Over seventy children with physical disabilities and visual impairments from all over Bucks converged at Stoke Mandeville stadium – the home of British Parlaympic sport - for a multi sports festival, on Wednesday.
The children from twelve different schools played adapted versions of tennis, cricket – whilst putting their athletic skills to the test and taking part in a range of disability sports such as new age kurling, polybat a game similar to table tennis – boccia and table cricket.
Patricia Moynihan Disability Sports Development Officer with the Bucks and Milton Keynes County Sport Partnership said “we are giving children an opportunity to come together and try out sports they may not have the opportunity to play at school – it gives them a chance to compete with and against others on a level playing field.”
Sophie from the Grange said that she enjoyed interacting with others and trying out lots of new sports
Ben, also from the Grange explained that having a go at lots of different activities gives you the chance to find something you liked and are good at.
Jan Nicholas, a learning support assistant from the Grange School in Aylesbury is delighted that her students are getting involved in the activities – something they don’t always do at school; interacting with each other and making choices about what sports they like and don’t like.
Gaye Pickard from Alfriston School in Beaconsfield adds “it’s so great to see kids competing on an equal footing with their peers rather than struggling to keep up.”
The Festival was opened by double Paralympic Gold Medallist swimmer Giles Long.
He said “Festivals like these are a great way of getting more disabled young people active.”
Could there be a budding 2012 Paralympian amongst the youngsters on show today. “You never know,” Giles says. “But one thing’s for sure. If you don’t provide the opportunity you are never going to find out.”
Giles, who has limited use of his right shoulder as a result of suffering from cancer as a youngster, explains that it is important youngsters are encouraged to focus on the many things they can do in sport and in life, rather than worrying about the significantly fewer things they can’t. “Trying out lots of different sports is important so youngsters can see what they enjoy and what they are good at,” he says.
Patricia Moynihan explains how the children were inspired and motivated by listening to and talking with a famous name from the world of disability sport. “Not only has he reached the very top in his sport, but he has been through so much and had his own ‘I can’t do that anymore’ moments. The young people can identify with that, it can give them strength to get through their own moments of doubt.”
By Crispin Andrews