Thursday 4th April 2024

West College Scotland’s Active Health Coordinator Savannah Antoine brings students together for three days of activity and inclusion.

A group of staff and students at West College Scotland celebrating International Mother Language Day

The power of sport to connect was on full display at West College Scotland when over 200 students came together to celebrate International Mother Language Day with three days of activity, camaraderie and fun.

International Mother Language Day – which took place on February 21st – is a globally-observed day created to highlight the importance of linguistic diversity in fostering mutual understanding and respect. For West College Scotland, this offered the chance to connect ESOL (English as a Second Language) and sports students across a variety of inclusive activities, led by their Active Campus Coordinator and Wellbeing team.

Over the three day programme, students participated in sports from table tennis to basketball. A buddy system operated between ESOL and sports students to create connections across the participants and create an enriching cultural experience for all involved.

The day was the brainchild of West Scotland College’s Active Campus Coordinator Savannah Antonie. In her short time in the role she has already transformed how sport and activity is accessed by the entire student population.

An image showing Savannah Antoine

Savannah is part of the Active Campus Network, supported by Scottish Student Sport, sportscotland and Colleges Network: an initiative aimed at creating active, healthy environments across the nation’s college campuses.

The energy and excitement across those participating was clear. Natalia Skoromna, a Ukrainian student, commented:

“I wasn’t really sure what to expect but it has been so much better than I thought – I’ve loved it! It has been a really good morning and has really helped my mental health, I already feel much more relaxed. The lecturers have been wonderful – me and my friends would love to be able to do this every week.”

The influence that Savannah has had on campus was shared with her colleagues. Sports Lecturer Alex Beattie highlighted:

“The difference in sport provision since Savannah has started is amazing. Sports halls, which were previously dead space during lunchtimes or break times, are now filled. It’s all students from all sections of the college who are coming and playing. It feels like a college where you’re really playing sport. You see the engagement of the students, it’s been amazing and has made a massive difference.”

International Mother Language Day is just part of a series of initiatives being run across the College to help encourage students to get active on campus. We can’t wait to see sport continue to flourish at West College Scotland!

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Friday 29th March 2024

Scottish Student Sport welcome Ruairidh Campbell as our new Communications Coordinator!

Ruairidh Campbell - new SSS Communications Coordinator

It may be the business end of the SSS competitive season, but we’ve been hot on recruitment and are thrilled to unveil Ruairidh Campbell as our new Communications Coordinator!

We caught up with Ruairidh in his first week as the rugby referee kicks off his time at 48 Pleasance.

What are you most excited about in joining the SSS team?

100% it has to be getting the chance to tell the stories of everyone that helps contribute to Scottish Student Sport. I think everyone involved, whether participating, volunteering or just following, knows of the people and characters without whom sport just wouldn’t be the same.

It’s also going to be lots fun being back on the ground at SSS events. These were always a highlight of the year in my student days so it will be great to capture all the energy and excitement on the day. Lucky for me the SS Athletics Outdoor Championships will be one of my first events.

Take us back to your student sports days. How were you involved?

I spent five fantastic years at the University of Glasgow with most of my time focused on the Athletics Club. When I first joined in 2016, we still had Laura Muir (then fresh from the Rio Olympics) as a member so it was pretty surreal arriving at a flat party to see her there! Over my time with the club I competed at every opportunity on the track and spent a few years on the club committee; ultimately leading to me joining the Scottish Student Athletics Development Group as Vice Chair.

What was your best student sport memory/experience?

My athletics career certainly peaked when I represented Glasgow as Gus (the tiger) in the BUCS Nationals mascot race. By far it was the hardest race of my life (the head especially was a nightmare to keep on) but we had a lot of fun and raised some money for charity too.

Are you still active in sport?Ruairidh Campbell refereeing a rugby match

I still try to compete in athletics on the road and track but these days I’m mostly found on the rugby pitch as a match official. Week to week I referee in the FOSROC Super Series and assistant referee the professional URC and EPCR competitions. I also ref 7s internationally which has led to me travelling to some pretty cool places.

One match I’m yet to tick off though is the BUCS Scottish Conference Final so I may have to change that next year!

What’s your ideal holiday destination?

