EAST OF SCOTLAND SPECIAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES

                                             JUDO GROUP

On 21st April 2012 ESSN held their Annual Judo competition, for players who have an intellectual or physical disability at Craigswood Leisure Centre in Livingston.
The competition this year was very well attended with 70 judo players, parents, carers and other members of their families coming from all over the country to watch and support them. The level of competition this year was fantastic the standard of Judo we were watching is a credit to the players and their coaches for all their hard work that they have put in to their training throughout the year.

ESSN have had a lot of extremely good positive feedback from the event with everyone looking forward to next year’s event.

Roll on 2013

Our players who are registered with Lothian Special Olympics really did us proud with the following results:

Nicole Louise J.         Gold
Stephen M                 Gold
Richard C                   Gold
Kathleen I                  Silver
Ian C                          Silver
Aaron J                      Bronze                                                                                         
Scott H                       Bronze
Harrison L                  Bronze

                                                        National  Football  5’s

This  year’s  5’s  took  place  on  April  the  25th – at  Glasgow  Green  Football  Centre.

Lothian  Hibernian  was  represented  by  4  teams – 1  in  Band  B, 2  in  Band  C  &  1  in  Band  D.

Accompanying  the  teams  &  coaches  were  David, Dean & Harry  from  the  Hibernian  Under  19’s, along  with  Clare  &  Darren – all  hoping  to  see  the  players  succeed  in  match  conditions. For  what  can  be  a  long  &  at  times  confusing  day – they  were  each  attached  to  one  of  the  Lothian  teams, to  help  with  the  mentoring  &  coaching.

Band  B

This  competition  had  5  teams  (Glasgow Athletic,  Firhill, Stirling, Fife  &  Lothian) – so  each  played  the  other  twice  in  a  round  robin.

All  the  games  were  tight  affairs, apart  from  Lothians  last  match,  which  they  won  8 – 1  against  Fife. Drawing  only  1  match  &  winning  the  rest – scoring  20  goals  into  the  bargain – Lothian  Hibernian  were  worthy  winners  of  the  Gold  Medal.

Top  scorers – Dean  Cook  &  Michael  Richardson  with  6  each.

 Band  C

 11  teams  had  entered  this  competition – thus  necessitating  a  two  league  system, 6  in  one  &  5  in  the  other. Again  the  matches  would  be  played  under  a  round  robin – the  winners  of  each  section  playing  off  etc.

Lothian  Hibernian (1)  played  4  matches – winning  3  &  losing  to  Dundee  in  the  other. This  put  them  into  a  3rd  / 4th playoff  against  Glasgow  Firhill – which  they  successfully  won  2 – 1, thus  taking  the  Bronze  Medal. Again  there  were  no  lack  of  goals  from  the  Lothian  team.

Top  scorer – Lachlan  McDonald  with  9.

Lothian  Hibernian (2) played  5  matches  in  which  they  had  2  hefty  wins  &  three  narrow  losses. Puting  6  goals  past  both  South  Lanarkshire  &  Saints  was  not  enough  to  reach  the  play  off  stages  after  defeats  by  Firhill, Glasgow  &  Highland  by  the  odd  goal. Fifth  place  was  the  reward  for  a  good  effort.

Top  scorer – Craig  Andrews  with  8.

 Band  D

 Again, a  large  entry  of  10  teams  saw  the  competition  being  played  over  2  pools  with  the  winners  of  each  section  meeting in  the  final.

Lothian  Hibernian  played  magnificently  throughout  their  pool  matches, winning  all  4  games  without  conceding  a  single  goal  &  scoring  16  themselves. In  the  final, they  played  Highland, who  were  on  an  equally  good  run, &  unfortunately  were  on  the  wrong  end  of  a  2 – 0 scoreline. Fantastic  effort  from  all  involved  in  picking  up  the  Silver  Medal.

Top  scorer – Reece  Malcolmson  with  6

 

                    Judo -- Annual  Trip  to  Beverwyck (Holland)

The  Lothian  Team  has  just  returned  from  another  enjoyable  &  successful  trip  to  Beverwyck. The  team  enjoyed  the  crossing  to  the  continent - not  so  on  the  return  ferry  trip.
At  the  competition  itself, where  6  mats  were  being  used , our  players  came  away  from  the  competition  with  1  Gold, 2  Silver  &  5  Bronze  medals -- quite  a  haul  considering  the  size  of  the  event  &  the  number  of  competitors. Well  done  to  the  whole  team. 
                              
