OnTrack Magazine June/Jul2016

JUN/JUL 2016 | ISSUE 2

> TABLE TENNIS GET INVOLVED

Gymnastics > SPRING INTO ACTION

THE BIG BREAKFAST > Nutrition, snacks and what the champions eat

JACK RUTTER CAPTAIN OF THE CP ENGLAND SQUAD TALKS RIO AMBITIONS

The Paralympic Games > THROUGH THE AGES > THIS YEAR’S KIT > LEXI – CLASSIFICATIONS EXPLAINED

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WELCOME JUNE/JULY 2016 | ISSUE 2

T

hank goodness summer has decided to arrive in Britain, we thought we had been forgotten again. I always think the sunshine brings with it a bit of motivation to get outside and do that little bit more exercise, whether that be simply walking to work instead of driving or spending the afternoon in the park throwing a Frisbee or kicking a ball around. Every little helps.

The Invictus Games took place earlier this year and were another great success, showcasing the talents of our injured servicemen and women in some fierce competition. Our GB team brought back a staggering 131 medals from Orlando, Florida, you can check out our round-up on the Games on page 32.

Our cover this issue is focusing on gymnastics, there has been a great uptake of this inclusive sport through the ‘I’M IN’ programme and the benefits and fun that gymnastics clubs can offer to people of all abilities is fantastic. Find out how you can get involved on page 16.

We spoke with England CP Football captain, Jack Rutter, to find out how he is preparing for Rio and we caught up with wheelchair racer, Samantha Kinghorn, as she waits to hear if she has been selected for the Rio team.

12-year-old Gabrielle Reid has cerebral palsy and she has taken up Kickboxing. Her mum, Lisa, tells us how it has benefited her balance, strength, co-ordination and confidence. Read more on page 38.

We also took to the kitchen this month to create some tasty and healthy breakfast options, well it is the most important meal of the day after all. And we found out what our Paralympic champions eat for their breakfast, check out page 12.

We have had some great feedback from readers so far and we would like to encourage you to continue to send us your stories, ideas and achievements, email me at ros@2apublishing.co.uk

If you are looking for some outdoor adventure, why not unleash your Tarzan at Go Ape? Swinging through the tree tops can be an exhilarating experience and the teams at the various locations throughout the UK can ensure you pick the right course to suit your particular needs. A great day out that the whole family can get involved in.

Editor JUN/JUL 2016 | ISSUE 2

> TABLE TENNIS GET INVOLVED

Gymnastics > SPRING INTO ACTION

THE BIG BREAKFAST > Nutrition, snacks and what the champions eat

JACK RUTTER

Cover image courtesy of British Gymnastics

CAPTAIN OF THE CP ENGLAND SQUAD TALKS RIO AMBITIONS

The Paralympic Games > THROUGH THE AGES > THIS YEAR’S KIT > LEXI – CLASSIFICATIONS EXPLAINED

THE TEAM

Contact

Editor: Rosalind Tulloch Staff Writer: Lisa Mitchell Staff Writer: Dionne Kennedy Designer: Barry Lochhead Marketing: Sophie Scott Sales: Robin Wilson Val Speers Jill Loney

Caledonia House, Evanton Drive, Thornliebank Ind. Est., Glasgow, G46 8JT

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DISCLAIMER

OnTrack Magazine is published by 2A Publishing Ltd.

Tel: 0141 465 2960 Fax: 0141 270 8086

The views expressed in OnTrack Magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher. Reproduction in part or in whole is strictly prohibited without the explicit written consent of the publisher.

enquiries@2apublishing.co.uk www.ontrackmagazine.co.uk

Copyright 2016 © 2A Publishing Ltd. All Rights Reserved. ISSN 2398-3302

A Member of PPA Scotland

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CONTENTS JUNE / JULY 2016

22 07 THE INSIDE TRACK

Keeping you up-to-date with all the current sports news

12 THE BIG BREAKFAST

Start the day off right with our healthy breakfasts and see what your favourite athletes munch in the morning

14 JACK RUTTER

We talk to the captain of the English Cerebral Palsy Football team

16 SPRING INTO ACTION

28 A BICYCLE MADE FOR TWO We talk to Charlotte’s Tandems to find out how to fit two on a bike

30 SAMANTHA KINGHORN The wheelchair racer discusses her quest for Rio

32 INVICTUS GAMES A round-up of the years (second) biggest disability sporting event

A tumble into the world of British Gymnastics

34 HAVE YOU TRIED…?

19 RIO READY

Don’t look down! We explore rock climbing

Everything you need to know before Rio; from Paralympic history, to the story behind the latest ParalympicsGB kits and top tips on how to decode classifications 4

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37 CALVERT TRUST We explore what activities the Exmoor site has to offer

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38 KICKBOXING Tiny and tough, twelve-old-year Gabrielle flies through the martial art

41 HELENA LUCAS The Paralympic sailor discusses her success

42 GO BANANAS Take to the tree tops and unleash your inner Tarzan with Go Ape

44 TABLE TENNIS Ping! Shining a spotlight on the sport offering fun for everyone. Pong!

48 SPORTS CLUB FOCUS Horsin’ around with the Gartmore Riding School in Nottingham

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03/06/2016 15:04

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03/06/2016 12:28 31/05/2016 11:00

SPORTS NEWS

THE INSIDE TRACK Keeping you up-to-date with what’s happening in the world of disability sport

Sport England launch five year strategy ‘Towards an Active Nation’. doing less activity – such as women, disabled people and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

More than 1000 organisations have helped shape the new strategy which will include:

More than one in four people in England do less than 30 minutes of physical activity a week. As well as continuing to support people who already play sport, Sport England’s new strategy places a much greater emphasis on groups who are typically

-Dedicated funding to get children and young people active from the age of five -Working with the sport sector to put customers at the heart of everything they do, and using the principles of behaviour change to inform their work -Investing up to £30m in a new volunteering strategy

-Piloting new ways of working locally by investing in up to 10 places in England -Helping sport keep pace with the digital expectations of customers -Working closely with governing bodies of sport and others who support people who already play regularly, to help them become more efficient, sustainable and diversify their sources of funding You can read the ‘Towards an Active Nation’ strategy plan in full on the Sport England website at www.sportengland.org

PEOPLE WITH DWARFISM CALL FOR SPORT PROVIDERS TO OFFER MORE LOCAL ACCESSIBLE OPPORTUNITIES IN NEW RESEARCH New research released highlights a clear need for sports providers to offer more local sport and recreational activity opportunities, which are accessible for people with dwarfism and restricted growth.

The findings published in a new report by Dwarf Sports Association UK, aim to support providers and sports bodies to plan and deliver their activities better, so they meet the needs of people with dwarfism.

The report, titled Giving You Clear Results, highlights key findings about current

participation trends, motivations and barriers to taking part and latent demand of sport and activities among the dwarf/restricted growth population.

They include: • Top five current participation activities for people with dwarfism are swimming, boccia, athletics, badminton and walking.

• Top three reasons for participating in sport and physical activity were given as enjoyment, keeping fit and socialising.

• Eight in 10 (84%) people stated that they

would like to do more sport and/or physical activity in the future.

As well as providing insight into current participation levels, the report also highlights valuable findings for sports providers such as National Governing Bodies of sport, County Sports Partnerships and local sports clubs, on how to they can improve their activity offers for people with dwarfism and restricted growth.

The report highlights: • Almost half of survey respondents →

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SPORTS NEWS (48%) travel more than 30 minutes to take part in some form of sport or physical activity.

• Only one in 10 (12%) people described being ‘very happy’ with the amount of time they spend travelling to participate.

• Travel difficulties were also highlighted as one of the top three barriers to participation, along with lack of suitable opportunities and other health conditions.

• The research revealed a high level of latent

demand from people with dwarfism and restricted growth for other sports including archery, canoeing/kayaking and table tennis.

Nigel Burton, Inclusive Sports Officer at DSAuk said about the survey: “DSAuk continue to grow and provide our own regular sport and recreational activity opportunities for people with dwarfism through regional and national events. The

survey has shown that people with dwarfism want to do more activity and has reinforced the need for sports providers to offer more opportunities at a local level for people with dwarfism.”

For more information about the Dwarf Sports Association UK, please visit: www.dsauk.org

TEA-MING UP FOR JUNIOR ATHLETICS NATIONALS Following last year’s successful programme, Typhoo and national charity the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS), have teamed up again to ensure more disabled athletes have access to opportunities they can take part in across England. Now hundreds of young disabled people are preparing for the Nationals in Warwick (2-3 July), where a team trophy and gold medals are up for grabs.

In 2016, Typhoo is adding an extra ‘OO’ to the National Junior Athletics Championships and seven regional qualifiers to increase the number of disabled people in athletics. Also on board are volunteers from the Lions Club International, who as a long-term supporter of the junior athletics programme, continually raise funds.

Teams of dedicated volunteers deliver the seven regional events.

They are all on hand to encourage those taking part and lead the team to the Nationals, organised by EFDS. Kate Scott, Sport Development Officer (Equity - Operations & Delivery) at Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport, and an organiser of the Typhoo East Midlands regional athletics event in Leicester in April, said: “The event would not take place without the dedicated team of organisers and volunteers who play a major role in ensuring the event runs smoothly and the athletes receive the support they require. New supporters are always welcome.”

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The qualifiers in the East, Yorkshire, North East, North West, Midlands, South West and London are an excellent opportunity for youngsters to participate alongside their peers in a whole variety of classes and disciplines.

Ros Cramp, Treasurer of the Eastern Region Disability Athletics Forum (ERDAF), and an organiser of the Typhoo East regional athletics event at Chelmsford in May, said: “This is an event where new athletes get the opportunity to compete in athletics often for the first time against people like themselves.

“This can give a massive boost to self-esteem and confidence, and many make friends for life.”

Everyone wants to pick up the team trophy at the National event, so you can guarantee personal best performances. Many elite disabled athletes began their golden careers at the national event.

