The 25th of November to the 1st of December was Scottish Disability Sport Week, a nationwide celebration of the impact of inclusive sports across Scotland.
We joined a number of partners in celebrating disability sport and creating a more active, inclusive Scotland!
First was overcoming barriers. Our Sports Support Worker, Megan, shared some of the feedback she recieved from people who have accessed her service this year.
"My daughter Harriet was diagnosised with ADHD when she was 12. The diagnosis explained a lot about her difficulties and her subsequent lack of confidence in herself.
We were put in touch with Megan from Ability Shetland by the ASN Department at Brae High School.
Megan was able to form a quick and strong connection with Harriet through their mutal love of rugby.
A happy coincidence meant the the Stoltman brothers were giving a talk organised by the club around the same time. Harriet was very taken by Tom talking of his experince with autism and how going to the gym really helped him.
Harriet and Megan then formed a gym plan for Harriet with the help of Mike Bradley at Clickimin. Harriet hasn't looked back since that point. Initially,Megan closely supported Harriet, training alongside her. As Harriet's confidence grew Megan began to give her more space with close supervision being down to minutes. Harriet now has the confidence to go to the gym herself and has even started dragging her old dad! The change in Harriet's mental wellbeing and confidence has been profound, all thanks to Megan and Ability Shetland."
"My son was struggling with his confidence around swimming, cycling and taking part in PE at school. He wanted to pass his deep end test and be able to swim independently to fell included with his peers, to find a bike he could ride confidently without making him feel anxious and to undertake PE activities in school and try different sporting activities. He was referred to Ability Shetland and met Megan, who built a lovely trusting relationship with my child and he very much enjoyed spending time with her and learning more about sports. Megan formed a person-centred plan with us and worked through my child's goals. This has resulted in him passing his deep end test, trialling different adapted bikes and building confidence in the ones he enjoys using and has provided my child and the school tools to continue accessing physical activity in the school envionement."
Second, we put the spotlight on Clubs and Communities as part of Scottish Disability Sport Week.
We wanted to highlight Delting Football Club for being the SFA Grassroute Awards North- Best Community Football for All Project winners and the Shetland Sport Awards Inclusitivty Award 2024 winners for their All Ability Football sessions.
Shetland Canoe Club for piloting their first inclusive open water kayak session in the summer. Since the club came along to our Parasport Festival three years ago, we have been building to this and delighted to see its success!
The Shetland Ravens and Shetland Norries for being the first to wheelchair basketball clubs in Shetland. The Shetland Ravens are the competitive wheelchair basketball team. Not only a team sport for players with a disability, but open to non-disabled or injured players who wantto compete in a fast paced, exciting and competative sport. The Shetland Norries are our all ability wheelchair and running basketball club for adults. Open to all abilities.
Finally, we wanted to talk about #Accessibility.
What makes sport accessible for Avril Starmore, a volunteer for Ability Shetland? Her Motability Scheme car.
Avril is a keen boccia player and volunteer, this wouldn't be accessible with out the support from Motability. This support has resulted in Avril being a winner of The Eric Liddell 100 award.
Press here to find out all about Avril's journey.