                        Olympic  Torch  Bearer  (Andrew  Slack)


We are delighted to announce that  Linlithgow resident & Special Olympian, Andrew Slack, is to carry the Olympic Flame during the 2012 Torch Relay!
Andrew is holding the Torch as it goes through Dunfermline on Wednesday, June 13 (at around 3pm).
Andrew’s mum Christine, is very proud of her son -- “It’s amazing; it’s quite an achievement. Everybody’s telling us how much of a big thing it is. Andrew’s got special needs and I don’t think he’s got any idea how big it is.”Andrew is one of two people from Linlithgow chosen for the honour. Andrew was nominated to be a Torchbearer by his dad Tim, to raise awareness of the Special Olympics.
Christine said: “Andrew plays a sport called boccia and he won gold at the 2007 Special Olympics and his team got the bronze. That was how we thought of nominating him to carry the torch because the Special Olympics aren’t as widely recognised as much as the Olympics or the Paralympics.“He’s had a brain tumour. He’s not been awfully well but he’s doing pretty well just now and this is something to look forward to. It will be a good day. He’s not a shy person. I can imagine he’ll milk every minute of it!”
If you are going to be in or around Dunfermline on the 13th - please go along & support Andrew.
Once we have the exact location of the route & where Andrew will pick up the torch, we will add it to the web.

                                          British  10K  London  Run


Our aim is to recruit 2,012 runners and raise £500k to invest in sports opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities over the next 3 years.  We currently have 1,000 runners signed up either as individuals or as corporate teams but we need your help to recruit more! Please can you help us reach out to your friends, family and colleagues? Thank you!

                                                                         flyer

                                                                      
                     SDS  Carpet  Bowls  Championships (Dundee - Feb  4th  2012)

Scotland’s three strongest bowls Branches shared the honours at the 2012 SDS Carpet Bowls Championships at the Dundee International sports centre (DISC) in Dundee on Saturday Feb 4th. Host Branch Dundee, Lothian and Fife Branches won two titles each with the final singles title being won by the Aberdeen Branch. This was the third occasion DISC had been the venue for the
Championships and Dundee Disability Sport the host Branch. On each occasion the Championships have been a great success and thanks are due to Branch stalwarts Darren, Gordon, Sam and Carol for their considerable input.

By only one shot, Kenny Dow from Fife retained the mixed ambulant restricted section title when he defeated the 2010 Champion Gary Whitfield from Lothian in the final.
Scot Holden from Dundee won his second title in three years in the section for players with a learning disability when he defeated Aberdeen’s Ian Urquart in the final. In the equivalent section for female bowlers, Amanda Craig from Lothian retained the title with a convincing win in the final over her team mate Gillan Donald.
Aberdeen DS won the women’s open title for ambulant physically disabled bowlers when Pam Gallant recorded her first ever win at the Championships when she defeated Lothian’s Margaret Brown who won the title in 2009.
Stuart Christie and Margaret Ringsell did an excellent job as Championships umpires and volunteer markers from the Dundee area, Fife, Glasgow and Lothian ensured that all Championships ties were supervised in the manner befitting a major Championships. Bowls is considered one of the most inclusive sports in the calendar of events offered by SDS and Scottish bowlers with a disability
are respected the world over for their achievements in the sport. The SDS Carpet Bowls championships are considered a perfect starting point for the champions of outdoor bowls of the future. The 2013 championships will be held in February at Meadowbank stadium.

                                                                         Skiing  Results

Claire has returned from Pila clutching a Gold Medal - won on day 3 of the competition in the Division 2 Advanced Slalom. Many congratulations on that success. In the other 2 events entered, Claire finished 4th in the Advanced Super Giant Slalom & an unfortunate missed gate in the Advanced Gialnt Slalom meant a disqualification.
After this success, we hope that Claire is looking forward to returning to training at Hillend,where she can show off her medal to her teammates in the Lothian Ski Racing Team.

                 Special Olympics Great Britain’s National Alpine Ski Championship 
                                               Pila - Italy. 15-22 January 2012.

Our best wishes for a succssful Championships go with Claire Jeffray, who along with her mother / coach will leave next week for Italy to compete in the above event. We look forward to hearing how you got on & will be following the results on the SOGB Website.
             

