‘Phenomenal’ performance from team Shetland at learning disability games
SHETLAND’S first ever learning disability sports team produced a “phenomenal” performance on the big stage, team manager Charis Scott has said.
Team Shetland became the first island side to compete in the Scottish learning disability summer games in Stirling this weekend.
And they are returning home with an impressive tally of 15 medals to show for their efforts, which Scott said was an incredible return.
“The athletes are all pretty buzzing after the weekend,” she told Shetland News.
“We didn’t know what to expect or what the standard would be like, so we just wanted to perform at our best and to showcase what Shetland can do.
“We’re the first island to compete at the games, which is a huge achievement in itself, so to get 15 medals is phenomenal.”
Shetland’s 19 athletes won a total of five gold, five silver and five bronze medals across the weekend while taking part in sports such as boccia, bowls, badminton, football and swimming.
Team manager Scott said that the team “did better than they thought they would”.
“Everyone had a great time,” she said.
“The standard was amazing, and they’ve competed with some of the best athletes from across Scotland.
“We were always hoping to come back with at least one medal, and we thought that was quite achievable.
“So to get medals in all five sports, it just shows us what we can achieve.
“I think everyone is just delighted.”
The games are held every two years in Stirling, and Scott is hopeful that team Shetland will not only be there in 2027 – she wants them to take an even bigger squad.
“It’s something for us to work towards,” she said.
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“There are a number of sports we didn’t compete in this time, so hopefully it might encourage people to continue this and encourage other sponsors to look at supporting people with learning disabilities in two year’s time.”
Scott said the experience was “not always about medals”, and that the backing for Shetland’s athletes had been “phenomenal” throughout the weekend.
“It has been really huge, and it gave the athletes the showcase they deserve,” she added.
She gave a huge thank you to the organising committee, in particular to Beverly Leslie for organising all their travel and accommodation and to Laura Mathewson as a “huge driver” in their fundraising.
“We raised an incredible amount to support the athletes. Without that we wouldn’t have been able to go down there,” Scott added.
She also thanked all of the coaches and clubs who helped train and support the athletes, and finally Ability Shetland for all of its support.
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