Paralympians Hannah Cockroft, Shelly Woods, Aled Davies and Hollie Arnold were once junior participants who moved up the ranks to become world-class athletes. Perhaps there are others amongst those taking part in Warwick! www.efds.co.uk

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SPORTS NEWS

HOLIDAY CLUB FOR DISABLED CHILDREN LAUNCHED

100 children and young people in Enfield with disabilities and complex needs are set to benefit from a specialist Holiday Club programme provided by national deafblind charity, Sense.

Sense is one of the newest short breaks providers for Enfield’s Joint Service for Disabled Children’s Team and will be delivering an action packed Holiday Club programme for children and young people with disabilities aged eight and over from the London Borough of Enfield.

The Holiday Club, which has been timed to coincide with school holidays, and the Saturday Clubs, which will run during term time, will take place at The Hadley Centre

and TouchBase South East, the charity’s state-of-the-art support centres located in Barnet, just 15 minutes from Enfield.

Facilities on offer include a music suite, art and crafts room, hydrotherapy pool, a multi-sensory room, rebound trampolining and an accessible kitchen.

The sessions have been designed to offer disabled children in the area the chance to make new friends, increase their independence and try new activities, whilst their families and carers can enjoy some respite from caring.

Debbie Snooks, Community Services Manager at Sense said: “Sense has over 40 years’ experience of providing a wide variety of fantastic short break

opportunities to children, young people and their families across the UK. We are really excited to be extending this offer to children and young people with disabilities from Enfield.

We are in a unique position of having two neighbouring state-of-the-art purpose built centres which can offer young people a multitude of exciting and fun on site activities from hydrotherapy to rebound, to arts, crafts and sensory play. We can’t wait to get started and look forward to our first holiday club this summer.”

For further information contact Tracy Reid on tracy.reid@sense.org.uk or call 020 84490964

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SPORTS NEWS

Brits win silver and bronze at wheelchair tennis World Team Cup Great Britain ends the BNP Paribas World Team Cup with two medals after the quad team claimed silver and the men’s team won bronze on a good penultimate day of competition in Tokyo, Japan.

Britain had a shot at gold in the quad event with the tie poised at 1-1 going into the deciding doubles match, with Jamie Burdekin and Dylan Alcott winning their singles rubbers for Great Britain and Australia respectively. However, the Australian pairing of Alcott and Heath Davidson were ultimately the stronger, winning the doubles 6-3, 6-4 to clinch the world title and leave Britain having to settle for silver.

Britain’s men added to the medal haul by beating Australia 2-0 to win the bronze medal. Seeded fifth going into the tournament, the team were given the perfect start by Marc McCarroll who cruised past Keegan Oh Chee 6-1, 6-1. Eighteen year-old Alfie Hewett, who enjoyed a stellar week as the number one player for Britain, then dispatched Ben Weekes 6-1, 6-3 to give Britain the bronze without the final doubles being played.

“It’s been another good week at World Team Cup, after we won gold last year and I’m chuffed to win bronze,” said Hewett. “Being the number one player and stepping up was something I was looking to do this week. I’m really happy for the team and the people behind us — a lot of hard work and preparation has gone into it from the Tennis Foundation support team and our programme supported by Lottery funding from UK Sport so it’s brilliant to finish with a bronze.”

Dermot Bailey who made his World Team Cup senior debut this week said: “It’s been a great experience, being around the squad is brilliant. We’ve had some great stories and banter this week as a team and the support has been amazing. I’m happy I got to play a singles match as well and play my part in the bronze medal.”

ROLAND GARROS SUCCESS

Jordanne Whiley and Gordon Reid both beat higher ranked players on Thursday’s opening day of the Roland Garros wheelchair tennis event to reach the men’s and women’s singles semi-finals, Whiley doing so at the expense of world No. 1 and defending champion Jiske Griffioen.

Reid and Whiley also reached the men’s and women’s doubles finals.

Whiley and Japan’s Yui Kamiji won a deciding match tie-break in their semi-final that also saw Lucy Shuker on the other side of the net.

World No.4 Whiley made a sensational start to her latest singles campaign in Paris against top seed Griffioen, racing through the opening set 6-0. Griffioen hit back to take the second set, but Whiley secured an early break in the decider and maintained her cushion to wrap up a 6-0, 2-6, 6-3 victory.

“I was just focusing on my game today and trying to worry less about Jiske’s,” said a highly-delighted Whiley after beating the Dutchwoman for the third time to reach her first Roland Garros singles semi-final. “I kept good movement around the court, which was tough on wet clay. Every match at a Slam is really difficult and, I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan of playing on clay, as it doesn’t suit my game, but I adjusted well today.

“I can’t believe I’ve beaten the world No. 1 when I’ve never won a singles match here in Paris. But I had a new game plan and played to my strengths more. After winning the US open last year I’ve got more self-belief that I can beat these guys, so I’m going for the title and I’ve got two matches left to do it,” added Whiley, who, as we go to print with OnTrack, is playing German world No.5 Sabine Ellerbrock for a place in the final.

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NUTRITION

The BIG Breakfast You’ve probably heard before that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. OnTrack donned their aprons and took to the kitchen to create the perfect way to kick start your day.

GETTING ONTRACK WITH YOUR OATS • 50g porridge oats • Handful of berries • 1 tablespoon of natural yoghurt

SMOOTHIE AT SUNRISE • 100g strawberries • ½ banana, peeled and chopped • 100ml 1% milk • 50ml natural yoghurt • 1 teaspoon of natural honey

POACHED TO PERFECTION • Free range egg, poached • ½ avocado sliced • Slice of wholemeal toast

BREAKFAST FACTS THE HEALTHY STACK • 115g plain flour • 2 medium eggs • 150ml 1% milk • 90ml water • Coconut oil/low cal cooking spray • Fruit and maple syrup for topping

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• A breakfast should be eaten within two hours of waking up • Breakfast should make up about 20-35% of your GDA • A healthy breakfast means you are less likely to be overweight and in your ideal weight range

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NUTRITION

MID-MORNING SWAP SHOPS Swap your sugary treat for something a little healthier

HOMEMADE POPCORN (30kcal)

CRISPS (132kcal)

CHOCOLATE BAR (230kcal)

YOGHURT RAISINS (137kcal)

FIZZY JUICE (139kcal)

STILL FLAVOURED WATER (5kcal)

B R E A K FA S T O F C H A M P I O N S

Ade Adepitan

- eats scrambled eggs and salmon

Samantha Kinghorn - eats cereal and yoghurt

Hannah Cockroft

- eats eggs on toast (bacon sarnies as a treat!)

Olivia Breen

- eats protein pancakes

Richard Whitehead

- eats salmon bagels

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03/06/2016 14:19

FOOTBALL

JACK THE LAD

J

ack Rutter’s story of how he sustained a brain injury after an assault on a night out is the well-known tale of how one moment can change the course of your future. At 18, Jack spent a fortnight in intensive care and several months alternating between resting and partaking in serious rehabilitation. We could discuss the intense damage, physically and mentally, this has had on his life, and of course the impact on his budding football career with Birmingham City FC; but instead Jack’s story is a testament to his determination and proof that life certainly doesn’t end after an incident like his, as the 25-year-old steps up to the challenge of Captain of the England Cerebral Palsy Football squad. The footballer’s dreams are now set on the podium in Rio de Janeiro, with a medal around his neck. Taking some time out from relaxing on the beach on one of Britain’s rare sunny days, Jack discusses his career so far and the upcoming exciting summer and beyond, for Cerebral Palsy Football.

“I’m Captain of the England team, which is amazing, such an honour. I hope to lead the boys out in Rio in a few months time.” Jack said.

Jack’s captaincy saw the team finishing in the top five nations for the 2015 Cerebral Palsy World Championships, thanks to a 2-0 victory against Republic of Ireland, which secured them a place at the 2016 Paralympic Games.

“The only teams that are really beating us at the moment are the top two, if we can go to Rio, with the best players from Great Britain, with some good players from Scotland and Northern Ireland in the team now, then we’ve got a great chance I think of at least finishing higher than we ever have done, maybe even up to second or gold who knows. We’re at a really good place at the moment.”

The team are not long back from a tournament in Salou, Spain; which was used to help classify Paralympians who have not yet had the opportunity to be.

“We all got the classification we needed and we finished fourth, so not too bad. It’s the first proper Games we have had together as the GB squad, so we’re only going to get better and improve from now on. We’re off to Brazil next weekend for a warm weather training camp, so that’s going to be really good, but we have lots of other training camps before we head out in September. But we’re looking good, when the team is announced on Friday, that gives us a chance to familiarise everyone with each other in Brazil next week, then we kick off from there.”

The warm weather training helps the squad learn to play in the heat and altitude, by training and playing a match they can become accustomed to playing with less oxygen. The visit will give the team a great indication of their levels of fitness.

“We hope to do as well as we possibly can at the Paralympics, and hopefully leave a legacy, that’s our main job, to say ‘I’ve got a disability, but if I can

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FOOTBALL overcome that and join a sports team and make the most of my life and overcome that adversity I’ve had from birth or from a stroke, or a head injury later on in life’. To leave a legacy that people can say ‘I can do that’, that’d be fantastic.”

Whilst Jack is excited for the present and the opportunities and legacy he hopes the team will create at Rio, he has high hopes for the future: “Post-Rio I’d love to continue playing for England. Following the Paralympics we have the World Cup the following year in Argentina, then we have the European Championships and then we have another World Championships, so we have some really good opportunities ahead of us for the England team to do as well as we possibly can, and hopefully try and win one of those tournaments.”

It has been seven years since Jack sustained his head injury, which was the result of an unprovoked assault outside a nightclub.

“When it first happened, I was really bad, I couldn’t even walk straight and I was in a wheelchair when I left hospital because my balance and co-ordination was just so off, I had to get used to becoming deaf, and had problems with my spacial awareness.