Italy is definitely a favourite. The food, the scenery, the food again – how could you not love the country? The next holiday plan involves taking a campervan around the Dolomites which I’m very excited for. Saying that, it’s also very hard to beat the Outer Hebrides on one of those rare days the weather is on your side.

Pineapple on pizza: yes or no?

At risk of being turned back at the border on my next visit to Italy I better say no!

To chat about all things SSS media, Ruairidh can be reached at ruairidh@scottishstudentsport.com

Rugby photo ©: Bryan Robertson

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Friday 22nd March 2024

RGU hosted the 2024 Scottish Student Sport Badminton Championships. Two days full of fast-paced action provided great entertainment for spectators. Here’s a summary of the weekends events!

The 2024 Scottish Student Sport Badminton Championships took place on the 15th/16th of March at RGU SPORT and featured 188 players across 5 different events. The weekend contained incredible moments of determination and skill, which culminated in a series of gripping finals on Saturday evening. Here’s how it went!

Friday morning began with men’s singles action, including a 46-minute match in the round of 128 between Aqeel Khaldun of St Andrews and University of Aberdeen’s Connor Mcrobbie, with the latter winning the third set to advance to the next round.

After a huge number of entertaining matches, the men’s singles final took place on Saturday evening, where Strathclyde University’s #1 Angus Meldrum faced #2 Ciar Pringle from the University of Stirling. A back-and-forth match took place where momentum swung both ways. Ultimately, Pringle’s power allowed him to erase a 1-0 set deficit in a captivating match and take home the gold medal, winning the final two sets 21-18, and 22-20.

Women’s singles proved to be equally entertaining. #3/4 Deepthi Ramesh from the University of Edinburgh proved to be strong from the start, making her way to the final without having a single game enter the third set. Including a win over #1 Toni Woods from the University of the West of Scotland in the semi-final 21-13, 21-18.

The other side of the bracket provided more intense matchups, including a semi-final between the University of Stirling’s #2 Xinrui Tan and Strathclyde’s #3/4 Sophie Ford. Tan advanced to set up a Stirling vs Edinburgh final.

Ramesh’s speed and technique proved too much for Tan, as she won the women’s singles final 21-14, 21-8.

Mixed doubles contained plenty more spectacular badminton and close matches for spectators in Aberdeen. Such as back-to-back 3-set matches for the University of Strathclyde’s #5/8 Finlay Sherrif and Sophie Ford. Including a 1 hour 13-minute game against the University of Edinburgh’s Godfrey Antomarlin and Harriet Dawson in the round of 16 which saw Strathclyde leave victorious.

The University of the West of Scotland’s Jack Macgregor and Toni Woods began the weekend #1 and immediately proved worthy of their ranking, winning their first game 21-5, 21-2. They continued their dominance on their route to the final through powerful and precise shots.

The other finalists, University of Edinburgh’s #2 Zachary Wong and Wen Jun, impressed on the other side of the bracket. Including a toughly contested victory against the University of Stirling’s #3/4 Ciar Pringle and Xinrui Tan 21-16, 21-16 in the semi-final.

The final produced a thrilling game of badminton, Wong and Jun won a close first set 21-18. Macgregor and Dow showed great resilience, fighting back in the second set to win 21-14.

Both teams were visibly exhausted going into the third set but unwilling to give up their chances to win a gold medal. Wong and Jun edged the last set 21-19, bringing home the victory for the University of Edinburgh.

Women’s doubles kicked off with a bang. An opening-round 3-set match featured the University of Strathclyde’s Caroline Deighan and Erin Sinclair against the University of Edinburgh’s Stella Doherty and Shermaine Leung. The Glasgow-based university took a narrow win in the final set 24-22.

Representing the University of Edinburgh, #1 Wen Jun and Jane Yi showed great court intelligence and skill as they advanced to the semi-finals to face the University of the West of Scotland’s #5/8 Toni Woods and Maria Leith. A close match between two strong pairings resulted in a 21-18, 21-17 victory for the University of Edinburgh.

The other semi-final was an all-Edinburgh University affair, #3/4 Anett Karsai and Eilidh Mccallister faced #5/8 Sophie Barrie and Sophia Schubert. Either team could have advanced but clutch shots from Karsai and Mccallister saw them win both sets 22-20.

