Paralympic Gold Medalist to Speak at Free Scotland Event

A Paralympic champion who turned a muscle wasting condition into a 20-year international sports career is inviting families across Scotland to hear his story for free.

Stephen McGuire MBE, 41, will speak at a Muscular Dystrophy UK Information Day in Falkirk on March 28. The Hamilton native was diagnosed with merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy and transitioned to a power wheelchair around age 14.

But that's when his real journey began. Stephen discovered Boccia, a precision ball sport designed for athletes with physical disabilities, and found his calling.

"I'd never even heard of Boccia, but seeing athletes who looked like me inspired me to find a sport I could do," Stephen said. "Sport is my absolute passion. I never dreamt I'd be able to turn it into my job."

Over two decades, Stephen competed in four Paralympic Games: London, Rio, Tokyo, and Paris. He brought home gold from Paris in 2024, proving that early limitations don't define future possibilities.

Now Stephen works as an ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy UK, which supports more than 110,000 children and adults living with over 60 different muscle wasting and weakening conditions. His brother Peter joined him as an ambassador, making advocacy a family mission.

The March 28 event runs from 10am to 5pm at Forth Valley College in Falkirk. Attendees can expect talks on managing fatigue, mental health, inclusive education, and disability sport, plus networking opportunities with others facing similar challenges.

Why This Inspires

Stephen's story shows how finding the right community can unlock potential that seemed impossible. He went from never hearing about his sport to representing his country for 20 years, making lifelong friends worldwide and inspiring countless others along the way.

"I hope that I can inspire others living with a disability, including a muscle wasting condition, that anything is possible," he said.

The event includes lunch, refreshments, and a Changing Places facility onsite. Healthcare experts and research leaders will share the latest information, with plenty of time for questions.

Similar events are happening across the UK, with Birmingham hosting its Information Day on March 14, and dates for Northern Ireland and Wales coming soon.

Spaces are limited, but anyone affected by muscle wasting conditions can register at musculardystrophyuk.org/Scotland or contact infoday@musculardystrophyuk.org for more information.