The Role of 'Disability Athletics' in Scotland
Scottishathletics and Scottish Disability Sport work in partnership to provide training and competition opportunities for athletes with a Physical, Sensory or Learning Disability, to take part in athletics to enable them to reach their full potential. They do this by providing a pathway for athletes from beginner right through to high performance, providing Local and National competitions and fun festivals for all. By linking athletes with clubs and coaches this provides better training opportunites for all concerned. Scottish Disability Sport delivers disability awareness training and inclusion training, whilst Scottishathletics deliver "How to Coach Athletes with a Disability" and "Coaching Wheelchair Racer' courses to coaches, school teachers, and active school co-ordinators.
Aims and Objectives
- To increase the number of elite athletes with a disability competing in future Paralympic and Commonwealth Games.
- To increase the number of Scottish Athletes selected for Team GB in the 2012 Paralympic Games in London and for the Scotland Team in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
- To increase the number of athletes participating in the Scottish Disability Sport National Championships and in the National Squad.
- Increase the number of competitions for podium potential and squad athletes.
- Increase the number of talent ID days and integrated events for more local competition opportunities for athletes.
- To link the disability athletics pathway with the mainstream pathway that includes all ages and abilities from beginner to high performance.
- To link athletes from schools to local athletic clubs providing better links into the competition structure for the athletes.
- Increase the opportunity for athletes to train under the supervision of experienced coaches.
If you would like more information on any of the above please contact:
Shona Malcolm
Disability Athletics Development Officer
Email: shonamalcolm@scottishathletics.org.uk
Phone: 0131 539 7348 or 07731 832567
Website: www.scottishathletics.org.uk
