collie Sports Centre in the Bridge Table Tennis – Dundee of Don, Aberdeen. Training still takes place once a The next three sessions of table tennis at Dundee will be fortnight on Saturdays from 2:30 – 4:30pm and sessions on the following Sundays: 24th. January 2016, 28th. are open to all children and young adults who use February 2016 and 27th. March 2016. Please contact power wheelchairs. Along with the move came a new George Keith for more information - identity for the team, with a logo designed by Sport [email protected]. Aberdeen Modern Apprentice Alex Wilkinson and a smart new strip kindly sponsored by JNF Developments. Tubing The inclusive family tubing sessions will be continuing after Christmas at the Alford Ski Centre! The first session will be on 9th January and following this they will continue on the first Saturday of every month at 2.30-3.30pm. Please contact the centre on 01975 563024 to book a place!

To find out more about the Grampian Strikers check out our facebook page at www.facebook.com/ Granitestrikers2015/

12 4th – 15th April – Local Easter Holiday Programme Dates for your Diary (dates TBC)

14th January – 2nd Grampian Secondary Football 20th April - SDS National Football 5-a-side Festival, Aberdeen sports Village Championships, Glasgow Green

14th January –AFC Primary Football Festival, Aberdeen 23rd April - SDS National Senior Physical Disability sports Village Swimming Championships, Grangemouth Stadium

17th January – SDS National Performance, Swimming 28th April – 3rd Grampian Secondary Football Festival, Championships, Stirling University Garioch Sports Centre

31st January – Intellectual Impairment Talent 28th April –AFC Primary Football Festival, Garioch Sports Development Event 2016, Scotstoun Sports Campus, Centre Glasgow For Further information on Disability 31st January – Scottish Rowing Para Development Day, Motherwell Sport please contact: Claire McDonald, Regional Development Manager – 5th February – Giant Heptathlon (city schools), Grampian, Scottish Disability Sport Aberdeen Sports Village 07533056564 or claire.mcdonald@ 13th February - SDS Regional Boccia Development scottishdisabilitysport.com Championships, TBC www.scottishdisabilitysport.com

13th-14th February & 13th March – UKCC Level 1 Boccia Caitlin Dudley, Disability Sports Officer, Aberdeenshire Course, Napier University, Edinburgh Council 07768 051479 or [email protected] 19th February – Schools Curling Festival, Curl Aberdeen www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/recreation/disabilitysport/ index.asp 27th February - SDS National Carpet Bowls Championships, DISC Dundee Andrinne Craig, Inclusion Development Officer, Sport Aberdeen 01224 578718 or 5th March – Mary Duncan Swimming Gala, Fraserburgh [email protected] Swimming Pool Grant Wilson, Lead Active Schools Coordinator ASN 10th March – Schools Athletics festival, Aberdeen Sports Provision, Sport Aberdeen Village 01224 710720 or [email protected]

18th March – Schools Boccia Festival, Aberdeen Sports Or keep up to date with all our latest news and club Village opportunities on our new website or Facebook page – www.grampiandisabilitysport.org.uk 19th March – Visual Impairment Sport Engagement Day, www.facebook.com/grampiandisabilitysport Forrester High School, Edinburgh

Do you have any good news stories or club details that you would like shared in the next newsletter or on our Facebook page? Please get in touch with Caitlin Dudley if you do!

Produced by Aberdeenshire Council GDT23873 January 2016

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