I train quite intensely, five times a week, so I do compensate pretty well. But it’s a constant thing, if I don’t train for say two or three days, I do feel my levels drop and I feel worse. I still have problems when I head the ball, it gives me a lot of ringing in my ear and pain in my head and vertigo. If I do train and eat healthily and look after myself I feel like I do compensate for it pretty well.

“The motivation at having a second chance at football has only given me an extra boost to make the most of it. It’s all worked out

really well in the end, so it’s time to make the most of it.”

Jack fully believes that football and sport in any way is important. Regardless of at what level they choose to be involved.

“Even if they don’t go on to play for England or Great Britain, they have the chance to represent their area and play with likeminded people who have gone through similar experiences.

“When I first started playing with East Midlands Cerebral Palsy team, those lads were the ones who inspired me as much as anybody to play football again, to make the most of it and get over what happened to me; to dust myself down, and make the most of the opportunity. I’ll always push to get people to play sport at any sort of level, as long as you’re enjoying yourself and have a smile on your face.” ■

Images courtesy of Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, where Jack is an ambassador athlete for their AQA Unlocking Potential programme, which gives young people the chance to work with a team of inspirational athlete mentors.

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GYMNASTICS

Spring into Action Patrick Bonner, Disability Manager of British Gymnastics somersaults over his words as he enthusiastically discusses the inclusive world of Gymnastics.

O

n the surface, trampolines, springboards and ropes might seem out of reach for someone with a disability, but British Gymnastics has become dedicated to ensuring that the sport is available to all, since they discovered in 2011 that disability gymnastics was seen as being inaccessible.

“What we’ve done over the last four years in particular is to show the breadth of opportunity that is available, so right from the fundamentals, from movement and skill, perhaps on a trampoline for example, all the way through to elite skills. Anybody of any impairment can get involved in gymnastics" Patrick said.

British Gymnastics have over 1200 clubs across the UK, with 200 of these being specific to disability. To find a club near you, you can visit www.britishgymnastics.org/discover. By simply putting in a few details you can find the

perfect class for you, from thrill-seeking to expressive, you can find the right activity from the seven different gymnastic disciplines.

“Our philosophy is that the type of class a disabled person participates in is completely down to them as an individual.

"We educate our clubs and coaches into how to make sure they differentiate properly and they actually put in place the correct solutions to properly integrate disabled people into classes. There is an opportunity in dedicated classes if someone feels that they would prefer that option. We encourage our clubs and coaches to listen to the gymnast first and foremost and make sure that their needs are catered for.”

It’s easy to get involved in gymnastics and once you’ve tracked down a club local to you, you can get involved straight away without having to fork out the entire

contents of your piggy bank on some expensive equipment.

“The beauty of gymnastics is that you don’t need any kit; a comfortable pair of clothes is all you need. The first session you’ll ever go to is all about fun and exploring what you can do. Our sport isn’t about looking at disabled people and asking what you can’t do. We’re all about finding the potential and ability in everybody.”

Gymnastics is currently an Olympic sport, but has not made it to the Paralympics yet.

Patrick discusses British Gymnastics future plans to hopefully take this exciting sport to the Paralympics one day, but currently there are gymnastic championship levels which disabled gymnasts can compete in.

British Gymnastics is acknowledged internationally by the FIG, (the World Governing Body for gymnastics) and others across the world, as at the forefront

The beauty of gymnastics is that you don’t need any kit; a comfortable pair of clothes is all you need.

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GYMNASTICS

of delivering and developing disability gymnastics.

The success in the UK is inspiring other federations around the world. Educating other countries around the world is a high priority for them, and in partnership with the FIG an international outreach programme was created. In 2015, British Gymnastics helped develop the South African disability gymnastics programme, which is now delivered in over 50% of ‘specialist schools’ across the country. The next country to benefit will be Brazil, following the Paralympic Games.

The education programme will commence swiftly after the event with the objective of improving the provision of gymnastics for

disabled people in the country.

The growth in popularity and participation in disability gymnastics has been attributed to the British Gymnastics ‘I’M IN’ disability gymnastics initiative which aims to develop more high quality opportunities for disabled people in gymnastics. The I’M IN initiative, made possible by Sport England, has encouraged 1,500 disabled British Gymnastics members. Launched in 2013, the programme offers specialist coaching support and mentoring to other clubs who want to become more inclusive. To date, more than 200 coaches have benefited from this initiative and they have taken their new skills and knowledge back to their respective clubs. In two years,

Gymnast Rebecca Green discussed her experience after attending a Discover Gymnastics Taster Day at Preston City Trampoline Club.

Rebecca joined the club after her first session, going every week and working her way through the Proficiency Awards and taking part in the club’s I’M IN Disability Gymnastics Competition.

“I have Down’s syndrome but I feel I am still able to join in all day-today activities. I decided to try gymnastics because I like to try and stay fit and healthy. I really enjoyed the taster day. I think it was my mum that found out about it in the newspaper as she came along with me that day. When I came in it was quiet. I was bouncing on the trampoline with one of the coaches, I didn’t even notice the room get busier, but when I got off to get a drink there were lots of

these clubs have run 75 taster days with nearly 850 disabled people trying the sport for the first time. These events have contributed hugely towards the increase in disability membership, with one in four of those who attended a day going on to become regular members.

“If you’re a gymnast you know how exciting the sport can be" Patrick said.

"The feeling of flight, the feeling of being on a trampoline and having that joy of movement and it’s an incredible joy of movement. If you ever step on a sprung floor or a trampoline for the first time and you can experience your body moving a different way, is just an incredible experience.” ■

people in. I had my picture taken while I was bouncing and was in the newspaper myself.

I enjoy jumping around and learning new skills and routines. I have got my BG badge six now and I am working on seven. I was so nervous about the I’M IN competition my body was shaking. I had practiced my routine lots and lots to be ready, but I was still really scared. I remember getting an award. I really enjoyed it and my family came along to see what I had been working on. I would definitely do another competition.”

To find out more about getting involved in gymnastics visit www.british-gymnastics.org/discover

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MAKE EVERY TRIP AN ADVENTURE Embrace the landscape in our intuitive and adaptive hatchback, the V40 Cross Country D2 Lux Geartronic.

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Fuel consumption and CO2 figures for the Volvo V40 Cross Country in MPG (I/100 km): Urban 33.2 (8.5) – 67.3 (4.2), Extra Urban 54.3 (5.2) – 83.1 (3.4), Combined 44.1 (6.4) – 76.4 (3.7). CO2 emissions 149 – 96g/km. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. *Advance Payment of £499 is for the MY16 Volvo V40 Cross Country D2 Lux Geartronic. Rear Park Assist, Metallic Paint and Winter Pack included. Offer available on the Motability Contract Hire Scheme.

To be eligible to join the Motability Scheme you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment, which will be taken in lieu of the four-weekly rental for 36 months’ duration. 60,000 mileage allowance over 3 years; excess mileage charges may apply. Offer available from 01/04/2016 to 30/06/2016 subject to availability at participating dealers. Offer not available with other promotions and may be subject to change. For full terms and conditions visit www.motability.co.uk/terms-conditions-car.pdf. Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB.

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03/06/2016 12:18 22/03/2016 09:54

PARALYMPICS

Passing the Torch

T

he 15th Summer Paralympic Games are upon us. The hype and excitement have been stirring like a storm for months. We are entering into a new era where people care about the Paralympics as equally as the Olympics. Just as Paralympian, Libby Clegg said in our previous issue, when speaking about the effect and legacy of the London 2012 Paralympic Games: “People really did appreciate that it is not a big joke, it is elite sport and elite performances.”

We saw a dramatic change in opinion and approach to the Games last time and it really has become a very exciting time in disability sport because of this. Disability sport isn’t just looked at as something to tick a box on the inclusivity and diversity list any more, it is being given the time, attention and praise that is due, that it has always been due. We have just evolved enough as a society to finally see just what these athletes put into their everyday lives to get to where they are today and just what they have had to overcome to become household names all over the world, regardless of what country they originate from or what country they compete for.

The first official Paralympic Games was held in Rome in 1960, however, that was not the first time a disabled athlete appeared to the world in a major sporting event. GermanAmerican gymnast, George Eyser, who

had an artificial leg, competed in the 1904 Olympic Games in St. Louis, Missouri. He cleaned up, winning three gold medals, two silver and a bronze - all in one day.

It was then custom for people with disabilities, if they were deemed successful enough, to be part of the mainstream Olympic Games. This was quite rare, but disabled athletes competing alongside able-bodied athletes is nothing new, contrary to modern media coverage. Stellar sportsmen and women have been doing it for over a century.

the Games actually had a humble beginning in 1948.

The first organised athletic day for disabled athletes that coincided with the Olympic Games took place on the day of the opening of the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, United Kingdom. Germanborn Dr. Ludwig Guttmann of Stoke Mandeville Hospital, hosted a sports competition for patients with spinal cord injuries. The first games were called the 1948 International Wheelchair Games, to coincide with the 1948 Olympics. Dr. Guttmann's aim was to create an elite sports competition for people with disabilities that would be equivalent to the already well-proclaimed Olympic Games. The Games were held again at the same location in 1952 and Dutch veterans took part alongside the British, making it the first international competition of its kind. These early competitions were also known as the Stoke Mandeville Games.

Mandeville Games

The Paralympics beginnings was essentially down to their invention as a kind of sports therapy for Dr. Guttmann’s patients. He was quoted saying: “If I ever did one good thing in my medical career it was to introduce sport into the treatment and rehabilitation programme of spinal cord sufferers and other severely disabled people.”

The birth of the Paralympic Games we all know may have begun in 1960, however

When the Stoke Mandeville Games grew in such popularity and was upgraded →

Dr. Ludwig Guttmann, the founder of the Stoke

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PARALYMPICS to be held in Rome, there was obviously a lot of planning left to be desired as this was more or less the first event of its kind to this scale.

people with cerebral palsy able to compete or the first time and it stopped being about rehabilitation and started becoming the modern Games we know today.

