Volunteers Needed

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) and JudoScotland are searching for physically disabled and visually impaired volunteers to take part in a unique judo workshop that will be held at the National Training Centre, EICA-Ratho, Newbridge, Edinburgh on Saturday 25 February.  The workshop will build upon the areas covered in the JudoScotland Disability Inclusion Workshop for coaches held in April 2011. 

The workshop will run from 10.30 to 15.30 hrs and those attending will be JudoScotland coaches holding a minimum grade of 3rd kyu.  There will be morning and afternoon practical sessions led by two of Scotland’s most experienced judo coaches, Stephen Somerville and Jo Imrie. The morning session of the workshop will involve a practical session led by Jo Imrie, member of the Scottish Judo Inclusion Group, and a BJA Level 2 Coach.  Jo will be working with players with a learning disability who regularly attend sessions in the East of Scotland. 

The afternoon session will be led by Stephen Somerville from Glasgow who is also a member of the Scottish Judo Inclusion Group and holds the qualification of BJA Level 3 Coach.  Stephen will lead a practical session involving players with a physical or visual impairment and this is where SDS is looking for volunteers.  A small number of physically disabled players who are already active in judo will be part of the session.  SDS and JudoScotland are however searching for athletes and players from other sports to take part in this practical session to help promote judo beyond groups currently involved.  Non ambulant and ambulant physically disabled athletes and players, and visually impaired young people and adults are particularly welcome.  No previous experience of judo is necessary and rest assured those who agree to take part will have a most enjoyable afternoon indeed.  Those who sign up will be contributing greatly to the development of judo across all communities with a disability in Scotland.

If you are interested and wish further information please do not hesitate to get in touch with either Heather Lowden (Mobile 07787 151043) or Richard Brickley (Mobile 07904 371160) who are the SDS representatives on the Judo Inclusion Group.  If you wish to register an interest in taking part in the session which will run from around 12.30 hrs onwards on Saturday 25 February please register with Caroline Lyon, Administrator, Scottish Disability Sport, Caledonia House, South Gyle, Edinburgh EH12 9DQ (Tel. 0131 3171130 or Email. 

SDS and JudoScotland thank all SDS member volunteers in advance of their support with this very unique project.  Athletes who use a wheelchair and have the ability to get out of the chair are more than welcome as well as ambulant athletes with cerebral palsy or absent limbs who are active in a team or individual sport at any level.  Perhaps involvement in this session may lead you down a new career path or simply offer you an enormously enjoyable afternoon out in the company of Scottish Governing Body coaches who are totally committed to ensuring their sport is inclusive.