MEET THE NEW SMS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER!

Shabaz Khan commenced his role as SMS National Development Officer on Monday the 29th of April 2019. Based within the central belt, Shabaz will be based predominantly within the Glasgow and Edinburgh Sportscotland offices.

Background

I have been involved with sports coaching and development since age 16 when I first started as a modern apprentice/community coach with Scottish Rugby. Since then I have completed 4 years of study at college gaining qualifications in rugby performance, advanced sports performance, sports coaching and development, followed by a BA (Hons) in International Sports Management. During my time in higher education I worked for varying organisations within a range of sporting disciplines across a variety of roles including disability sports coach, regional development coach, coach educator and sports development officer.

Role Expectations

I’m hoping to bring a fresh set of eyes to Scottish Motor Sports. I’m very passionate about developing sport regardless of game, rules, discipline or performance level. Additionally, inclusion is something very close to my heart and as such I intend to make it one of my priorities. I believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to find their sport and practice it how they see fit! I’m looking forward to working closely with our focus clubs to develop their annual targets, strategic planning and aiding in incorporating both a business and grassroots development mind-set. I would like everyone to know that if they have any issues or have any questions, please get in touch!

The Journey so Far

I have held introductory meetings with most of our focus clubs and started to work with them to build targets and action points for each. I’ve been fortunate enough to attend some greatly organised and delivered events, displaying how much you all care about motorsport. I’m a firm believer in building brand awareness online and as such I’ve been focusing on building our social media following. Some of you may have seen our new Instagram page (@sms.motorsport) as well as some of the content that has been posted in the past month. Additionally, I have been working closely with Gillian and partner organisations to develop our brand new Motorsport Inclusion Training workshop, which I’m very excited to roll out.

I’m always happy to help and really looking forward to meeting a lot more of you in the near future!

Shabaz can be contacted via email at Shabaz.khan@scottishmotorsports.co.uk or by phone on 07470743088.

2018/19 SMS ACADEMY

The final session of the SMS Academy 2018/19 is fast approaching and our athletes are gearing up for an action packed day of activities. The session will be held at Sportscotland’s Caledonia House in Edinburgh on the 30th of July covering a host of topics from media and communications to career planning moving forwards. As an exciting addition to the syllabus, we will be piloting a fitness module delivered by our very own NDO, Shabaz! This is in response to feedback from previous sessions in which our athletes expressed a want for a more active programme.

At the beginning of the year, 56’N Motorcycle Magazine, previously known as Ride Scotland, sponsored the SMS Academy riders to the sum of £1000. This funding has enabled the delivery of a practical skills and team building session for the riders. Due to take place towards the end of July, the riders will take part in an off road skill building evening hosted by Kingdom Off Road Motorcycle Club at their Kirkness Track. Training will be delivered by SMS Academy coach Kevin Murray.

THE SCOTTISH ROAD CAR SERIES

Now almost half way through the season, competition is starting to heat up! With 18 competitors registered in the series after Round 4, the fight for the top spots is beginning to get tighter. The current standings are as follows:

Points have been accumulated by competitors over a variety of tests at different locations throughout Scotland. So far events have been held at Ardeer, the Grampian Transport Museum in Alford, Knockhill and Errol Airfield in Perth. Competitors commented that they particularly enjoyed the track and it’s layout at the Transport Museum with one claiming it to be,

“The best venue so far!”

A huge positive that has come out of the series this year is that it is helping individuals to enjoy life and combat poor mental health. Sport is a great tool for supporting mental health and wellbeing and the Scottish Road Car Series is proud to promote ‘Sport for Life,’ Sportscotland’s new strategy. Speaking about the series and how it is benefiting them, two members commented:

“My MX-3 has managed to help me start the ball rolling to achieve my overall dream of racing. With my mental health a daily struggle, my cars are always there for me when I need them. Working on and competing in my latest car, the MX-3 is helping me with my confidence, self-worth, anxiety and depression. Cars are so much more than four wheels. They are hope and help to get better and to keep moving forwards.” – Lauren Austen-Maycock

“Our Sport has enabled us to get out and enjoy life and meet likeminded people to help us enjoy ourselves and forget about our troubles for a day.” – John Macleod

At the half way point, there’s still all to play for. Spread the word, sign up and #GetInvolved

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY IN SPORT

The first ever Motorsport Inclusion Training (MIT) is set to be delivered on Friday the 5th of July at East Ayrshire Car Club’s new classroom facility based at Kames Race Track. Members of the SACU, Motorsport UK and SAMSC have been invited to attend alongside key venue partners and discipline experts. Training will be delivered by DMS and SMS staff and will soon be on offer to all clubs.

Why are we doing this?

Disability Motorsport Scotland (DMS) highlighted that there was a need within motorsports for a more inclusive approach towards participation. Colin Duthie, DMS Trustee, brought the idea to SMS that training should be provided to help clubs best support people with disabilities at their events. As a result, a partnership between DMS, SMS and Scottish Disability Sport was created and the MIT project was developed. Delegates will complete a 3 hour training course which upon completion will receive a ‘MIT Crew’ badge. Playing on the term ‘Pit Crew,’ the MIT Crew will be identified as the unified family of motorsports members who are aiding the development of motorsports through equal and inclusive practice.

The Badge

We have created a bespoke logo which contains a range of emblems which we believe encompass both motorsport and inclusion.

Jigsaw – This represents how we are all parts of the same puzzle and how we can all come together realising the bigger picture.

Rainbow Tiles – The colours of the rainbow are a universally accepted symbol of diversity and the LGBTQ+ community.

Chequered Tiles – Whilst inclusion is paramount, we want to honour the sport that we all love. We believe the chequered tiles of a traditional finish line flag is a great way to do this.

MIT Crew – We want to emphasise the point that we are all ONE unit working together for the betterment of the sport. We can’t do it alone, we need our crew!

Do you want to be part of the MIT Crew? Complete your MIT workshop to receive a complimentary pin badge and show your support towards inclusion in motorsport. Join our ever increasing family now!

Contact: info@scottishmotorsports.co.uk

SMS CONSULTATION ON 2020-2024 MOTORSPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

In March, SMS launched a consultation to aid with the planning of the 2020-2024 Strategy for motorsports in Scotland. In order to best shape the direction of motorsports development within Scotland, SMS provided everyone with an interest in the sport the opportunity to have their say. We believed that by tapping into the vast shared knowledge, skills, experience and ideas of the motorsports community, we could help shape motorsports in Scotland to best suit the people involved. The consultation was open for 10 weeks and received 432 responses. Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond!

A summary of the results can be found on our website here.