SPORT DISABILITY SCOTLAND

“While we are responsible for supporting professional athletes, it is always difficult to secure funding for grassroots sports programmes. What we will do with this money will make a difference for many years to come.”

The £48,810 National Lottery grant will fund their Engage programme, which aims to encourage young people with severe and complex disabilities to take part in sports activities, helping them be healthier, more active and less isolated.

SUPPORT Stefan Haggan, 24, who was born without his lower right arm, knows how much Sport Disability Scotland can help. The organisation got him involved in swimming aged just six, then supported him and his family as he rose through the ranks and competed in national and international competitions. He later switched to triathlon before retiring in 2016, and now works as a lifeguard. Stefan said: “SDS is a really special organisation, and it leads the world in grassroots disability sports. “My mum had taken me to the local public swimming pool when someone from the organisation saw me and helped get me the right lessons for my disability. It changed my life and I ended up competing all around the world.” Gavin Macleod added that their National Lottery grant will transform the lives of many children. He said: “This money will enable us to reach these people and make a real difference in their lives.”