Service Description

Formerly ‘Cunninghame District Sports Association for the Disabled’, North Ayrshire Sports Association for the Disabled (NASAD), as it is now known was established in 1979 and was re-constucted in 1997 to align with the new local authority (North Ayrshire Council) after reorganisation of the local government in Scotland. The local authority, Cunninghame District Council, as it was then known, was instrumental in the Association’s formation. The Council’s progressive and forward thinking in this area, before social inclusion and equity had such a high profile, played a major role in assisting Scotland gain its second sports association for people with a disability and probably Scotland’s first local authority designated officer responsible for sport for people with a disability. The leading role and commitment the local authority took at this time helped greatly, the promotion of the Scottish Disability Sport’s (the National Governing Body of Sport for people with a Disability) model of Area Branches made up from member organisations from the voluntary sector in partnership with local authorities providing administration and officer support. This model has continually been used across Scotland in the development of other SDS branches, of which there are now around eighteen throughout Scotland, and still continues to be used today. There is no doubt this was a historic landmark, which the local authority should be proud of and celebrate. Support for NASAD continues today through K:A Leisure and its Sports Development Team.