Ian Rose inspires youngsters at Disability Sports Festival

The festival, held at the Stoke Mandeville Stadium, was attended by over 40 children from 8 different schools. At the festival the children had the chance to try athletics, boccia, kurling, table-top games, cricket, tennis and tri-golf. The sessions were all lead by experienced coaches and assisted by young leaders from Wye Valley School. The young leaders are all currently studying for a b-tec national diploma in sports coaching and the experience gained at the festival will help them to complete the course.
 
The children at the festival had a great time playing the sports and also had a chance to meet guest of honour Ian Rose. Ian attended the Disability Sport Festival as a representative of Sporting Champions, 'a Sport England initiative, which brings world-class athletes face-to-face with young people to inspire and motivate them to participate in sport'. Ian is a Paralympics Judo champion and spent the day watching the activities, chatting with the children and signing autographs. After lunch Ian gave a talk to the children and answered some of their questions as well as showing them his bronze and silver Paralympics medals.
 
At the end of day all the children were gather together and handed certificates for their participation and hard work over the day. Disability Sport Officer and festival organiser Patricia Moynihan said "It was fantastic to see so many young people taking part in sport. It was brilliant to have Ian Rose at the festival to inspire the children". Bucks sport next festival is the multi-sports festival for children with severe learning difficulties on the 21st November 2007. Anyone wanting more information on the festival should contact Patricia on 01296 585489 or pmoynihan[at]buckssport.org