The first set of the women’s doubles final proved to be tense and hugely entertaining for everyone watching on at RGU. Both teams were impressive throughout, eventually Jun and Yi won 28-26 meaning they took control of the match entering the second set. A fierce second set with several long rallies resulted in a 21-15 win for the #1 ranked duo.

Finally, entering men’s doubles, Kenneth Cheung and Adam Pringle were the favourites, ranked number 1.  After three strong performances, they advanced to the semi-final to set up a Glasgow derby, when they took on the University of Glasgow’s #5/8 Alastair Campbell and Alex Chudic. Supporters were plentiful and passionate for both sides. The Strathclyde pairing grabbed the victory, 21-11, 21-7.

The other semi-final featured another Strathclyde duo, #5/8 Angus Meldrum and Finlay Sheriff matched up against #2 Torben Trapp and Zachary Wong from the University of Edinburgh. The duo from the University of Edinburgh advanced after two intense, competitive sets, winning 21-18, 21-15.

Unfortunately, the University of Edinburgh pairing was forced to retire in the final, as Wong was in serious pain due to a cramp in his calf and was unable to participate to the best of his abilities. This meant Cheung and Pringle were crowned winners and took gold medals back to the University of Strathclyde.

The University of Edinburgh won the Scottish Student Sport Badminton Championships 2024 thanks to their victories in the mixed doubles, women’s doubles, and women’s singles. Wen Jun won the MVP award for the weekend, her impressive physicality and technique were vital in Edinburgh’s victories in mixed doubles and women’s doubles. She won 11 games and was undefeated across the two days.

A massive thanks to RGU SPORT and RGU Badminton for helping us host an amazing event, and to all the volunteers who made it run so well.

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Wednesday 17th January 2024

British Blind Sport (BBS) is hosting a free sports taster event for blind and partially sighted people in Glasgow, in partnership with Scottish Disability Sport.

Try VI-inclusive sports in Glasgow at British Blind Sport’s ‘Have a Go’ Day for blind and partially sighted people!

British Blind Sport (BBS) is hosting a free sports taster event for blind and partially sighted people in Glasgow, in partnership with Scottish Disability Sport. The event will take place on Saturday, January 27th from 10am to 3pm at the Emirates Arena, 1000 London Road, Glasgow G40 3HG. The event will feature a fantastic line-up of sporting activities for blind and partially sighted people of all ages and abilities to participate in alongside their friends and family. Confirmed activities include athletics, judo, tennis, and goalball.

BBS ‘Have a Go’ Days have been held successfully across the country for many years, encouraging blind and partially sighted people to become more active. The event will give blind and partially sighted people in Glasgow and the surrounding area the opportunity to try adapted sports and learn about inclusive opportunities that they can continue to enjoy and participate in after the event in their local area.

Vicky Cook, Participation Officer at British Blind Sport said, “We are delighted to start the new year by hosting a ‘Have a Go’ Day in Glasgow to give blind and partially sighted people a chance to try out different sports and hopefully discover a new passion or hobby. Physical activity plays such an important role in living a happy and healthy life, our ‘Have a Go’ Days ensure that more people will get an opportunity to experience some of the activities available.”

To register to attend, please follow the link to complete the form:

Junior: www.britishblindsport.org.uk/forms/view/juniorglasgowhagd

Adults: www.britishblindsport.org.uk/forms/view/seniorglasgowhagd

For more information, please visit the British Blind Sport website:  www.britishblindsport.org.uk/hagd

Or contact Vicky Cook, Participation Officer on 07983498120 or email vicky@britishblindsport.org.uk

British Blind Sport is always grateful for the help of volunteers at events. Please get in touch to discuss volunteering opportunities.

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Tuesday 16th January 2024

Scottish Student Sport are delighted to welcome Sophie Charlton to the team, taking on the Events Coordinator role!

Scottish Student Sport are delighted to welcome Sophie Charlton to the team, taking on the Events Coordinator role! Sophie is well known within the student sport network, having previously served as the University of Stirling’s sports president and in a number of SSS Volunteer roles.

We caught up with Sophie to find out a wee bit more about her.

What are you most excited about in joining the SSS team?

