Connect Autumn 2015 | Page 12

12 AUTUMN 2015 Ayrshire Sportsability promotes inclusion by building local capacities in coaching and clubs. It supports individuals, clubs and other organisations through the Grant Award Scheme. Celebrating local achievements, Ayrshire Sportsability makes annual awards for Young Athlete, Activity in the Community, Active School and Coach. Supporting the 2012 London Paralympics legacy, it introduced the first ever Ayrshire Roll of Honour in Disability Sports to over 30 local disability athletes who have represented Scotland and/or UK over the last 10 years. The partnership with the College offers every single sport student the exposure to work with diverse groups, ‘not just to tick boxes but to provide the students with a meaningful experience’. Such opportunities also mean vital voluntary hours support their ‘Citizenship Through Sport and Volunteering’ unit. Several students who have volunteered in disability sport now intend to pursue this as a career. Ayrshire Sportsability Chair, Dr Waiyin Hatton, said “Ayrshire College has been the essential ingredient in the success and growth of Ayrshire Sportsability. We share the same passion in ‘making a difference’ for people with disabilities through sports. The students’ enthusiasm and professionalism have truly ‘raised the bar’ at our events.” Find out more about Ayrshire Sportsability here... Ayrshire Sportsability has ambitious plans for the future – increasing the range of sports at festivals; expansion of coach development programmes; supporting more athletes, clubs and schools in the Grant Award Scheme. Plus holding the first ever Ayrshire Para-Games in 2016.