The athletes that were to take part had been booked to stay in wheelchair accessible accommodation but when they arrived they found it was no longer available so they were made to stay in flats that were built on stilts. The Italian army ended up having to be brought in to carry them up and down the stairs.

However, the 1988 Seoul, South Korea, Games sculpted the Paralympics. They were also the point from which all Paralympic Games were held in the same city as the Olympic Games. The country and all its locals totally embraced and welcomed the idea of Paralympic sport. Communities and school children rushed to fill an array of differing venues to ensure they got a chance to see the Paralympic sports and sports stars in the sold-out stadiums every day.

Events took place on a sports ground about a 40-minute drive away and packed lunches were provided to participants. The winner of Britain’s first gold medal in Archery, Margaret Maughan, was quoted saying: “We had packed lunches delivered. We thought they were lovely - they each had a bottle of wine!"

It was such a massive success and was received far better than expected, so a second Games was planned in Tokyo, Japan, two weeks after the Olympics on 8 November 1964.

It wasn’t until 1976 that the event was open to other people with different disabilities. The Toronto, Canada, Games played host to people who were blind, had visual impairments and athletes with amputations. The following Games in Arnhem, Holland, in 1980 saw

The Paralympics, according to critics, took a short lull in the 1990s, but that was quickly combatted in the 2000s. Sydney, Athens and Beijing all took the Games from strength to strength with greater pomp and circumstance than they had ever seen or experienced.

However, it was London 2012 that made the biggest impact on the Games. Everyone worked harder, from athletes to marketers to sponsors.

The Paralympic Games are sure to be bigger and better in Rio with more money and more time being devoted to this international celebration of disability sport. ■

Highlights from the London 2012 Paralympic Games [Clockwise from top left] Nathan Stephens, Aled Davies, Hannah Cockcroft, Ellie Simmonds, Sarah Storey, Richard Whitehead and Stef Reid competing in the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

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PARALYMPIC

TIMELINE Tokyo, Japan

21 nations 375 athletes 144 events in 9 sports

Heidelberg, West Germany 41 nations 1,004 athletes 187 events in 10 sports

Arnhem, Holland 42 nations 1,973 athletes 489 events in 12 sports

Seoul, South Korea 61 nations 3,057 athletes 732 events in 16 sports

Atlanta, USA

104 nations 3,259 athletes 508 events on 20 sports

Athens, Greece

136 nations 3,806 athletes 519 events in 19 sports

London, UK

164 nations 4,302 athletes 503 events in 20 sports

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1964 1972 1980 1988 1996 2004 2012

1960

Rome, Italy

1968

Tel Aviv, Israel

1976

Toronto, Canada

1984 1992 2000

23 nations 400 athletes 57 events in 8 sports

28 nations 750 athletes 181 events in 10 sports

32 nations 1,657 athletes 447 events in 13 sports

New York, USA and Stoke Mandeville, UK

45 nations (USA) and 41 nations (UK) 1,800 athletes (USA) and 1,100 athletes (UK) 300 events in 15 sports (USA) and 603 events in 10 sports (UK)

Barcelona and Madrid, Spain 82 nations (BCN) and 75 nations (MAD) 3,020 athletes (BCN) and 1,600 nations (MAD) 487 events in 15 sports (BCN) and 68 events in 5 sports (MAD)

Sydney, Australia

121 nations and 2 ‘independent athletes’ 3,881 athletes 561 events in 18 sports

2008

Beijing, China

2016

Rio De Janiero, Brazil

146 nations 3,951 athletes 492 events in 20 sports

Estimated 175 nations 526 events

03/06/2016 14:03

PARALYMPICS

[Above]Stella with Paralympians [Right]Olivia Breen, Sprinter

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03/06/2016 14:23

PARALYMPICS

Styling for

SUCCESS W

hen it comes to sportswear, us Brits are big fans. Whether it’s the latest pair of ‘barely there’ running shoes, or kids in the street sporting their team’s full football kit (including socks!), we love a good sports uniform and when it comes to the Olympics and Paralympics it is often the first thing we look for.

The sporting event of the year might conjure up more images of the height of physical achievement, competition and sheer determination than a designer showcase, but the opening and closing ceremonies have certainly become something of a fashion show spectacle, with each countries most decorated athletes parading high fashion as the Games kick off. Whilst the opening ceremony uniforms always dazzle, from Ralph Lauren’s stylish striped tees and boat shoes for the US Team, or Lacoste’s polo shirts sporting the French Olympic mascot, The Rooster; the team’s kits are what really make the difference when it comes to the crunch.

The ParalympicsGB squad are on track for stylish success at the Rio 2016 Games with a ground-breaking new kit, featuring a range of performance wear which combines the very latest in technical innovation with designer Stella McCartney’s signature modern design aesthetic.

The new kit, from adidas and Stella McCartney features a new official and totally unique British Coat of Arms that has been specially created to act as a unifying symbol across the Olympic and Paralympic teams and their multiple sports, contrasting a traditional icon with a 21st century look and feel.

Commissioned by adidas and created

by The College of Arms, the new design includes references to all four home nations and has been granted to the British Olympic Association (BOA) and British Paralympic Association (BPA) for use by the governing bodies from 2016, so it will possibly feature in the team’s future kits going forward.

Alongside the coat of arms, the design features the signature red, blue and white colours of the Union Jack Flag expressed through contemporary silhouettes and innovative textures, creating an imposing look that will stand out on the highest sporting stage and support sporting triumph.

Tim Hollingsworth, CEO of the British Paralympic Association, said: “ParalympicsGB athletes wear their adidas kit with a huge amount of pride. We’ve worked alongside adidas to create a range of kit that not only looks fantastic but also incorporates world class technology, helping our athletes to give personal best performances on the biggest stage for their sport later this year.”

Extensive consultation with athletes including 2012 Olympic and Paralympic medallists Jessica Ennis-Hill, Tom Daley and Laura Trott was a key component of the two-year creative design and testing process to ensure the kit is fit for the nation’s leading competitors and hopefully help them bring home the Gold.

Every element of the range features cuttingedge adidas technology, designed and developed to ensure it performs better than ever before. A new generation of lightweight, breathable synthetic ADIZERO® fabric has been used to create outfits that are on average 10% lighter than their →

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ADIDAS REVEALS THE COAT OF ARMS CREATED FOR THE TEAM GB AND PARALYMPICSGB KIT For the creation of the Team GB and ParalympicsGB kit for 2016 adidas has commissioned the College of Arms in London to design a new and unique coat of arms that will be used as the key iconography across the Olympics and Paralympics apparel.

PARALYMPICS

COAT OF ARMS Adidas commissioned the College of Arms in London to design a new coat of arms that will be used as the key iconography across the Olympics and Paralympics apparel.

The coat of arms was specially created to answer the brief from the governing bodies to have a unifying symbol across the two teams and multiple sports, contrasting a traditional icon with the 21st Century look and feel of the kit. It combines representation for the Home Nations with references to the Olympics and Paralympics and will be granted to the BOA and BPA to use for 2016 and beyond.

The coat of arms was specially created to answer the brief from the governing bodies to have a unifying symbol across the two teams and multiple sports, contrasting a traditional icon with the 21st Century look and feel of the kit. It combines representation for the Home Nations with references to the Olympics and Paralympics and will be granted to the BOA and BPA to use for 2016 and beyond,

The principal element on the shield is a unified group of the floral emblems of the four Home Nations prominently displayed.

Two of each are shown and held together by four chain links at the centre; these links stand for the four years of the Olympic/ Paralympic cycle, but the shape is also intended to recall an athletics track. This is reference to a specific event or group of events and is sanctioned by the central role of the main stadium in all Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The motto Iuncti in uno (‘Conjoined in One’) makes reference to the union of the Home Nations within the UK. It also alludes to the unity of the representatives of separate sports and of the Olympic and Paralympic

teams.

The supporters and crest are lions holding torches and crowned with laurel wreaths which allude to the ancient The principal element on the shield is a unified group of the floral emblems of the four Home Olympic Games. Lions have anciently Nations with a rose representing England, a thistle representing Scotland, a leek representing Wales, and a flax representing NorthernHome Ireland prominently displayed. Two of each are shown represented the different Nations and held together by four chain links at the centre; these links stand for the four years of the Olympic/Paralympic the shape and have stoodcycle, forbutthe UK isasalsoa intended wholeto recall an athletics track. This is reference to a specific event or group of events, and is sanctioned by the central role of the formain many generations.

The lion in the stadium in all Olympic and Paralympic Games. crest emerges from a crown composed The motto IUNCTI IN UNO (‘Conjoined in One’) makes reference to the union of the Home the UK, thereby picking up onsilver the central idea of the shield. But it also alludes to of Nations discswithin (representing gold, and the unity of the representatives of separate sports and of the Olympic and Paralympic teams. bronze medals) between relay batons that The supporters and crest are lions holding torches and crowned with laurel wreaths which represent the ethos of continuity, teamwork allude to the ancient Olympic Games. Lions have anciently represented the different Home and shared responsibility.

[Left and Below] Swimmer, Ellie Simmonds

2012 kit, helping athletes go further and faster. The different garments include adidas CLIMA® technology, speciallydeveloped materials which conduct heat and sweat away from the body to ensure athletes stay dry, comfortable and able to perform at their best. Footwear for the track, road and podium will feature the unrivalled energy return of adidas BOOST® technology.

Stella McCartney, Creative Director for the adidas Team GB and ParalympicsGB official kit, said: “The goal for Rio 2016 was to rewrite the rules of performance and design for athletes, allowing them to look and feel like champions on and off the field.

The inspiration behind the design was this idea of contrasting British tradition with a modern attitude. The new Coat Of Arms, specially commissioned for this project, and traditional Union Flag hues sit alongside bold textures and modern silhouettes to create a strong identity and make the athletes feel like a team.”