I would be lying if I didn’t say I was buzzing about getting more kit but, in all seriousness, I’m really excited to learn about all the SSS sports and support our volunteers in running all 120+ events across the year, and in particular the College and Conference Finals days. 

I was part of the 2019 Conference Cup Finals day and it was one of my favourite sporting memories from university. The atmosphere around the grounds was brilliant, the sun was out and everyone from your university was supporting each other, so being able to be part of creating these unforgettable memories for future students will be really rewarding.  


What’s the best live sporting moment that you’ve been a part of/seen?

I’ll always put an Irish shirt on before a Scottish for the Six Nations but being at Murrayfield and hearing the bellow of O Flower of Scotland was pretty special. 

 

Could you tell us a bit about your sporting background? What’s your preferred sport?

I loved getting involved in every sport I could at school – proud to say that me and my friends got an allocated lunch time football slot for girls only after being kicked out of all the boys’ games. I was mainly a swimmer and hockey player in high school, as well as dabbling in netball, tennis, cross country, athletics, and having a pretty successful stint as a tag rugby player. Through university I mainly played hockey but also gave water polo a go before lockdown and now I currently play hockey in Edinburgh for Inverleith HC. 

What is your ideal holiday destination?

Either anywhere in the sun (usually Portugal) or anywhere that RyanAir flies to for less than £30 return. 

 

Did you study in Scotland? Do you have a particular allegiance to one of our member institutions that we ought to know about?

I may or may not be a former #BleedGreen alumnus. Although, hopefully people don’t hold the Stirling allegiance against me. 

 

Ham and Pineapple on Pizza, yes or no?

Yes – is there any other pizza topping combo to have?

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Monday 15th January 2024

Embrace a Healthier You in 2024: New Year, New Active Lifestyle

Embrace a Healthier You in 2024: New Year, New Active Lifestyle

As we usher in the new year, many of us are contemplating resolutions and goals to make positive changes in our lives. For students looking to kickstart 2024 on a healthy note, adopting an active lifestyle can be a transformative choice. Whether you’re starting fresh or rekindling good habits, incorporating exercise into your routine can contribute not only to physical fitness but also to mental wellbeing.

Benefits of Regular Exercise: Unleashing the Power of Movement

The college or university experience is a whirlwind of excitement, change, and new beginnings. For many students, it marks a period of significant lifestyle shifts – moving away from home, making new friends, and, of course, hitting the books. Amidst this exciting journey, it’s essential for students to carve out time for physical activity and exercise. The benefits extend far beyond just physical health; they play a vital role in maintaining mental well-being and academic success.

The Multifaceted Benefits of Exercise

1. Relieving Stress:

Student life comes with its fair share of stress – academic pressures, social adjustments, and the general hustle and bustle. Exercise serves as a powerful stress buster, releasing endorphins that act as natural mood lifters and stress relievers.

2. Enhancing Mood:

The connection between exercise and mood improvement is well-established. Engaging in physical activity triggers the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, contributing to a more positive state of mind.

3. Improving Memory:

As students juggle lectures, assignments, and exams, a sharp memory is invaluable. Regular exercise has been linked to improved memory retention and cognitive function, which can significantly aid in academic performance.

4. Improving Concentration:

Staying focused during lengthy study sessions can be challenging. Exercise has been shown to enhance concentration and cognitive abilities, allowing students to absorb and retain information more effectively.

Prioritising Exercise in a Packed Schedule

While it may seem daunting to find time for exercise amidst the myriad of student activities, dedicating just 30 minutes, three times a week, can make a substantial difference. Consider incorporating the following into your routine:

  1. Join a club: Join one of the amazing sports clubs that your College or University offers.
  2. Gym Sessions: Hit the campus gym for a mix of cardio and strength training.
  3. Fitness Classes: Join group fitness classes – a fun way to stay active while making new friends.
  4. Swim Sessions: A refreshing swim not only offers a full-body workout but is also a great stress-reliever.
  5. Physical Activities you Enjoy: Whether it’s playing a sport, going for a run, or dancing, choose activities that bring you joy to make exercise a sustainable part of your lifestyle.

