On Sunday 11 October 2026, the Academy of Sport & Wellbeing in Perth hosted the Perth & Kinross Disability Sport Women and Girls in Sport Festival 2026. Women and girls of all ages with a physical or learning disability, visual impairment, hearing loss, or related condition were invited to attend.
Delivered by Perth & Kinross Disability Sport in partnership with inclusive local sports clubs and organisations, including Live Active Leisure, the festival gave participants the opportunity to try a range of activities in a welcoming and supportive environment. Sports on offer included athletics, karate, wheelchair sports, boccia, circus skills, dance, badminton and fencing.
Jo Reid, Student Engagement Manager and coach at Adventure Circus said:
"This was our first time attending the PKDS Women and Girls Festival and we were thrilled at how participants engaged with our activities. Everyone had a great time trying to balance props and spinning plates. Being part of these events is important so that we can show that circus skills are possible for any ability, and we look forward to new participants joining our Tuesday inclusion sessions."
The festival aimed to encourage more women and girls to get involved in sport, celebrate participation at all levels, and help break down the barriers that can contribute to lower activity levels among women and girls with disabilities.
Craigie-Lee Paterson, coach at Perth Eagles Wheelchair Sports Club and Disability Inclusion Officer at Basketball Scotland, said:
"Events like this can be life changing. They provide a space where women and girls with disabilities can feel comfortable, included and encouraged to take part without judgment. They help build confidence, create friendships and show that there is a place for everyone in sport, regardless of ability."
The event attracted 30 registrations, with 20 women and girls with a disability attending. A further 15 mothers and female carers took part, alongside 20 local female coaches, including three coaches with a disability. The festival was also supported by two female Perth & Kinross Disability Sport volunteers, in addition to Gemma Simpson, Sports Development Officer at Live Active Leisure and organiser Graeme Doig, Branch Coordinator for Perth & Kinross Disability Sport.
Discovering new possibilities
Euphan and her daughter Kiera attended the festival. Kiera has been unable to walk for more than a year and had previously tried some sports with her family. However, joining others to experience a wide range of sports in a supportive environment was very different. She was able to try sports she had never considered before, while meeting women with similar disabilities. The encouragement and motivation they gave each other made a real impact.
Seeing the different types of wheelchairs used by other participants, and having the chance to try a sports wheelchair herself, highlighted to Euphan that Kiera needs a new chair. A more suitable wheelchair would make it easier for her to get around and help her stay active. Simply having the opportunity to explore what was available in such a welcoming environment was invaluable.
Euphan said, “Kiera particularly enjoyed fencing which she has never done before and is going to join an adult beginners class in Perth. This is something she would never have had the courage to do without the initial try-out day where she met the ladies who run the class.”
She added, “As a mum there to watch, I learnt a huge amount about what was possible wheelchair users. I was also given the opportunity to join in and use a wheelchair which gave me a greater understanding of the problems my daughter encounters every day as well as the possibilities for the future.”
Ashleigh Henderson attended the festival with her daughter Broghan, she said:
“We both loved the festival! Broghan and Emily-Jade loved being together and even remembered each other from last year. They asked if they could meet up outside of these events, so the 'Mum's' exchanged numbers to make sure the girls can catch up again. This is what it's all about and why these events will always get my support - it's wider than sport/activity, its connection and belonging”.
Sport for change
The Women and Girls in Sport Festival received a funding award from Live Active Leisure’s Sport for Change grant scheme, delivered in partnership with The Gannochy Trust. The programme supports projects that use sport and physical activity to create positive change for individuals and communities, including projects that increase participation among women and girls.
Gemma Simpson, Sports Development Officer at Live Active Leisure, said:
“We are delighted to support Perth & Kinross Disability Sport through the Sport for Change grant scheme to help bring this fantastic festival to life. Opportunities like this are so important in making sport and physical activity feel welcoming, accessible and enjoyable for women and girls with disabilities.”
Gemma added: “We also know that women and girls are significantly under-represented in sport compared to men and boys locally, and so events like this are really important to help give participants the confidence to try something new and hopefully continue being active in a club setting.”
More opportunities for women and girls
The festival builds on Perth & Kinross Disability Sport’s wider commitment to removing barriers to participation. Through its no-cost participation approach, the charity helps people with disabilities across Perth and Kinross access sport and physical activity.
This approach has created opportunities for people to take part in a wide range of sports, including athletics, wheelchair sports, swimming, boccia and badminton. The festival continues that community-focused work by providing a welcoming introduction to sport and helping women and girls connect with local clubs and future participation pathways.
Graeme Doig, Branch Coordinator for Perth & Kinross Disability Sport, said:
“We were delighted to bring our free Women & Girls in Sport Festival to UHI Perth and to create a welcoming opportunity for women and girls to try different activities, meet local clubs and find something they enjoy.”
He added: “Removing barriers to participation is at the heart of what we do, and this festival was about giving people the confidence, support and encouragement to take that first step, or the next step, into sport and physical activity. We also wanted to celebrate women and girls at all levels of sport and included a Q&A session with local athletes. All activities on the day were delivered by some of the best female coaches in the region.”
Designed for both complete beginners and those looking to reconnect with sport, the festival offered a relaxed, enjoyable and accessible environment. Throughout the day, participants rotated through a series of short taster sessions, giving them the opportunity to discover sports and activities available in their local area, with sessions delivered by volunteers from local clubs.
Participants also had the opportunity to speak with organisers and sports providers about other sports and activities they may be interested in trying in the future.
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