2012 Olympic Gold Medallist Jessica EnnisHill said: “I’ve really enjoyed being a part of the creative process with Stella McCartney and adidas. It’s an amazing design and I

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think it will give British athletes a massive sense of pride and give us an edge in Rio.” Barry Moore, adidas UK Brand Director said: “Athletes are at the heart of everything we do at adidas. We’ve worked with our Creative Director Stella McCartney and top British athletes to create a kit that is not only lighter than at 2012 but also one that includes our CLIMA® technology – innovations that will help Team GB and ParalympicsGB in their pursuit for medals in Rio.” If you ask us, this is the most stylish kit to date and we can’t wait to see the athletes take on the Games; Ellie Simmonds for one looks ready to take on anyone and grab those golds, although we do think Tom Daley’s swimming shorts could do with a bit more fabric or he might distract the judges. ■

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03/06/2016 00:25

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Insurance, servicing and maintenance are all included as part of the Motability Scheme package.

For more information and for a complete list of all Alfa Romeo models available on the Motability Scheme visit www.alfaromeo.co.uk/motability

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CO2 emissions 157 – 99 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. Factors such as driving style, weather and road conditions may also have a significant effect on fuel consumption. Model shown: New Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB 120hp at NIL Advance Payment. Advance Payments are correct at time of going to press and subject to orders being placed between 1st April and 30th June 2016. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Terms & Conditions apply. Offer may be varied and withdrawn at any time.

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03/06/2016 26/05/2016 12:18 09:16

PARALYMPICS

LEXI T

he Paralympic Classification system can be pretty confusing.

When sports fans watch the Games it can seem unfair to see athletes with what appears to be different impairments compete against one another. Almost every impairment type is eligible to participate in Paralympic sport, which class an athlete is placed in depends upon the sport.

There are 31 different sports that are recognised by the IPC and each have their own classification system, developed by the body that governs each sport. These are known as International Federations (IF).

Some sports are only designed for athletes with one type of impairment, for example, Goalball, is only open to athletes with visual impairment. Others, like Swimming and Athletics are open to athletes of almost any impairment and so those sports are among the

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most confusing to new viewers.

The IFs decide how severe an impairment has to be in order for an athlete to be eligible to compete in their sport. Since different sports require different skills, it makes sense for each sport to need and have its own classification system.

The letters in the classification often refer to the discipline, for example, S is for Swimming. The number is used to identify the severity of their impairment, the lower the number, the greater the impact of the athlete’s impairment on their ability to compete.

Numbers one to 10 are used for a physical disability, 11-13 denotes an athlete with a visual impairment, and 14 for athletes with an intellectual disability.

A sport class is a category which groups athletes depending on how

much their impairment impacts performance in their sport and is not necessarily comprised of a single impairment type. This is why you might find athletes with paraplegia competing amongst those with double above-the-knee amputation. These people are classified together because their impairments affect their sport performance to a similar extent. Some sports, like powerlifting only have one class, so athletes only need to meet their minimal impairment criteria to compete.

Whilst the official Paralympic system still stands it can be extremely confusing for spectators to understand.

Paralympian Giles Long MBE created LEXI, which uses a traffic light colour system to help spectators better understand how an athlete’s performance would be affected by their impairments and why they have been grouped together in the way they are.

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PARALYMPICS

Look out for LEXI at Rio 2016

THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS DENOTE HOW SEVERE THE IMPAIRMENT IS:

NO IMPAIRMENT

LOW DEGREE OF IMPAIRMENT

MODERATE IMPAIRMENT

LEXI, Lexicon Decoder & images are registered trade marks, protected by copyright and EU Community Design Right. “The para-sports gateway” “Para-sports explained” and “Sports explained” are used as trade marks. All such rights are owned by Lexicon Decoder Ltd; all rights reserved.

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HIGH DEGREE OF IMPAIRMENT

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03/06/2016 00:27

CYCLING

2

A Bicycle Made for

Charlotte’s Tandems is a charity making sure that people of all abilities can experience the fun of tandem cycling

T

here are many wonderful charities that have expensive adapted bikes that people with disabilities or additional needs can ride around a tarmaced area such as a playground.

Charlotte's Tandems is different.

Charlotte's Tandems lends for free, relatively inexpensive, tandems and tag-alongs to anyone with an additional need or disability anywhere in the UK. The borrower has the bike for at least two months to use as much as they want so that they can enjoy the wonders of the open road.

There are now over a hundred tandems and tag-alongs in the Charlotte's Tandems fleet and are located with volunteer helpers all over the UK. The helpers include owners of bike shops, like Ruth at J.D. Tandems in Gargrave, bike addicts, such as Ray in Shropshire and parents of children with additional needs, like Tedi in Inverness. The scheme began in April 2010, became a small charity in April 2011 and then a Registered Charity in July 2012. The machines range from fast road tandem bikes to leisure, mountain bike style tandem bikes, tandem trikes, tag-along bikes and a tag-along trike.

Dafydd and his mum, Nia, in Dolgellau

Feedback and photos of the many borrowers feature highly on the charity's website www.charlottestandems.co.uk, Charlotte's Tandems Facebook Group and Twitter Feed (@CharlottesTand).

They uploaded their adventures onto Facebook and said: “It was a brilliant weekend and the tandem was much appreciated.115 miles done. Best weekend for a long time”.

The charity is named after 19-year-old Charlotte, who has learning difficulties, autism, challenging behaviours and is nonverbal. She loves to be out on her tandem whizzing down the Cotswold Escarpment and sitting back, allowing her dad do all the hard work as they climb back up the hills. Since she enjoys tandeming so much, the charity was set up so that other people could experience the delights of tandem riding, without splashing out on their own machine.

Maya borrowed a Gloucestershire based tag-along and a backrest for daughter Rani, who has various physical and learning difficulties. They have been able to now go on lovely rides together as a family in the sunshine. Maya says: “We are going to take it on holiday with us and we have even persuaded Rani to hold on some of the time.”

Alan and his brothers borrowed the NorthEast based Dawes Discovery tandem and took their dad, Robert, who has Parkinson's, on a weekend tour of Northumberland.

The charity would love to hear from anyone who would like to borrow a tandem or tag-along. Contact Alex via the website www.charlottestandems.co.uk and he'll put you in touch with the nearest helper.

As you can see, almost anyone can and should ride a tandem. ■

Elsa has left-sided hemiplegia and loves going fast on her tandem

Borrowers who have benefited from the tandem bikes have so far included people with learning difficulties, autism, asperger's, visual impairment, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, stroke, amputation, hearing loss, dyspraxia, fybromalgia, Parkinson's, MS, ME, CRPS, COPD, hemiplegia, tuberous sclerosis, CHARGE and MPS III.

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03/06/2016 00:31

Be part of something special

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Experience the latest news, tips, tricks, events and activities with inspirational people within the disabled and adaptive sports community.

Axis encourages healthy and active lifestyles through movement and increased mobility. It’s completely free and by joining you’ll gain access to a range of special offers from our partners.

Join the Axis Mobility Community today and be part of something special.

Visit www.ottobock.co.uk/axis to join or call the Axis team on 01784 744 900 Move More

THIS IS YOUR HOUR, SUMMON YOUR POWER

’

We’re proud to support grass roots disability sport “Disability sport is currently more popular than ever and hopefully if I keep doing what I’m doing I can be a role model for people who might be struggling to understand what their aims and ambitions should be.”

Hannah Cockroft MBE, Paralympic gold medallist

www.irwinmitchell.com/dont-quit-do-it

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03/06/2016 12:19

ATHLETICS

Samantha Kinghorn As we go to print with OnTrack we hear that Sammi has smashed some European records in her races in Switzerland. Things are looking promising for the Scottish speedster to be shaking things up in Rio this summer at her inaugural Paralympic Games.

We find out more from the new girl on the starting blocks…

HOW DID YOU GET INTO WHEELCHAIR RACING?

WERE YOU QUITE SPORTY BEFORE YOUR ACCIDENT?

MEDALS AT THE EUROPEANS FEEL?

When I was 14 I had an accident and was crushed by a forklift, which left me paralysed from the waist down. I spent three months in the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow and while I was in rehabilitation in Glasgow I went down to Stoke Mandeville to their spinal unit games, which is a thing that happens every year in April. It’s all the hospitals in Scotland, Wales and Ireland come together and you compete against each other. The way to win is you get a check sheet and you have to try out as many sports as you can.

Yeah I was, I did a lot of different sports like ballet, gymnastics and hockey etc. I always enjoyed sport.

It was pretty awesome, I had obviously just come out of the Commonwealth Games so I was on such a buzz from that and all my family and friends came down and watched me in Swansea, Wales. I really wanted to win a medal, so it was pretty awesome to put on a GB kit for the first time and win gold.

I went there and tried out everything and found wheelchair racing and decided I really liked it.

YOU HAD A VERY SUCCESSFUL 2014, HOW DID WINNING THREE GOLD

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WHEN DID YOU REALISE WHEELCHAIR RACING COULD BE A POTENTIAL CAREER FOR YOU? I think once I got classified and I saw where I was ranked and I started winning races, then you start to realise.

HOW ARE THE PREPARATIONS FOR RIO? I think they are going really well, I have my first race next weekend in Switzerland and that will be my first chance to get qualifying standards for Rio. So, hopefully. I feel good and I feel like my winter has gone really well, but we will soon find out.

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ATHLETICS

HOW’S THE TRAINING SCHEDULE? Quite gruelling. I train twice a day, six days a week, so I get one day off.

WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING WHEN YOU ARE TRAINING IN MISERABLE SCOTTISH WEATHER? I guess just that I want to win and I want to be the best in the world. So, to do that I have to practice. I’m not going to get near the girls who are really at the high level just now if i don’t, they have been doing it for years and years through practice and understanding the sport, so to get up there I have to practice. If there is ever a morning where I can’t really be bothered to get up I always kind of guilt trip myself by thinking ‘if I am sitting on that Paralympic start line and all these girls have a day up on me then I don’t deserve to be there myself’. It seems to work!

HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT QUALIFYING FOR RIO? I’m hopeful. I suppose there is nothing else I can do except go out and race as hard as I can and hopefully be selected. I find out

on 25 July so it will be a tense day, I will be sitting with the phone close by!

