Glasgow parents and coaches praise disability sports camp

Others have been coming for years, making new friends and finding joy in sports they would never otherwise have tried.

Glasgow’s active schools co-ordinators, with support from Disability Sports Glasgow, Glasgow Life apprentices and a host of city clubs and coaches who gave up their time for free, ran inclusive sports sessions at Rosshall Academy recently.

Wheelchair rugby was a real highlight of the sessions (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)

The sessions, which were open to children with learning difficulties and physical and sensory disabilities, were a huge success, explained active schools co-ordinator James Hemmingsley.

“I always say if you want to judge how successful a session is, look at the facial expressions,” he said. “Everyone had a great time. We are really grateful to Shettleston Judo Club, Kingston Gymnastics, Scottish Disability Sport, Kirsty Mowatt Fitness and Glasgow Wheelchair Rugby.

“There were sessions in boccia, boxing fitness, gymnastics and wheelchair rugby, which was really busy and a real highlight.”

The sessions were a hit with the young players (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsques)

Young people like Leah Stewart, Zarina Mir Wilson, Fionn McGinley and Hassan Alzawaidy had a ball.

Leah’s mum, Alleashia, said: “Leah’s not been the biggest fan of sport, but this programme has been joyful for her because of the calm atmosphere, ample staff and choice of activity. As it’s summer and Leah is in a wheelchair, sports activities are difficult to encourage but with this programme she is getting exercise and socialising.”

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Zarina's mum, Souria, said: “Zarina has Downs Syndrome and has been coming to these clubs for many years. She has loved every moment.

“The club has helped her to build her confidence, develop her social skills and take on a coaching role by leading the warm ups at the beginning of each session.

“All the coaches and leaders are phenomenal.”

Fionn McGinley is autistic.

“Fionn has never been involved in any clubs before,” said his mum, Bernadette O'Neill. “This has been wonderful for him, he has really entered into the spirit of joining in and interacting with other people.

“It has been lovely to see my child take part and enjoy himself.”

Hassan Alzawaidy was also taking part for the first time.

His mum, Reem Alobaidi, said: “Hassan had so much fun. Having the chance to let him move around safely is something we don’t often get - here he was happy and safe.”

The programme was supported by Glasgow Life’s PEPASS (PE, Physical Activity and School Sport) Modern Apprentices Cassie Slaven, Connor Allan, Euan Hill, Jason Smith, Josh Carroll, Josh Gallagher and Matthew Brasas.

“The Modern Apprentices were great, using the skills they have learned over the last two years to work alongside the coaches - a number of whom have a disability themselves,” said James. “It has been an invaluable experience for them.”

Connor, 18, said “The most enjoyable moment of this fantastic camp was wheelchair rugby as every kid joined in, and had the most fun.”

Cassie, who is 19, added: “The camp is great opportunity to gain more experience and learn more about different disabilities and the support the participants need.”

Jason, 20, said: “Being able to get kids joining in, especially when they were shy to start with, was a great moment.”

Coaches Elliot Cooper and Donald Hutton from Glasgow Wheelchair Rugby were delighted with the response to the sessions.

Elliot said: “We want to reach as many people as possible, and outreach with the Glasgow active schools camps has allowed us to bring the sport to a wider audience.

“It’s been incredibly enjoyable working with the kids and helping to build an understanding of the game amongst young people.”

Glasgow Wheelchair Rugby supported the sessions (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsques)

Donald added: “We’re looking to start a junior club in September, and seeing all the happy, smiling faces of the children enjoying themselves, we realise more than ever how important it is to do that.”

Gary McDonald, from Scottish Disability Sport, said: "The Glasgow active schools camps have been wonderful for young people, giving them a pathway into sports and to meet new people."

Councillor Christina Cannon, Glasgow's education convener, said: “This was a lovely opportunity for the young people to take part in a variety of activities during their summer holidays.

“It was great that staff and volunteers worked with the young people to develop their skills and it was a chance for them to make new friends as well – and a respite from the driech summer weather…”