               LDS Carpet Bowls Championships -- Musselburgh (Sunday 4th December)


A keenly contested event between bowlers from all over the Lothians ended with an all East Lothian final in the ladies event between Carol Whyte & Gillian Brown, both of Musselburgh. 
Both played well but it was Carol who won a close match between the two friends, for her first ever trophy.
In the men’s final Gordon Graham from West Lothian beat last year’s winner , Euan Wright from Edinburgh.  These two players have met on many occasions in the past and this time Gordon was the victor.
As with other of their ties this was no run away win, the game only being decided by the final shot on the
final end. 

The winners and runners up will now go forward, along with the beaten semi-finalists , to represent Lothian in the Scottish DisabilitySport Carpet Bowls Championships in Dundee in February.

              
            British 10K London Run 2012 Chooses Special Olympics GB as Official Charity
The British 10k London Run announced Special Olympics Great Britain as their Official Charity Partner for 2012. The charity’s Ambassadors, Double Olympic Gold Medallist Darren Campbell MBE, Football Pundit Chris Kamara, Olympic Bronze Medallist Katharine Merry, and Heather Small formerly of M People, are all backing the charity as they attempt to get 2,012 runners fundraising for the charity on the day.
The annual 10k run, in its 12th year, is the third largest run in the country and sees 25,000 runners take to the streets of London.

Next year’s event, on the 8th July, promises to be the best in its history. Taking place during the Queens’ Diamond Jubilee year and just 19 days before the start of the Olympic Games, London at this time will be bustling with excitement making for a truly memorable race on a course which passes the city’s most historic and famous landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.

For over 30 years, Special Olympics Great Britain has been providing a daily sports training and competition programme for children and adults with learning disabilities, of all ability levels. The charity hopes to raise over £500k to reach out to a further 12,000 athletes in London and across the country over the next 2 years and help transform the lives of people with learning disabilities and their families.

Commenting on the partnership, Chief Executive of Special Olympics GB, Karen Wallin said: “Being selected as the chosen charity for the British 10K is a huge honour for our charity.
Many people confuse us with the Paralympics instead of an everyday local sports programme for  children and adults with learning disabilities. Taking part in regular sports activities gives people with learning disabilities the opportunity not only to get fit but also provides a gateway to inclusion, empowerment, competence, and acceptance. So please join Team Special Olympics next year and help us raise funds to develop the programme to benefit thousands more athletes right across the country.”

Special Olympics GB ambassador and double Olympic Gold Medallist Darren Campbell MBE said: “The race route is absolutely fantastic – I can’t wait! The chance to run safely through the heart of the capital past all your favourite landmarks with 25,000 others who are all having a great time is truly immense. Special Olympics do some amazing work in offering sporting opportunities to people with learning disabilities so it really is a great cause to be running for.”

Organisers have also confirmed that Heather Small from M People will sing her rousing song ‘Proud’ at the start ceremony on Piccadilly to get all 25,00 runners truly inspired for their race.
Runners will also receive a new high quality finishers’ medal as well as electronic chip timing and an SMS text of their finish time sent directly to their mobiles after finishing to mark this special race.

Michael O’Reilly, Founder and Race Director of the British 10k London Run, added; “We are extremely excited about staging our 12th British 10k London Run in Diamond Jubilee and Olympic year.
The event has always been about raising money for charity and I am thrilled that we are working with such a worthwhile charity as Special Olympics Great Britain and helping the work they do for those with learning disabilities.”

The 10km race has sold out for the past six years and with the 2012 event set to be such a special occasion, interest is expected to be higher than ever.
Runners looking to secure a place in the 2012 British 10k London Run and raise money for Special Olympics Great Britain should visit www.thebritish10klondon.co.uk.
 

Contact:
Clarisse Lang, Event Coordinator
E: Clarisse.lang@sogb.org.uk T: +44
207 247 8891 ext 208
Jane Silverman, PR Director
E: Jane.silverman@sogb.org.uk M: +44
(0)7827 777 938
 


                                                              Powerlifting -- Bradford

At  the  Annual  Powerlifting  Competition, held  in  Bradford  over  the  weekend  25th / 27th  November,
Scott  Bruce  once  again  came  up  trumps.
While  not  only  winning  his  category, Scott  also  won, again , the best  male  lifter  award.
In  the  process  of  winning  his  category, Scott  got  a  new  Briitish  record  in  the  deadlift  &  record  overall  score. 
Congratulations  Scott - from  all  at  LSO.


                      Judo --Shenshu Tournament held in Venray, Holland 19th November

A  fantastic  weekend  was  had  by  the  judo  players, on  their  annual  trip  to  Venray.
For  some  of  the  players, it  was  the first  time  they  had  competed  abroad  &  the  results  show  that  they  suffered  from  no  lack  of  confidence.