The Transformational Impact of Regular Exercise

Committing to regular exercise during your college years doesn’t just contribute to physical fitness. It has a profound impact on your overall well-being. Expect to feel less stressed, more energised, mentally sharper, and physically fit. As you navigate the exciting and challenging aspects of college life, prioritising your health through exercise will undoubtedly set the foundation for a successful and fulfilling academic journey.

So, lace up those sneakers, find an activity you love, and make exercise an integral part of your college experience – your body and mind will thank you!

Ways to Get Active Near You: Tailoring Fitness to Your Lifestyle

Regardless of your fitness level or experience, there are numerous ways to get active, especially as a student. Consider the following options to kickstart your fitness journey:

  1. University/College Resources: Speak to your university’s or college’s sports union or sports facility to discover the variety of facilities, classes, and support available to you.
  2. Couch to 5k Programme: Set a personal fitness goal with the Couch to 5k programme – a structured plan to guide you from the couch to running 5 kilometers.
  3. Park Runs: If you’re interested in running and want a supportive community, join your local Park Run. It’s a free, weekly event that welcomes runners and walkers of all levels.

Mindfulness: Nurturing Your Mental Wellbeing

Transitioning back to university or college life can be overwhelming. Mindfulness and meditation can be powerful tools to manage stress and enhance your mental well-being:

  1. Headspace’s Stress Guide: Navigate stress with Headspace’s comprehensive guide.
  2. Headspace’s Meditation Benefits: Understand the multitude of benefits that meditation can bring to your life.
  3. Headspace’s Mindful Eating: Explore the connection between mindfulness and your eating habits.
  4. Headspace’s Breathing Exercises: Learn effective breathing exercises to calm your mind.

For a more immersive experience, check out Headspace’s interactive guides on Netflix.

As we embark on a new year, let’s commit to a healthier and more active version of ourselves. Whether you’re hitting the gym, lacing up your running shoes, or practicing mindfulness, taking these steps can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling 2024. Here’s to your health and well-being in the new year!

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Monday 18th December 2023

In the spirit of collaboration the Active Campus Christmas Festival, organised by Glasgow Clyde College, West College Scotland, City of Glasgow College, and Kelvin College, unfolded as a resounding success.

In the spirit of collaboration the Active Campus Christmas Festival, organised by Glasgow Clyde College, West College Scotland, City of Glasgow College, and Kelvin College, unfolded as a resounding success.

Spearheaded by Active Campus Coordinators Natalie Dott, Savannah Antoine, Gregor Cree, and Grant Sutherland, the event aimed to foster engagement among supported learning students and provide a boost of fun as the autumn term draws to a close.

The festival, kindly hosted by the University of Strathclyde, provided a host of opportunities for a diverse group of 50 students from the various colleges. Amidst the festive spirit, these individuals got stuck into a variety of activities – all facilitated by a cohort of enthusiastic sport students from City of Glasgow College. Their energy and commitment was brilliant, helping to engage the participants in activities including badminton, zumba, boccia, and various ball games.

The event was not just about the activities; it was also about getting students trying new experiences, creating new relationships, and, most importantly, having fun. It was excellent to see students from the four colleges forming friendships and building a sense of community and belonging.

The Christmas Festival will hopefully provide a template for future success within the College sector, where there is a significant appetite to find creative ways to engage students in sport and active health – and particularly those students that would normally face barriers to inclusion.

Active Campus Coordinator Natalie Dott reflected on this pioneering day saying “The first of many Active campus festivals took place in Strathclyde Sports facility which saw over 50 supported learning students taking part in different forms of physical activity. This events outcome was many happy faces and lots of eager students who now want to participate in activity at their own college who wouldn’t have done so otherwise without attending this event.”

Collaborative Achievement: Within a short span of time, the four colleges Active Campus Coordinators successfully combined efforts to orchestrate an event benefiting 50 students. This collaboration exemplifies the potential for joint initiatives among educational institutions at a regional level.

Engagement and Sustainability: The City of Glasgow College students’ handling of activities paves the way for replicable models in future events. Their involvement not only made the event successful but also set a sustainable template for subsequent ones, with a focus on delivery to students, by students. This experience will also have enhanced their own learning and contributed to the outcomes of their course.

