THE Observatory for Sport in Scotland’s first Master of Research student, Gemma Lumsdaine, has been named in the Shaw’s Trust Disability Power 100 list – the list of the most influential people with disabilities in Britain.
Gemma is a wheelchair basketball and rugby player and coach, and after graduating from Abertay University with a first class honours degree in sports coaching and management, she came through a strong field to secure the first OSS Master of Research appointment, managed by University of the West of Scotland. Gemma is now busy leading our project, in conjunction with Scottish Disability Sport, and supported by the Peter Harrison Foundation and a range of partners, that aims to develop a deeper understanding of disability and sport in Scotland.
Gemma said: “I am absolutely delighted to have made the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 List. There are so many incredible individuals on the list and I’m honoured to be included.”
The Disability Power 100 list is an annual celebration and publication highlighting and championing the work of leading disabled influencers in the country, and is nominated by the public, with the top 100 decided by a panel of UK judges.
Gemma Lumsdaine
Over the years it has allowed the Shaw Trust to encourage businesses, employers and other organisations to reflect on opportunities available for disabled people. The list is said to play a vital role in providing much needed encouragement to the young and talented leaders of tomorrow, allowing them to see that aspiration and ambition can be fulfilled regardless of disability or impairment.
A spokesperson for the Shaw Trust Power 100 stated: “Celebrating diversity is so important, and the disability Power 100 is here to do just that. Even though a fifth of the UK’s population has a disability or impairment, there is little recognition of the many successful and influential disabled people who are role models for all of us to aspire to.
“At Shaw Trust we want change the public perception of disability; we want to recognise strong, successful, influential people who are leaders in their field. The Disability Power 100 recognises and amplifies the successes of the finalists, with the goal of encouraging talented leaders of tomorrow through their example to achieve their full potential, regardless of disability or impairment.”
Gemma is a sports educator with sportscotland and Scottish Disability Sport, and a sports coordinator with the Dundee Dragons Wheelchair Sports Club. She is also a member of the Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Advisory Board, formed by the Scottish Government.
More information on the Disability Power 100 is available here.
Thought Piece from Charlie Raeburn for Reform Scotland