Results

GOLD - Kathleen I. - Nicole J.

SILVER - Stephen M. - Philip B. - Richard C.

BRONZE - Faizaan H. - Rameez H. - Aaron J. - James R. - Ben M.

In  the  afternoon  session, Richard  Cooke fighting  at  Under  100kg  instead  of  his  nornal  Under  90kg,  and  as  part  of  Team  GB,  won  2  of  his  3  contests, helping  Great  Britain  to  take  the  Gold  Team  Medal.

Well  done  to  all  the  players, coaches  &  parents  for  once  again  making  this  a  very  successful  trip.
 


                                                    Monday Night Multi Sports - Boccia

Our LSO Monday Night Club team attended a Boccia competition run by No limits sports club on Saturday the 5th of November at Linlithgow leisure centre.
This was attended by SDS Aberdeen, LSO, Kirkriggs after school club Glasgow, Forth Valley Right on Target Club, Larbert High School Boccia Club and No Limits Sports Club.
 
This was the clubs first outing in a competition & looking  great in their new club T -Shirts (see gallery),
they all delivered fantastic results on the day.
The team came home with clutching 5 medals, from the 3 categories.
As the head coach says -- "WOO HOO"   

Medalists  were :-  Experienced Players - Gary Whitfield (Silver)

                              Novice Players -           Scott Bruce (Silver)

                                                                   June Black (Bronze)

                              Fun Section -                Jonathon Brown (Silver)

                                                                   Stephen Williams (Bronze)

Well done to all the players involved & to the coaches (especially after the late night previous).
We will look forward to hearing of more success from the newest club to come under the LSO banner.


Laces  Day
When:
Thursday 10 November, Noon photo 

Lothian  athletes  in attendance
Adam  Feeney, Morven  Robb, Sophie  Connor, Kathleen  Inglis, Linsey Aitken, Mark  Howie  &  George  White
along  with
Yvonne  Anderson  &  Mirren  McDonald


Where:
CMS Cameron McKenna 2nd Floor 7 Castle Street then Princes Street Garden at the Golden Fountain for Noon

What:
Edinburgh Employees of CMS Cameron McKenna and Special Olympics GB athletes will tie themselves
up with red laces in support of the charity as part of an international meet-up across Britain and Europe.


Why:
 
CMS Cameron McKenna – Europe’s leading provider of legal and tax services -- is holding their second annual CSR Week 7-11 November. The week highlights employees’ efforts in pro bono legal advice, volunteering and charitable fundraising including a Wear the Laces Day for their chosen charity Special Olympics GB.

Wear the Laces is a fundraising and awareness campaign and a visual reminder of how sport can transform the lives of children and adults with learning disabilities and their families. The bright red specially designed Special Olympics shoe laces are £2 at www.specialolympicsgb.org.uk/shop-online.

CMS is planning two years of fundraising events for its chosen charity Special Olympics GB ranging from Charity Runs, extreme sports and cycling challenges, adventure treks and in-house concerts and coordinated interaction with local Special Olympics GB groups. CMS’ forward thinking CSR programme hopes to redefine the acronym with a hands-on approach to charitable giving.

Special Olympics GB is the country’s largest year-round sports training and competition programme for children and adults with learning disabilities. Day in and day out the charity transforms lives through sport. The charity was established over 30 years ago and has nearly 8,000 athletes in 130 clubs in England, Scotland and Wales, run by a dedicated army of over 2,800 volunteers.

Party  Night

A  large  turnout  of  athletes , parents ,friends &  carers  meant  that  the  Party  Night  went  with  a  swing. From  the  first  to  the  last  record, the  dance  floor  was  a  busy  place - with  the  DJ  being  kept  busy  with  requests. If  anyone  has  photos (digital), taken  on  the  night  that  they  want  to  share - please  send  them  to  SOLothian@aol.com  &  we  can  get  them  into  the  website  gallery.

GB National Swim Championships

Congratulations to Saskia, Sophie, Morvern, Ben and Mark for their successes at the GB National Swim champs in Cardiff.  For a small team we brought back a fantastic haul of medals. 
Sophie - 2 Golds
Morvern 1 gold 1 silver
Saskia 1 gold 1 silver
Ben 1 gold and a 4th
Mark 1 silver

The team also came 4th in the relay.  It was Ben and Saskia's first trip away with the team and we thank Mark, Sophie and Morvern for showing them the ropes. 

