Disabled Scots benefit from enhanced sports mobility through new partnership

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) and the Motability Scheme have joined forces to make sports more accessible and enjoyable for disabled individuals in Scotland. This partnership aims to showcase the wide range of disability sports available in the country, providing opportunities for disabled people to participate alongside their family members.

The Motability Scheme, which helps over 72,000 disabled individuals in Scotland access independent mobility through leasing vehicles like cars, scooters, or powered wheelchairs, will now support SDS in promoting and improving participation in sports. Gavin Thomson, managing director Scotland at Motability Operations, expressed excitement about breaking down mobility barriers and fostering inclusivity through sports.

SDS, the governing body for disability sports in Scotland, is dedicated to promoting inclusion through sports and supporting individuals with disabilities to participate and excel at all levels. As part of the partnership, the Motability Scheme will sponsor SDS’s 2024 national events calendar, engaging over 2,500 disabled participants in various sports competitions.

Gavin MacLeod, CEO of Scottish Disability Sport, highlighted the partnership as an opportunity to remove barriers preventing disabled individuals from engaging in sports and ensuring accessibility for all. With 14 member branches and close collaboration with local authorities and sport governing bodies, SDS aims to provide sporting opportunities for people of all ages and abilities with disabilities.

The collaboration between SDS and the Motability Scheme signifies a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and accessibility in sports for disabled individuals across Scotland.