I’ve had a less busy month, but not spoken much about it online, so here’s an overview of what I’ve been up to:
Boccia UK Camp in Largs
We had our last camp of 2023, early in December. The focus of the camp was on next year, what we can do better and what went well in 2023, that we can continue on towards Paris 2024. Christmas camp’s are a bit different, as there is always an element of celebrating the year before, plus a Christmas Quiz, which everyone looks forward to (thanks to quizmaster Claire Morrison!). At this camp we also celebrated the retirement of Jamie and Linda McCowan, and I hope they enjoyed their send off.
Sally and I were also tasked to create some ‘Christmas Content for the Boccia UK social media, so we created a ‘Boccia Would You Rather’, with the biggest shock to come from the final interviewee! https://www.facebook.com/BocciaUK1/videos/243486585286117
Van Issues!
I’ve been having some issues with my Motability Van in the last few months, and hopefully now I have had the last set of repairs done *fingers crossed* there will be no more issues! My van is hugely important to my independence and freedom, and although it’s been drivable throughout it’s various repairs, it’s been a constant worry. Now I’ve had everything resolved, I’m back to enjoying driving and having the freedom to do what I want again.
Sideline Cuts Podcast
When I approached Matthew about sharing my story through his podcast, he was very keen to have me on and we finally arranged a date to record last week. We talked all about boccia, a basic guide to the game and classifications, but also more about how I’ve gone on to become world #1, how that makes me feel and then everyone’s favourite subject – Paris! It was great to chat with Matthew and you can listen to my episode below:
All About Boccia Video
I also released my latest video about boccia, explaining the basic rules and principles as well as talking about the rules and balls. I worked with Jamie Brennan, who filmed and edited it all for me, as if I tried to do it myself it would have taken ages, whereas Jamie is a whizz kid with this. I’m delighted with the outcome (below) and would recommend Jamie for all your content capture needs!
BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY)
For those of you who follow my social media, I made a recent post about how yet again no boccia athletes were invited to SPOTY. It may seem like such a small thing, but I feel like it’s important to be honest, and it’s massively disheartening to see boccia athletes overlooked time and time again.
With Paris just around the corner, I know that the media coverage around the Paralympic games will grow, but it is important that it is spread equally amongst sports, and not just targetted at the ‘bigger’ sports and well known faces. Smaller and less well known sports, like boccia – feature elite athletes also, working just as hard, but they will stay unknown and hidden, unless the big time media and news coverage is willing to share these stories.
What was remarkable about my post on SPOTY, was the amount of other Paralympic athletes (who have achieved European / World / Paralympic titles) who got in touch with me to say they weren’t invited either, nor did their sports feature in any of the montages broadcast.
New Tattoo!
Trying to find a tattoo studio that is wheelchair accessible, and also has a disabled toilet is like looking for a needle in a haystack! Never mind if the tattoo artist is any good, can I get in the door is my first question!
I’ve been messaging / reaching out to various tattoo studios over the last year, trying to find one that would meet my access needs, but also has a tattoo artist who works in fine line. I had many replies, and many non-replies, but the staff at Croi Dubh went above and beyond to make sure I felt comfortable and that I was getting the right artist.
On the day of my tattoo, I was quite nervous – (not for the tattoo!) but nervous if I would be able to access the studio. You would NOT believe the amount of times I have been to places which have claimed they are ‘wheelchair accessible’, for me to arrive and see a ‘small’ step, or more commonly a dangerous ramp!
My worries were immediately set at ease by Emma McCormick, my tattoo artist who accompanied me to the rear of the shop, where there was a perfectly smooth ramp into the studio and I was sorted! I was even able to access the reception area (to buy some merch obviously!) and then was blown away by the size of the disabled toilet they have.
I’ll post a video about my experience at Croi Dubh soon, but for now, here’s the tattoo I got, and the song it was inspired by!
Christmas 2024
As I travel a lot, I really look forward to Christmas, to spend time with my family and friends, and to have some much needed rest and relaxation at home.
We had a lovely Christmas as a family, and enjoyed great food (thanks mum). I’m trying to spend more time away from my phone so my parents got me presents that would help inspire me to be more creative, including an acrylic paint set, and some more stationery. But the highlight of my gifts was my absolute favourite childhood game – Screwball Scramble! However, the newest version is much more difficult and certainly a challenge, but I’ve enjoyed watching my dad get frustrated at not even passing the first obstacle!
It was also my dad’s 66th birthday and to thank him for everything he does for me, I decided to combine his birthday and Christmas Gifts. Scott and I bought him a new TV, which he’s very happy about, however he was less happy at seeing the calendar for 2024, as I don’t think he will have much time to watch TV!