LDS Swim Gala
Congratulations to all our swimmers who took part in the LDS Swim Gala on the 24th of Sept.  Many PBs where had and a number of few athletes took part.  Good luck to Mark Meadows, Ben McGill, Saskia Falconer, Morvern Robb and Sophie Connor who will be representing LSO at the GB National Games in Cardiff in October.
results for LDS gala

Congratulations  Richard
On  Saturday  October  the  1st, Richard  Cooke  is  to  be  presented  with  the  Special  Needs  Player  of  the Year  Award  at  the  British  Judo  Organisations  Dinner  &  Awards  Ceremony, to  be  held  in  St  Georges  Hall - Liverpool. This  is  only  the  second  time  that  the  organisation  have  made  a  presentation  in  the  Special  Needs Category  &  those  of  us  who  know  Richard, fully  appreciate  why, after  his  multiple  successes  for  both  Lothian  &  Team  GB,  he  is  the  very  worthy  recipient  of  this  award. Congratulations  Richard - &  we  hope  you  &  your  family  have  a  memorable  night. - See photo in gallery.

Stirling  City  F.C.  5's  Tournament
Sunday  the  4th  September  saw  a  D  Band  team  led  by  Mirren, Ian  &  Jamie  compete  in  this  annual  tournament.  Played  in  glorious  sunshine  &  in  good  spirit - the  team  performed  very  well, reaching  the  final, which  they  drew  1 - 1  with  Dundee. Unfortunately  in  the  penalty  shootout, Dundee  won  4 - 2.

SDS  Lawn  Bowls  Championship
At  6.30am  on  September  3rd  Yvonne  &  the  Lothian  bowlers (Raymond  Brumby, Scott  Bruce, Christina  McSherry  &  Amanda  Craig( boarded  the  mini  bus  for  the  trip  to  Aberdeen. Unfortunately, this  was  not  to  be  their  day - with  all  our  bowlers  being  knocked  out  of  the  competition  by  the  end  of  the  2nd  round.

Lothian  Disability  Sport - Regional  Swimming  Gala
This  swimming  gala  will  take  place  on  Saturday  September  24th  at  the  Mercat  Gait  Swimming  Pool  in  Prestonpans -- beginning  at  10.30am. Entry  forms  will  be  sent  out  shortly  to  you (via  your  coaches) .

Athens Updates.

Opening Ceremony You Tube



Day 26/6

Day 28/6

Day 30/6

Day 1/7

Day 2/7

"News Flash"....... 11 a side football got bronze, as did Richard in Judo.  David has 200m breast final tomorrow..... All Lothian Athletes  are coming home with medals.


"we have bronze for our 5 a side footballers and Silver for David's 100 IM ,,,, richard fighting tomorrow and 11 footballers playing for silver tomorrow"

27th June. David Fergus came in 4th in the 100m Backstroke & in doing so knocked 9 seconds off his qualifying time.

28th. Judo divisioning took place today - Richard will find out later tonight when he will be fighting.

28th. The football 11's drew 2 - 2 with Australia in their first group match. The team is in a group of 5 - along with Australia, we are in with Ireland, India & Turkey. They have a day off tomorrow before taking on India at 9am on Thursday.

The 5's football team drew their first match in their competition group. The score was 1 - 1 against Paraguay.

29th. The football 5's were well beaten (3 - 0) by an extremely good Nigerian team. The result has not dampened the 2 Lothian players spirits & they are enjoying the whole experience. The 5's play Venezuela tomorrow at 9am.

Richard Cooke's Judo competition will begin on Saturday.

30th. A full compliment of footballers parents(Lothian, Highland, Scot West & Northern) + Yvonne witnessed a much improved display by the 11's team. Having again gone a goal behind , the team replied with some fluent passing football - breaking down the Indian defences time & again.
The final score 7 - 1 to GB. Turkey are up next tomorrow at 9am.

In the pool Team GB won a silver (no information for what discipline).
David Fergus was only involved in a heat today. No doubt things will be happening thick & fast in the pool from tomorrow.

The Football 5's - including Sean & Dean beat Venezuela 5 - 0 &
will play them again tomorrow for he bronze medal.

1st July.
Football 5's have won bronze after beating Venezuela 1 - 0 . The lads outplayed the South Americans throughout , but could only find the net once.
A nervous last few minutes - but they were well deserved winners.

