Disability Development Officer 2025 Season Highlights - Stuart Chesby
Stuart is responsible for overseeing the delivery of the Bowls Scotland disability development plan which contributes to the strategic outcome area – a diverse and accessible sport. As Disability Development Officer (DDO) Stuart works with Bowls Scotland’s three National Development Officers (NDO’s) as a team providing invaluable support to bowling clubs all over Scotland. Working with clubs, volunteers, staff and external organisations, Stuart’s focus is on helping clubs provide quality and accessible environments; increasing opportunities for participation and reducing barriers that exist for players with a disability or long-term health condition in the bowling community.
Stuart joined the Bowls Scotland team in March 2024, based in Fife and a member of Freuchie Bowling Club and Strathmiglo Bowling Club, Stuart’s role offers support to clubs all across Scotland.
Key highlights from the 2025 season for Disability Development:
- 13 Club Development Forums attended
- 10 people with a disability qualified as new IBCA coaches.
- 4 SDS para sports festivals attended
- 131 disability landscape survey submissions
- 20 attendees to the inaugural Disability Awareness Day at 2025 Nationals
Stuart told us what some of his personal highlights from the 2025 season have been:
“One of my highlights of the 2025 season has been playing a small part in the journey of individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions. Whether they’re trying the sport for the first time, returning to it after an acquired disability or a change in their condition, or continuing their participation. Regardless of if their goal is to enjoy the game socially with friends and family, become their club champion, compete nationally, or even aim for Commonwealth gold - it’s been a privilege to support them.
“It’s also been encouraging to see several clubs proactively reaching out to explore how they can better support their members, diversify their membership, and become more accessible and inclusive.”
If you missed any of the success stories from disability development over the season, check out a few of Stuart’s highlights below:
Despite the outdoor bowling season coming to a close, our Development Team remain on hand to support our member clubs. Stuart told us what he is looking forward to working on over the winter months:
“During the off-season, I’ll be focusing on disability inclusion training tailored for Bowls Scotland volunteers and clubs, as well as developing a reasonable adjustments policy aligned with our Disability Development Plan. The aim is to help clubs grow their membership by engaging with underrepresented groups.
I’ll also continue supporting bowlers and clubs seeking guidance during the off-season, while collaborating with the wider Development Team on shared projects.
As someone with a disability and over 20 years of involvement in the sport, it’s both exciting and a little daunting to be in a position to influence positive change. Since starting in March 2024, we’ve made encouraging progress—but there’s still much more to do.
Achieving meaningful inclusion will take a collective effort from the entire bowls community. It’s not just about improving facilities; it’s about creating a culture where people with disabilities and long-term health conditions feel genuinely valued and welcomed in our sport.”
Clubs looking for disability development support can reach out to Stuart via stuartchesby@bowlsscotland.com or 07907 867026. Please note that between October and March Stuart’s working hours are Wednesday through Friday.