My mum and dad and my boyfriend and best friend have already booked their tickets, so they are going with or without me! It was just getting so expensive so they just went ahead.

DO YOU HAVE ANY LUCKY ITEMS OR SUPERSTITIONS THAT YOU DO BEFORE A RACE? My brother was in the army so I never used to see him that often, he is out the army now though and he gave me a little chain and on one side it says ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ and on the other side it says ‘the sky’s your limit’. My brother is not very soppy – I think I have heard him say ‘I love you’ once and that was the day I broke my back! So it doesn’t come very often, I have to do something pretty special! So it’s a nice memento because I know he does care about me, even if he doesn’t say it that often.

DO YOU HAVE ANY MUSIC YOU LISTEN TO BEFORE A RACE? It’s normally things that remind me of other people. Like Tina turner, Simply the Best

because I always remember when I was younger my mum dancing around with the hoover to that. Chase & Status because that’s what me and my friend used to listen to when we were younger and a bit of Eminem, things that remind me of other people and of good times. I have a little playlist that I play through.

IF YOU WEREN’T RACING WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? Before my accident I wanted to be a zoologist and then after my accident I changed and wanted to do psychology or counselling. So probably something along those lines.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE LOOKING TO TAKE UP A DISABILITY SPORT? I think just to take every opportunity, because I think people with a disability know that everything can change so quickly – one day you can feel great and the next day you don’t and you know something worse could always happen. So just take every opportunity. I tried every single sport before I found racing and if someone offers me something I take it because I know that my whole life can just change from it. ■

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03/06/2016 14:33

INVICTUS GAMES

INVICTUS GAMES ORLANDO 2016 T

wo years ago, the inaugural Invictus Games took place at the Lee Valley sports centre, Edmonton. Partly the brainchild of Prince Harry, they were seen as a great success and they gained global recognition. As a result, they again took place over five days in the U.S.A. between the 8-12 May this year. The games were held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida with 485 ex-servicemen and women from around the world coming together to participate in a number of different sports, ranging from cycling to athletics.

There was plenty of success for the British competitors as they tallied up a whopping 131 medals in total.

It also attracted possible stars of the future. Rio Woolf from Bushey in Hertfordshire has had his life transformed by Paralympic sport. His mum, Juliette talked about Rio’s experience: “The Invictus Games were a fantastic opportunity for Rio to meet other disabled athletes, seeing all these incredible amputees achieving their goals.

It empowers him to pursue his own Paralympic dreams and really raises his self-esteem. Rio loved watching all the different sports - powerlifting, cycling, track and field, swimming, sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball. The captain of the UK Wheelchair Basketball Team, Simon Gibbs, and Ade Adepitan who was co-presenting with Gabby Logan for the BBC coverage, are fellow London Titans club members where Rio trains every Saturday. Rio was thrilled to meet a few of his Invictus Heroes at the Games - David Wiseman, the Team GB Captain, along with Mike Goody, Paul Vice and JJ Chalmers.

“We were completely overwhelmed by all the incredible support Rio has received, not only from his Invictus heroes but from friends, family and people around the world who have sent such wonderful messages of encouragement. It was amazing how his ‘Harry Hug’ went viral! Now Rio is counting down to the Rio 2016 Paralympics where he is looking forward to seeing some of the Invictus athletes compete and he's already looking forward to the third Invictus Games which will take place in Toronto in September 2017". ■

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Sean Gaffney won gold in men’s heavyweight powerlifting

Luke Wigman won gold in the 1500m, retaining his 2014 title

Gus Hurst claimed two golds in the four-minute race and one minute sprint in indoor rowing

Nerys Pearce won silver in women’s heavyweight powerlifting

[Left to right] Nathan Jones (bronze), Michael Goody (gold), Luke Reeson (silver) men’s 50 LC metre backstroke ISC

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03/06/2016 00:35

INVICTUS GAMES

GAMES IN NUMBERS Rio Woolf meeting Prince Harry

108 MEDALS WON BY 131 THE UK TEAM 49 46 36

ATHLETES MADE UP THE UK TEAM

14

Andy McErlean and Alex Krol won the first UK Invictus gold in tennis © Roger Keller/Help for Heroes

Rio Woolf living it up at the Invictus Games

NATIONS TOOK PART

485 COMPETITORS

13

SUPPORT DOGS INVOLVED

336

7

SPORTS

VOLUNTEERS INVOLVED

VENUES

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55,886 SPECTATORS

03/06/2016 00:35

HAVE YOU TRIED...

HAVE YOU TRIED...

Rock Climbing ?

R

eaching the summit of a steep cliff may seem an out-of-reach or near impossible feat if you have a disability. And going down the other way is just as scary, but with the help of a few handy knots and a good friend to act as your anchor, climbing and abseiling is definitely accessible and open to people of all abilities. Climbing can be a personal challenge and is fantastic for improving physical and mental wellbeing. It is certainly easily adapted however it is dependent on the correct equipment being available. The British Mountaineering Council are working hard to improve and offer the accessible

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of climbing to ensure more people can get involved.

With paraclimbing there is also a competition pathway. The GB paraclimbing team compete in national and international competition and includes people with visual impairments, and amputees.

You don’t need to bring any equipment to get involved in climbing or abseiling, there tends to be climbing shoes and additional equipment you can hire or use for free at your local climbing wall.

To get involved you can contact your local climbing wall, who will be able to discuss the best option for you. Find clubs and climbing walls https://www.thebmc.co.uk/ climbing-wall-finder#walls. Your local leisure centre may also have a climbing wall.

There are also some paraclimbing clubs and events where you can get involved and have a go. Here you’ll see links to the paraclimbing series which is open to everyone: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/bmcclimbing-competitions-for-2016--fullcalendar ■

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03/06/2016 00:42

HAVE YOU TRIED...

FACTS •

Rock climbing can be done indoors at artificial walls or outdoors at crags, quarries or sea cliffs.

•

There was a 30% increase in the number of climbing walls in the UK from 20102014.

•

Rock climbing can burn between 500 to 900 calories per hour.

•

The current world record holder for fastest climb is Pemba Dorje Sherpa with a time of eight hours and 10 minutes.

•

Sport climbing has been recommended for inclusion at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

•

Climbing walls are now present in more than 140 countries around the world with more than 35 million climbers practising the sport.

•

40% of all climbers are under 20 years old.

SCALING SUMMITS The highest climbing wall in Britain, at Kendal in the Lake District, stands at just 82 feet.

The world’s highest free-standing climbing wall is the Excalibur in Groningen, Holland, standing at 121 feet.

The World’s Tallest Climbing wall runs up the side of The Whitney Park Hotel in Reno, Nevada standing at an incredible 164-foot. Starting at their second floor, once at the top, climbers will be 200 feet above Reno - the equivalent of four double-decker buses laid end-to-end.

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03/06/2016 00:42

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dmo socks 03/06/2016 12:19

CALVERT TRUST

CALVERT TRUST EXMOOR T

he multi-award winning Calvert Trust Exmoor is this year celebrating its 20th anniversary; 20 years of supporting people with disabilities to achieve their potential through the challenge of outdoor adventure.

Founded in August 1991, the charity spent several years fundraising, renovating and adapting, before opening the doors of their beautiful Victorian farm building to the first guests on the 7th of April 1996.

Tony Potter, Chief Executive of Calvert Trust Exmoor said; “This is a fantastic milestone to reach, we are delighted that we’ve been able to assist in excess of 30,000 people in our first 20 years.”

Calvert Trust Exmoor has won several awards over the last few years, including Gold in the Visit Devon Awards in November 2015, Gold in the South West Tourism Awards in February 2016, and Silver in the Access for All category at the Visit England Awards for Excellence in March 2016.

Far from resting on its laurels however, the Trust is planning on a programme of significant improvements over the next few years.

Celebrating 20 years of excellence in providing outdoor adventures to people with disabilities

Tony continued; “Looking at the next 20 years our challenge is to continue to meet the increasing aspirations of disabled people who want to enjoy the challenges of outdoor adventure. To do so we will need to develop new highly accessible activities whilst at the same time ensuring our facilities develop to meet our visitor’s needs.”

Plans for 2016 include installation of four more ceiling track hoists, converting an accessible bathroom into another high needs wet room, upgrading waterproof clothing for guests, and adding further bikes to their accessible cycling fleet.

The Trust also plans to install a wet room in their boathouse, which will allow guests to spend greater time enjoying water based activities on the reservoir without having to return to the main centre for changing and toileting facilities, as well as increasing the accessibility of their forest trails.

Whilst many of Calvert Trust Exmoor’s guests enjoy visiting the centre for short breaks and holidays, there is more to the Calvert experience than ‘just’ a holiday.

As recent guest Diana Denman puts it; “Be prepared to try new things, feel different emotions and achieve beyond your expectations.”

The Trust sees its mission as enabling people with disabilities to achieve their potential through the challenge of adventurous activities in the countryside; guests often describe their breaks with Calvert Trust Exmoor as ‘life changing’.

Overcoming challenges and gaining a sense of achievement from doing so increases self confidence and self-esteem, with many guests discovering a passion for outdoor activities they had never previously experienced.

2016 is a busy fundraising year too, with events including mountain bike and horse riding challenges, a world record skydive attempt, multiple marathons, and several music events. The Trust uses funds raised for its bursary schemes; supporting guests in financial need to be able to have a break at the centre, helping to ensure they are truly accessible to all.

For more information on Calvert Trust Exmoor visit their website at www.calvert-trust.org.uk/exmoor or email exmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk.

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03/06/2016 00:44

KICKBOXING

Kickin’

We spoke to Lisa, the mum of 12-year-old Gabrielle, with cerebral palsy who found a new strength when she took up kickboxing.

A

fter the family fled a difficult situation Lisa Reid understood the increased importance of learning self-defence, a skill she then wanted her children to be aware of.