David Fergus has won a silver in the 100m Individual Medely. No time of his swim available - but a big well done to him. He will swim again tomorrow & again on Sunday.

Football 11's have secured at least a bronze after their 2 - 2 draw with Turkey.
They will play Ireland tomorrow with a chance of upping their medals to silver.

2nd

Judo - Richard Cooke has won a Bronze medal in the Judo.

Swimming - David Fergus won his heat in the 200m Breaststroke. His final is on Sunday morning.

Football 11's - A tremendous match, which either team could have won, ended in a 1 - 1 scoreline. GB take the Bronze, which they will receive tomorrow.

All Lothian athletes have now medalled. A fantastic effort from all the athletes, who have done Lothian proud.

3rd

David Fergus won a bronze in the 200m breaststroke.  He took 2 seconds off his quaifying time.
Well done David.
Both football teams picked up their bronze medals in a very well supported ceremony for all football competitions held at the Hellinko National Hockey Centre.
It is a toss up between the Irish and the GB supporters as to who made the most noise!!


BBC News give info on World Games

Please click here to link up with BBC News on 17/6/11

Bowls  results  are  posted  in  the  bowling  section  of  Sports  groups / Links
                                           

              The 2011 GB team Prepares for an Experience of a Lifetime

Special Olympics Great Britain learning disabled athletes and volunteer coaches and staff from England, Scotland and Wales converged on the small town of Runcorn for a weekend of training and camaraderie before their departure to compete at the largest sporting event in the world this year: Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens, 25 June – 4 July 
                                        Read more 
                         

                                           Bowls
The  Lothian Regional LD Senior Lawn Bowls Championship will be held at Musselburgh Bowling club (Fisherrow) on Thursday 9th June. 
 
The competition will start at 10.45am, all bowlers must be checked in by 10.30am  it will finish approx 3.30pm
 
All entries must be with Yvonne by Friday 3rd June.
 
If you know of anyone who plays bowls and has a learning disability, who may be interested in this competition, would you please contact Yvonne for an entry form. 


                                             Judo
On  Saturday  April  23rd, the  annual  East  Scotland  Special  needs  &  Disabilities  Competition  was  held  at  Kirkliston  Leisure  Centre.
In  total, 39  entrants  competed  on  the  day - from  all  over  Scotland  &  as  far  a field  as  East  Sussex.
Lothian  came  away  from  competition  with  4  Gold, 5  Silver  &  5  Bronze  medals.
Congratulations  to  each  &  every  one  of  the  players  taking  part - who  showed  off  a  very  high  standard  of  judo.


                    Lothian  Hibernian  V's  Highland  V's  Stirling  City.
On  Sunday  the  10th  of  April,  a  B  Band  &  a  C/D  Band  team  set  off  for  Inverness  at  an  unearthly  hour. The  trip  proved  very  fruitful  for  Lothian, with  the  B  squad  winning  the  competition, having  played  some  very  good  football. Although playing  against  higher  graded  opposition, the  C/D  squad  did  extremely  well, only  losing  their  matches  by  a  single  goal  in  all  of  their  matches.
The  Lothian  &  Highland  team  members  who  will  make  up  the  team  for  Schtroumpfs  then  played  as  an  11  for  the  first  time  against  ammalgamations  of  the  other  players  . This  was  a  very  wothwhile  exercise  &  for  a  first  run  out, the  team  looks  to  have  a  bit  of  promise  to  it. Great  weather, good  facilities  &  renewing  friendships  made  for  a  good  day  all  round.

                          Judo  Tournament -- Beverwijk (Holland)
On  Saturday  April  9th, members  of  the  Lothian  Judo  Squad  took  part in a  competition  held  in  Beverwick, either  as  part  of  the  G.B. Squad  or  as  individuals. In  all, 375  competitors  from  as  far  a  field  as  Croatia, Denmark  &  South  Africa  took  part  with  Lothain  returning  with  brilliant  results.
In  The  Junior  Section  both  Aaron  James  &  Nicky  Lou  James - competing  for  G.B. - won  Gold, while  Richard  Cooke  took  Gold  in  the  Senior  Section  for  the  G. B. team  with  John  Ludick  taking  the  Bronze.
Competing  individually, both  Nicola  Tuxworth  &  Kathleen  Inglis  came  home  with  bronze  medals.  