Community Building: Beyond the activities, the festival provided a platform for students to step into a university setting, expressing interest in broader engagements like joining the University of Strathclyde gym and getting to see the club structure. It also facilitated the formation of new friendships among individuals with shared experiences.

As for the future, there’s a collective desire across the Active Campus Network to replicate this model in varied formats throughout the year. This event serves as a testament to the positive effect of the Active Campus Coordinator roles in Scotland’s Colleges, showcasing the power of collaboration to provide opportunity to previously underserved student communities.

You can see the full album of photographs from the event, taken by Andrew Leinster, here.

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Wednesday 13th December 2023

The fervor of student basketball reverberated through the newly constructed Caledonia Gladiators stadium at Playsport in East Kilbride. determination to a supportive crowd.

Scottish Student Basketball Trophy: A Thrilling Showdown at Playsport Arena

University of Edinburgh and University of Glasgow Basketballers running on court

The fervor of student basketball reverberated through the newly constructed Playsport Arena in East Kilbride. As the pinnacle of student Basketball in Scotland it is incredibly to be supported by our only professional franchise, the Caledonia Gladiators. The stage was set for an exhilarating showdown as Universities clashed in the Scottish Student Basketball Trophy, displaying skill, and determination to a supportive crowd.

The Women’s competition kicked off with a heated battle between the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow. The University of Edinburgh emerged as a dominant force, showcasing a commanding performance. At halftime, Edinburgh led with an impressive score of 48 points to 17 against Glasgow. The second half saw an excellent display teamwork from Edinburgh, securing an emphatic victory with a final score of 104 points to 31. Lucy Lemmon was named MVP for her commanding presence on the court.

University of Stirling basketballer jumping fr the hoop with ball in hand

Following on, the Men’s competition featured a showdown between the University of Stirling and last years champions, the formidable University of Edinburgh. The game was a tough fought battle, with the University of Stirling taking an early lead that extended into 47 points to 30 at halftime. Stirling’s team displayed commendable coordination and offensive prowess into Edinburgh’s physical presence, particularly on the break. Despite a valiant effort from the University of Edinburgh in the second half, Stirling maintained their lead, clinching a well-deserved victory with a final score of 86 points to 65. Jack Hencher was named match MVP!

 

The success of this event was not just attributed to the prowess of the competing teams but also owes thanks to many volunteers that made it possible. The basketball development group, officials, Playsport Arena, and the Caledonia Gladiators played instrumental roles in making the tournament a resounding success. Special thanks were extended to Donald Stewart and Jonathan Boomer for capturing unforgettable moments through their photography.

You can see both albums from the Women’s here and Men’s here.

The tournament not only celebrated athletic excellence but also highlighted the camaraderie and sportsmanship shared among the competing students.

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Wednesday 29th November 2023

We’re supporting #ScottishDisabilitySportWeek ! 

We’re supporting #ScottishDisabilitySportWeek !

As Scotland embraces Disability Sport Week, the spotlight shines brightly on the student network to promote inclusivity and support for people with disabilities in sport. This occasion is not just a celebration but a call to action, emphasising the importance of physical activity in enhancing both mental and physical well-being.

Students across Scotland are experiencing the transformative power of physical activity by engaging in various sports clubs and activities on campus. The drive to foster Disability Sport within Scottish Colleges and Universities is a core focus for Scottish Student Sport. Through initiatives like the Boccia Special Projects funds, Wheelchair Basketball Championships, and inclusive categories in Athletics, Trampoline, and Aquatics, SSS is dedicated to creating an environment where individuals of all abilities can thrive.

👇 Find out more about SDS Week 👇

Scottish Disability Sport Week 2023

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Wednesday 22nd November 2023

Re-scheduled Boccia Leaders Success!

DEVELOPMENT | Re-scheduled Boccia Leaders Success!

We were really excited to see Twenty Students, Staff and Sports Presidents from institutions across the network attend a Boccia Leaders Course delivered by our friends at Scottish Disability Sport.

We’re committed to offering opportunities to get students involved in sport, and as part of that we’re focused developing sports, like Boccia, that are accessible to all. Through our special projects fund we’ve provided Boccia equipment to many of our partner institutions and now we’re training up the workforce with development opportunities.

Well done to everyone that completed the course and a massive thank you to Scottish Disability Sport!

 

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