She believed daughter Gabrielle’s disablility made her a little more vulnerable, she was beginning to question why she was different to her peers, something which had a knock-on effect on her confidence. After speaking to locals she was made aware of Mo Kargo, a twice European and British kickboxing champion, who ran children’s kickboxing classes at the Primitive Gym in Poole.

about kickboxing. Gabrielle was so bored of the daily structured physio that we did at home, that the change in routine was exciting for her. This sport was working her muscles and in herself she felt different, she felt stronger, she felt more empowered.”

“Within weeks I saw a difference in Gabrielle’s personality”, Lisa tells. “She appeared happier and spoke non-stop

“Not only has Gabs learned to kick, punch and the skills obvious in kickboxing, she has learned how to jump, exercises that

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Lisa felt that the benefits Gabrielle was receiving were worth investing in so Gabrielle continued with the group classes but also began to have private lessons.

One-to-one classes with Mo gave Gabrielle a bit of extra help and with commitment and consistency, Lisa has begun to see physical change to her daughter.

strengthen and condition, and how to move accordingly. I have noticed an improvement in her mobility, co-ordination, stamina, balance and posture.”

As a coach, Mo ensures that Gabrielle understands the movements by simplifying instructions, breaking down information to aid her. Gabrielle finds it difficult to absorb too much information at one time but Mo will break it down to help her understand and ensure she achieves the task set.

Such intense and physical exercises does at times cause Gabrielle pain, it is therefore vital that she receives the correct after care.

This includes daily stretchers and regular massage. Gabriel trains three times a week; an hour on a Saturday as a member of the

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KICKBOXING

I would like to be a kickboxing coach and inspire others to give it a go children’s class, an hour on a Thursday for a PT with Mo and recently she has started training on a Tuesday for another PT, joined by her twin sister Serena. Mo recognised that Gabrielle was ready to try some sparring, so training with her sister provides a perfect opportunity for this to happen.

“I had no idea it would be so beneficial.” Lisa said. “My reason for her initially learning how to kickbox was for self defence purposes so I am overwhelmed by the other benefits it is having. Not only can my little girl defend herself, but she also has significant improvement in her strength, balance and co-ordination. This has and continues to have a positive impact on her overall well-being.

“Gabrielle thoroughly enjoys her kickboxing classes, so much so that again recently we have increased the amount of classes she has. She is finding school life quite difficult at the moment so kickboxing is her escape from the pressures of academic learning. Its for her a time when she can forget about her worries and ‘unleash the beast’ so to speak.

Its definitely an effective stress buster.”

Gabrielle told OnTrack about her dreams for the future: “My hopes for kickboxing is to get really good at it and then start fighting at fight nights like Mo. Also I would like to be a kickboxing coach and inspire others to give it a go. I hope kickboxing will continue to help me manage my disability and give me even more confidence because it makes me feel so happy.”

David Jenkins of The British Kickboxing Council said: "The British Kickboxing Council is proud to be working with a number of organisations to ensure that Kickboxing remains an all-inclusive sport. It is fantastic to learn of success stories like Gabrielle's and I am personally delighted that our sport continues to have such a positive affect on the lives of so many people. We have a number of projects in the pipeline aimed at further raising the standard of equality and diversity within Kickboxing, and very much look forward to welcome more people with disabilities into the sport!"

To find out more about Kickboxing, or how to find a club near you visit www.the-bkc.com

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03/06/2016 00:46

DISCOVER GYMNASTICS

I’M THE ONE WHO FULFILS MY POTENTIAL Gymnastics is an inclusive sport. That means our coaches adapt every activity around your physical, sensory and learning requirements. So whatever type of gymnastics you want to try, it really couldn’t be easier to get involved - and find out what you’re capable of.

Are you ready to discover just how awesome you are and what kind of gymnast you’ll be?

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ad_pages_jun_jul_16.indd 8

03/06/2016 12:19

setting sail for success

SAILING

By Tim Gibson

2012 sailing gold medallist and Team Volvo member Helena Lucas MBE is in search of another victory this summer.

Here’s how she’s preparing for her next big test…

H

elena Lucas MBE appears relaxed. We catch up on a rare break in the sailing gold medal winner’s rigorous schedule. She’s at home in Southampton after a training camp in Palma, but it’s only a matter of time before she’ll be back before the mast as she prepares to defend her title this summer.

It’s clear that this successful athlete is no stranger to hard work. You don’t become one of the world’s finest Paralympian sailors unless you have a strong commitment to reaching the very top of your field.

a physical one,” she remarks. “The skill is to focus on the task at hand, and to stay strong in the face of adversity. I guess that’s something people with disabilities quickly become accustomed to.

2.4mR class for the Paralympics. She says she immediately loved the challenge of sailing this technical vessel, and thus the course was set for her historic gold medal success in 2012.

“I remember watching the Olympics in my youth when great athletes like Sebastian Coe were competing,” she recalls. “I had just one thought: ‘I want to do this.’ That is what motivates me to this day.”

“I was actually one of the last to be selected for London,” Helena explains.

“But I achieved the top spot, and have sustained my form ever since. In consequence, I was one of the first on the list for Rio, which is a great privilege.”

Privilege it may be, but certain pressures come with being a gold medal winner.

For Helena, that field is the ultra competitive 2.4mR class. It’s a mixed category, which means she is up against men and women.

Even so, it wasn’t immediately clear what sport Helena would compete in if she ever made it to an Olympics. She wasn’t keen on sailing when she first tried it as a youngster. “It was mainly fear of capsizing, even though I loved playing around in water,” she says. “But I eventually got over that and realised I had a talent for sailing.

It’s been my focus ever since.”

Consider that Helena was born with no thumbs and limited extension of her arms, and you’ll see that success has come as a result of considerable tenacity on her part.

“Sailing is as much a mental test as it is

In her early days as a competitor, Helena raced 470s alongside able-bodied sailors.

After narrowly missing selection in this class for Sydney and Athens, the Royal Yachting Association invited her to try the

“Expectations are high,” she admits, “especially as this is the last time sailing will feature in the Paralympics. That said, I feel a lot more relaxed this time around, and I think that may count in my favour on the water.”

Here’s hoping. Because as one of the country’s greatest medal prospects, Helena is under close scrutiny. Fortunately, as her calm countenance suggests, she’s more than up for the challenge. ■

Driven to succeed Helena Lucas MBE is supported by Volvo Cars UK in her quest for success.

The company provides her with an XC90 SUV, which she says is perfect for hauling her gear. “It’s a brilliant vehicle for long-distance travelling,” she reflects. “When I’m towing a boat across Europe for training, I really appreciate its comfort, practicality and safety.”

Find out more about Volvo Cars’ work with British sailors by visiting www.volvocarssailing.co.uk.

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03/06/2016 00:47

ADVENTURE

Go Bananas I

f you’re a bit of a monkey and long to live life in the trees, Go Ape is the perfect day out if you want to live life a little more adventurously, giving you the chance to have fun with your friends, family and unleash your inner Tarzan or Jane.

There’s several types of experience on offer, from the junior or classic Tree Top Adventures, to a forest Segway experience at 29 different locations all across the country, set in some of Britain’s most spectacular forests, from Aberfoyle to the Sherwood Pines, where you might catch a glimpse of Robin Hood.

Before you go swinging through the tree-tops there’s a few things you might want to take into account, Go Ape welcome all persons over 10 onto the courses, and whilst they are designed to be accessible to most people, they do offer a physical and mental challenge. For some this might mean that additional equipment or levels of supervision are required. If you do want to take part and unleash your tribe in the tree-tops but are concerned about if, or how you will be able to complete the course, give Go Ape a call on 0333 331 7910 as they’ll be able to advise if your chosen course is suitable for you.

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03/06/2016 00:48

THE TREE TOP ADVENTURE

ADVENTURE

After a brief safety run through you’ll be flying through the trees on zip wires, rope swings and enjoying some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery whilst making your way through canopy obstacles in the form of crossings, tunnels, bridges and a wind-in-your-face zip wire to finish off. The entire course lasts around 2-3 hours. If your little monkey yearns to be off from the ground and swinging from the branches, there’s a mini Go Ape course, the Junior Tree Top Adventure designed just for junior Tarzan’s.

Across the 29 locations, no two courses are the same, with some locations also offering a Forest Segway experience if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground. For an hour, you can get off the beaten track and explore the forest trails using the latest in green technology, a self-balancing electric Segway.

The best bit of any canopy-based obstacle course is always the zip wire, so if your favourite part is rushing through the trees with your feet dangling and the branches blurring past you, there’s a new exclusive Zip Trekking Adventure now available at Grizedale Forest. Zip Trekking Adventure is a network of seven tandem zip lines that traverse the sky-scraping Douglas Firs, providing you with an exhilarating experience of flying way above the forest floor and seeing the area in a completely new way. The Zip Trekking Adventure includes a 20-minute hike through the dramatic Douglas Firs filled forest, so a level of fitness is required for this particular adventure.

If you’re keen to take your monkey friends with you and have a bananas time at Go Ape, you don’t need any safety equipment as it is all included as part of your adventure, but you do need to wear suitable clothing. Dressing for the weather is important, sun-cream if there’s a rare day the sun pokes it’s head out, or if it’s raining a light mac might work. Suitable shoes are also important, no slip-on shoes or sandals, flat shoes with good grips are most recommended, as well as a pair of gloves and long hair should be tied back.

If you’re munching a banana and thinking, ‘this sound great sign me and my local gorilla pals up’, then visit www.goape.co.uk to find the perfect location for you.

Tree Top Adventure, £33 (16+ years), £25 (10-15 years) Tree Top Junior, £18 (at least 1m tall)

Forest Segways, £35 (10+ years) Zip Trekking Adventure, £45 (13+ years) magazine.co.uk | 43

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03/06/2016 00:49

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A sport for all, for life

TABLE TENNIS

Table tennis (or ping pong) is played on a flat table with a net across the middle. Players hit the ball back and forth.