                                  SOGB Volunteer Awards 2010
Congratulations to this years winners 
click here for full report 
                        



                            Race  Night -- Blackburn  Bowling  Club 
On  Friday  25th  of  February, a  very  successful  Race  Night  was  held  in  West  Lothian, attracting  not  only  family  &  friends  of  our  athletes, but also  quite  a  few  locals.
With  an  eight  race  card, a  10p  toss  to  a  bottle, a lucky  programme  draw  &  an  end  of  evening  "auction  race" , it  was  announced  that  the  sum  of  £1200  had  been  raised.
Many  thanks  to  Andy  &  Caroline  for  organising  the  event  &  a  special  thanks  to  Peter  &  Spike  for  running  the  races  &  helping  to  explain  the  way  things  work.                


              SDS Carpet Bowls Championships  --- Inverness February 5th

An intrepid band from Lothian, led by Helen Bruce, set of by train for Inverness - hoping to get there & back without any intervention from the weather. The team comprising of Lillian Renshaw, Marie McGrath, Susan Carney, Amanda Craig, Euan Wright, Chris Fleming, Bill Smith & Gordon Graham was accompanied by Agnes, Freda, Jane & Lawrence, so plenty experienced helpers on hand.
In the Women’s Singles , Maureen McKenzie from Aberdeen and Amanda Craig from Lothian were appearing in a national final for the first time. After a closely contested final Amanda was crowned champion.  Throughout the day she had been in great form and her victory was no surprise.
Amanda is now the SDS Ladies singles lawn Bowl Champion as well she won that in Sept 2010.
For the full results please see the SDS web www.scottishdisabilitysport.com 
A photo of Amanda with her trophy can be seen in the Gallery

               
                 Bradley Stoke 10th Anniversay SN Judo Competition

                East of Scotland Special Needs and Disabilities Judo Group
                     Covering all aspects of Additional Support Needs
  
Bradley Stoke saw the start of the competitive season for players from the East of Scotland Special Needs and Disability Judo Group (ESSN) and what a
start it was. 
There were gold medals from Richard Cooke, Aaron James and Nicky Lou James, along with Nicola Tuxworth taking a bronze medal.
All four of these players have been selected to represent Great Britain in Beverwijk Holland in April.
A special well done to Nicky Lou James, as this is the first time she has been selected at the age of 11 years.
James Rivals also secured a complimentary gold medal with an outstanding performance in a group that was put together especially for him on the day.
 
Jo Imrie would like to thank the organisers of the event for adapting to our players needs.
 
Although financially this competition was a stretch for some of our players, it was good to support another domestic event especially so close to our own East of Scotland Special Needs Judo Competition on 23rd April 2011.
 
Further congratulations go to John Luddick – who has been selected to represent G.B. in Beverwikj – Holland.
 
Report By: Jo Imrie, joint head coach of East of Scotland Special Needs and Disabilities Judo Group
 
 

Table Sale at Blackhall St Columba's Church
12th February

Richard and family are hosting a table sale at the church in aid of the World Games.  There are still a few tables up for grabs at £10 a table if you are planning on doing a spring clean and need a place to sell your stuff. Please contact us should you wish further details.

RBS Runners up

SOL were runners up in the RBS local charity for the Penicuik Area.  As runners up we will receive a cheque for £1000.  Thank you to everyone that voted for us.

LSO Boccia Champs
Due to a clash in dates the competition will have to be rescheduled from 5th Dec to after the New Year - We will confirm date ASAP (Good luck to Kirsty and Andrew at the National Boccia Championships in Sheffield on the 5th!)

Claire Jeffray's continues her success at the skiing salom

East Lothian Courier report


Well done to Richard and Nicola taking Silver and Bronze in the 2nd SN European Judo Champs in Holland.

(see Gallery and documents for report)

Lothian footballers voted runners up at Awards Ceremony for Edinburgh Sports Club of the Year - for more info click here

AWARD edin lei 2010.doc

 

Lions Club International meet some of the SOL Team

www.sogb.org.uk/MediaCentre/NewsArchive/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/302/Athletes-join-Lions-event-in-Edinburgh.aspx


FOOTBALL  - Lothian Hibernian V's Everton Disability Football On Sunday the 25th, Hibernian FC sent their First Team Coach to Meadowbank to pick up 30 players, coaches & Yvonne (LSO Chair) for a trip to The Hibernian Training Centre at East Mains. After a couple of false starts, where Everton had to postpone earlier dates, we were all set for a day at the centre with an afternoon of football planned. After meeting with Jimmy Burns, the Centre manager, who welcomed everyone to the site the players changed into their kit & had a 45 minute training session, before being called in for a soup & sandwich lunch. After Everton had enjoyed the same hospitality it was down to the main business of the day.

