Disability Sport Fife

Above: President Aileen with Pamela Robson of DSF

Speakers this week were Gayle Sloan, Regional Development  Manager and Pamela Robson, Chair of Disability Sport Fife. The Fife organisation founded by Richard Brickley in 1977 leads not only in Fife but throughout Scotland. 

Key impact Areas

17 weekly sessions led by DSF. 
Recruit and retain members
Provide education, coaching, officiating and volunteering opportunities 
Support performance apart athletes to achieve their goals through sport
Use communication platforms to inform, engage and celebrate (visit and like their Facebook page)
Promote strong systems of governance 
Encourage inactive disabled people and significant others to be active
Ensure the safety, health and well being of their members is at the centre of everything they do

DSF offers links with clubs providing further weekly sessions, competition and initiatives. Locally these include Carnegie Swimming Club and Dunfermline Tennis Club. They have a full calendar of events for 2023 includes 18 events and encourage entering national competitions. They offer training for education staff, coaches and volunteers and facilitate coach led sessions in numerous sports.

Everything is possible due to a large group of volunteers. Every success no matter how small is celebrated. 

Education is a key role. Support for anyone who is willing to work towards better inclusion. Engaging ethnic groups. Work continuously with families to ensure their children’s needs are met, providing the opportunity to develop and progress. Offer support to schools to deliver appropriate PE sessions and encourage pupils to access sport.

DSF has 20 athletes in their Hall of Fame - Owen Miller and Derek Rae are the most recent additions.

DSF is a charity that is not fully funded. It costs £10,000 to fund coaching and most sessions are over subscribed.

Vote of thanks was proposed on the Club’s behalf by Past President Stuart who praised the enthusiasm and commitment of the two presenters for delighting and fascinating the audience.