Local clubs need to adapt to encourage disability sports
Being a wheelchair user, I have often been told that there is no space for me in certain aspects of life.
I grew up on the ice rink as an ice dancer, followed by a performer on the big stage, but when I swapped my legs for my wheels, my whole world changed, and I found myself having to leave that life behind. Trying to get involved in something where I felt I 'fitted' never worked, especially when I was in a powerchair.
Paralympic gold medallist Jonnie Peacock plays football with people with disabilities taking part in the launch event of Every Body Moves campaign in March 2023. ( Sam Mellish) (Image: Sam Mellish)
There are many disabilities out there that are catered for in the sporting world.
Still, every time I looked, I had the opinion that as I wasn't a manual wheelchair user, I had no upper body strength, lower body strength, or middle body strength, for that matter, I wouldn't be catered for.
Until last year.
While watching people train, I was approached and asked: 'Do you want to have a go?' I think I looked at people as if they had two heads. Since my wheels, I had never been asked to participate in a sport.
This is one reason ParalympicsGB started the 'Everybody Moves' campaign: so people could find a sport and get involved, no matter their ability.
No matter where I went, I was surprised by the accessibility to sports. British Rowing, something I never thought would be accessible, explained how they adapt the boats to the individual's needs. I have since received emails inviting me to their trial days. Being afraid of water, I think I'll sit this one out, though!
Sport isn't for everyone, and that is fine. These days, I am a more behind-the-computer-screen type of girl, but attending events and seeing people get involved in different sports they never thought possible was touching.
WheelPower holds trial days to allow people to try new, adaptable, and inclusive sports. Being asked to cover their events, including their upcoming Junior Games, is a privilege, as you see people through their journeys.
Finding a sport adapted to your disability can be even more challenging when you don't know where to start.
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Adaptive sports are evolving. I recently discovered that a skating rink near me offers a weekly session for people with disabilities, which allows manual wheelchairs onto the ice.
With the help of my PA, after 20 years next month, I will finally get back on the ice, and that is a feeling I cannot comprehend at the moment.
But more local clubs need to be adaptable, especially for children. However, most teachers are unaware of how to make these changes, so it can come down to individuals to show the clubs what can be done to make them more inclusive.
Starting a sport for someone with a disability can seem like a minefield. A year ago, I wouldn't have known where to look.
However, there are clubs out there. It is about researching, talking, and those who are not adaptable, trying to teach them, and all of us working together.
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