The results & a brief explanation as to how the games were worked out is as follows.

Lothian D's V Everton second team - This match was due to be played over a 20 minute period, but it became apparent right from the start that these teams were not matched up -- Everton playing at a higher ability level. Although the match was played to its conclusion, the score became irrelevant, we think it finished around the 10 - 0 mark.

Lothian C's V Everton first team - This match was to be played over 2 halves of 20 minutes. In the first half , Lothian Hibernian found themselves out matched against a much stronger Everton team & although our keeper had a string of excellent saves, he could not prevent 5 goals from being scored against us.  It was decided that for the second half, the Everton second team would take to the pitch & this proved to be the correct matching for both teams. Although kept busy again, our keeper was able to keep a clean sheet, while at the other end Lothian Hibernian was able to score two goals - giving us victory in that "match"

Lothian B's V Everton first team - This turned out to be a very entertaining match, with Everton's superior match practice telling in the end. The final score in this match, played over 2 halves of 25 minutes was 3 - 1 to Everton.

Lothian D's V Everton second team - To ensure that all the players got as much football as possible on this special day, Lothian D's again took to the field . This time however Everton very sportingly played with a team of 5 players against the Lothian Hibernians 8. After a match, much enjoyed by the players of both sides, Lothian Hibernian ran out 7 - 3 winners - which made up for the disappointment of the first match.


At the end medals were presented to all the players & coaches to commemorate the day. Lothian also presented Everton with a Friendship Trophy. All the players had a fantastic day at East Mains & it will no doubt be the talk at training for quite a while to come.  With an invitation to travel to Merseyside for a return set of matches - hopefully this will be the start of regular fixtures for both teams.


FOOTBALL - On  a  wet  &  windy  23rd, Lothian  Hibernian  boarded  the  bus  to  take  us  to  Toryglen  in  Glasgow  for  the  SDS  National  7’s.  Lothian  entered  2 B  Division  teams, 1 C  Band  &  for  the  first  time  a  D  Band  side. The  Lothian  schools  also  managed  to  enter  2  teams  in  the  Junior  B  Division.  Dean  Lawrie  &  Sean  Forsyth, our  2  A  Band  players, were  sent  on  loan  to  Angus  to  make  up  a  team  in  the  A  Band  competition. 

Band  B

In  the  B  competition, Lothian  B1  came  away  with  the  silver  medal  having  beaten  Lothian  B2  &  Stirling  City – only  being  beaten  by  Glasgow. Lothian  B2  also  lost  to  Glasgow, but  had  a  good  3 – 0  win  over  Stirling  City.

Band  C
After  a  very  comfortable    win  over  Highland  in  their  first  match, the  wheels  rather  came  off  for  the  Lothian  team.Although  never  letting  the  heads  go  down, the  C’s  were  outplayed  firstly  by  Dundee  1, out  muscled  by  Dundee 2  &  were  very  unlucky  to  get  beaten  1 – 0  by  Glasgow  in  a  match  that  was  there  for  the  winning.

Band  D
In  their  first  outing  at  a  7’s  tournament, the  D  team  put  up  a  grand  performance. Although  losing  narrowly  to  Angus  twice  &  Stirling  City, the  team  left  the  tournament  with  a  3 – 0 victory  over  Stirling  in  their  last  match  of  the  day.

Schools

It  was  great  to  see  the  schools  being  able  to  put  two  teams  into  the  competition, the  inter  school  competitions  &  The  Hibernian  Foundations  involvement  paying  dividends.  In  the  competition  itself  Lothian  Schools  won  the  gold  medal  in  the  B  section.

JUDO -The Dutch Open was well attended and included teams from Germany, Holland, and Italy.  Even with such strong competition TeamGB fought extremely well and won the bronze medal. The Individual event took place on the Saturday 18 September in which six players took part with both Richard Cooke and John Luddick winning silver medals.

Well done to Scott and Christina - their 4 x1st for Scott and 3 x1st and a 2nd for Christina at the European Championships in Poland.  The Contributed to a grand medal total of 36 Golds 29 Silvers and 23 Bronzes from the GB Team.

Good luck to Scott and Christina who represent the GB team at the European Championships in Poland. 

Judo - congratulations to John ludick who is part of 3 Scottish based players who have been selected to compete in Utrecht as part of a senior mens GB SN Team.  The individual competition takes place on Saturday 17th September with the team event on the 18th.