Meet Sophie Roddie – Scotland’s biggest supporter!
Proudly wearing her Scottish shirt and holding aloft the national flag, Sophie Roddie is undoubtedly one of the country’s biggest bowls fans.
The 18-year-old is always in fine voice supporting her sister, Lauren, at events all over the UK
“Sophie loves bowls,” said her mum Allison.
“She’s a big fan and everyone is fantastic with her.”
Sophie’s older sister, Lauren, plays in Scotland’s junior teams both indoor and out, and the senior team outdoors, with her first cap falling on her 18th birthday.
Sophie has Downs Syndrome and is always proud to tell everyone about her international trips.
“On her return from Wales, Sophie took the photo Trevor (Robinson) had taken of her in Llanelli in to school and it was shown in assembly which she was thrilled about,” added Allison.
“At the outdoor Under 25s series in Leamington Spa in 2018, the girls got Sophie a team shirt and team manager Margaret Bingham gave all the girls a bracelet, including Sophie, which was lovely.
“All the photos from that series I took, I had put into a book which all the girls have signed and it’s now one of her treasured possessions.
“When they won the series in Ayr, Sophie was included in the team photo as all the girls regard her as their best supporter as make her feel as much of the team as possible.
“Margaret gave all the girls a charm to add to their bracelet, Sophie too!”
Sophie would love to play bowls herself, but so far can only manage to handle carpet bowls as her hands are so small, but it is hoped the new Taylor 000 size bowls will be suitable for her to give bowls a go herself.
“Sophie went along to the regional academy sessions with Lauren a couple of years ago and she was made to feel so welcome there too which is wonderful and we have had some advice from one of the para Bowls Scotland coaches,” added Allison.
Bowls Scotland Under 25 team manager Margaret Bingham knows Sophie well.
She said: “The girls adore Sophie. She really feels like an honorary member of junior outdoor team as their number one supporter. She shouts on all the girls’ bowls and enjoys every minute she is with them. Her enthusiasm certainly inspires the girls during the games.”
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