Table tennis is such a fun game and it can be played almost anywhere, at work, at home, in a sports club and even outside through our summer Ping! projects across England.

THE GAME

FITNESS

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03/06/2016 00:49

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Table tennis is a sport for all, for life!

Anyone can pick up a bat and start playing. Players can play in singles, doubles and team format depending on the environment or if they are at a competition. Most people will play singles but doubles is really fun too and even with more than four players you can create ‘around the table’ games to get lots people all involved all at once!

The aim of the game is simple; hit the ball over the net onto your opponent’s side.

A point is won by you if your opponent is unable to return the ball to your side of the table (e.g. they miss the ball, they hit the ball but it misses your side of the table, or the ball hits the net), or if they hit the ball before it bounces on their side of the table. You have two serves at a time, and the winner is the first person to reach 11 points and win by 2 clear points (i.e 11-9 or 12-10).

THE RULES

Table Tennis England exists to create and support opportunities for everyone to enjoy and achieve in table tennis. Table Tennis England is the governing body and is a huge part of developing table tennis participation across England and we work closely with British Table Tennis Association for people with Disabilities (BTTAD) who govern the para table tennis squads and programmes.

Table tennis can be adapted to be played by anyone. Whether you are eight years old or 90 years old, stood up or sat down. It’s never too late to start playing and enjoying table tennis!

THE SPORT

Alternatively, visit the Table Tennis England website on www.tabletennisengland.co.uk.

To find out more information about how you can get involved in table tennis or how you can get table tennis started within your organisation please contact Steve McFadyen, Clubs & Disability Manager on steve.mcfadyen@tabletennisengland.co.uk or 07909 523724.

THE PLAYERS

The basic equipment you need to play is a table (with a net), bats and a ball. There are some variations with the equipment to help people get involved. There are wheelchair accessible tables which allows plenty of space under the table for wheelchair users to play safely! There are also a variety of balls that can be used to help people with a disability get started and enjoying table tennis. The balls can be bigger, different materials and even different colours to give people the best chance to hit the ball when learning new skills.

THE EQUIPMENT

FITNESS

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03/06/2016 14:39

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NDSO

National Disability Sports Organisations

There are eight National Disability Sports Organisations that provide people with specific impairments opportunities to take part in sport and physical activity. They can often be a great starting point for many disabled people, offering advice, support and opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy being active.

Here’s the latest news from the National Disability Sports Organisations...

British Blind Sport

Cerebral Palsy Sport Irwin Mitchell Solicitors have teamed up with Cerebral Palsy Sport this summer to support the charity’s SportStart programme for children and young people. In May and June, staff from Irwin Mitchell offices in Manchester and Sheffield will volunteer at two SportStart events. SportStart Days provide children and young people with cerebral palsy and other physical impairments a fun, supportive introduction to taking part in sport and physical activity. For more information about the SportStart programme visit www.cpsport.org.

Mencap This summer Mencap, the leading UK charity for people with a learning disability will host two national sports events.

On Saturday 25 June, they host the Open National Athletics Championship at Dorothy Hyman Athletics Stadium in Barnsley. Athletes with a learning disability from across the country are invited to compete in a range of track and field disciplines.

Then on 9-10 July, Mencap and Special Olympics GB team up to host the British Learning Disability Swimming Championship at Wales National Pool in Swansea. Entries are now open for both events, for more information please visit www.mencap.org.uk/sport.

Special Olympics GB Special Olympics GB’s Play Unified Summits get off to a flying start with five events taking place throughout April and May. Over 200 students with and without learning disabilities have taken part in the campaign so far, with some becoming Play Unified champions and leaders, while others enjoyed participating in activities. The Play Unified campaign is part of Special Olympics’ global aim to break down barriers young people with intellectual disabilities can face in sport. Read more at www.specialolympicsgb.org.uk.

LimbPower On Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 May LimbPower hosted the 9th Annual LimbPower Games at Stoke Mandeville Stadium.

The charity’s flagship event, the Games provide a supportive and fun opportunity for amputees and people with limb impairments to try out lots of different sports and leisure activities. Each year, the Games help participants to gain confidence about how to be more active, improve their mobility and find a great new activity for them.

Find out more about the LimbPower Games at www.limbpower.com.

In March, British Blind Sport teamed up with England Athletics to launch ‘Find a Guide’. A new national guide runner database to support more visually impaired people to take up running. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a gym goer looking to take their running outdoors or a seasoned runner looking for a new guide. The online database enables visually impaired people aged 18 years and over to search for trained and licensed guide runners in their local area. For more information visit: www.britishblindsport.org.uk/find-a-guide.

Dwarf Sports Association UK New research released by Dwarf Sports Association UK (DSAuk) highlights clear need for sports providers to offer more local accessible opportunities for people with dwarfism. The report, titled Giving You Clear Results, highlights key survey findings about current participation trends, motivations and barriers to taking part and latent demand of sport and activities among the dwarf and restricted growth population.

DSAuk aim to support providers and sports bodies to plan and deliver their activities better, so they meet the needs of people with dwarfism. You can read the full report at www.dsauk.org.

WheelPower In April, WheelPower welcomed over 90 people from spinal injury centres across the UK and Ireland for the charity’s annual Inter Spinal Unit Games. Held at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the week-long event is an opportunity for people with recent spinal cord injuries to take part and compete in a range of wheelchair sports. Participants received demonstrations and coaching from leading wheelchair athletes and experienced coaches. At the end of a week’s competition Stoke Mandeville Spinal Unit Centre were crowned Inter Spinal Unit Games champions, with Salisbury and Pinderfields finishing in 2nd and 3rd place. For more information about the WheelPower Inter Spinal Unit Games visit www.wheelpower.org.uk.

UK Deaf Sport Deaf Awareness Week 2016 took place from 2-8 May and the theme this year was ‘Common Purpose’. To mark the occasion, UK Deaf Sport promoted stories and case studies from organisations and projects who share their common purpose – to enable more deaf and hard of hearing people to reach their full potential in sport. As a National Disability Sports Organisation, they work with a wide range of local, regional and national organisations to create opportunities for more deaf people to participate, enjoy and excel at sport.

For more news from UK Deaf Sport visit www.deafinitelyinclusive.co.uk.

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SPORTS CLUB

SPORTS CLUB FOCUS WHEN DID THE RIDING SCHOOL OPEN?

Gartmore Riding School opened in 1985.

WHY DID YOU START IT?

Horse riding is often seen to be an exclusive sport for the wealthy and I wanted to show that horse riding can be accessible to all. I wanted to offer an environment that welcomed riders and took the horse to new groups, eg. Dyslexic Society, giving riders the confidence to have a go. The sensory programme offers a stimulating and engaging experience for those who may be unable to ride but can develop a connection through interaction with the horse, who provides unconditional acceptance.

WHY HORSE RIDING?

The horses know no boundaries and accepts people for who they are without judgment.

Unlike small domestic animals, cats and dogs, many people can only ride and care for horses in a riding school environment so I wanted to make it easy for people to get involved. The horse can be on the same level

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This issue we speak to Tracy Francis from Gartmore Riding School to find out more about the inclusive horse riding they offer to people of all abilities and eye contact is easy to achieve allowing people to connect with the horse. Horse riding increases confidence and self-esteem and gives a sense of freedom.

WHAT WAS THE RECEPTION LIKE?

The horses and ponies generated interest from all ages and abilities and we wanted to offer volunteering roles within the riding club with training courses available for stable management and all aspects of horsemanship. We receive many enquiries from the education system, medical and social referrals.

WHAT FEEDBACK HAVE YOU RECEIVED?

Here are some positive reviews we have received:

“Just wanted to say how much all of our students have enjoyed their recent horse riding experience. They have looked forward to learning something new every week, becoming more confident with the horses and more confident in their own skills.”

“The children have completed some classroom-based activities, where they learned how to care for a pony and handled some of the equipment needed to ride a

pony. The children listened attentively to instructions and followed them eagerly.

It was fantastic to see children trotting around the indoor arena with huge smiles of enjoyment and pride on their faces. Back at school, teacher’s commented on the enthusiasm the children had for the course.

During the six weeks, they also noticed the increased level of confidence in their communication and interaction with both their peers and adults.”

“The very first group had been quite challenging in their behaviour at school and the riding sessions were used as part of a strategy to re-engage them with learning. Other pupils have been vulnerable, (bereaved, newly arrived in this country, difficulties at home) and the chance to work with horses as therapy has helped the majority to face their problems with greater inner strength. Those with learning difficulties who attended the sessions have shown an increase in self-assurance and two, who were selectively mute, have started to have conversations with staff and to make friends in the playground.

The most recent group to complete the course was made up of pupils with speech and language difficulty and they all reported an increase in confidence at the end of the six weeks. “

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SPORTS CLUB

WE FIND OUT MORE FROM A FEW OF THEIR YOUNG VOLUNTEERS:

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO RIDE?

Lily, 11: My brother had attended many riding sessions for disabled children and when I was invited onto a six week course through the local support team I was excited to be able to go riding too.

Summer, 11: I love animals and I was given the chance through Staffordshire health care via a group which is involved with Gartmore.

Mollie, 13: To build my confidence up with horses and make new friends.

HOW DID YOU START?

L: The course covered the basics and by the end I was riding independently in a walk. I was then asked if I would like to volunteer and join the riding club and the rest is history!

S: By being referred by Staffordshire council.

M: My brother started riding there so I decided to start.

HAD YOU RODE BEFORE?

L: No, I hadn’t rode before.

S: Not properly. Only at a birthday party and a seaside donkey.

M: Yes, I had rode years ago with my friends.

WHY THIS PARTICULAR CLUB?

L: Because my brother had already been before.

S: Because it was through my case worker.

M: Because people who help out there said that it was a good place to go and very welcoming.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE CLUB?

L: I like making new friends and learning new responsibilities.

S: I make new friends and being able to bond with the animals.

I like that I don’t just do the riding and I’ve been able to become a volunteer to help on the grounds.

M: The fact that there is always a horse for your size or how advanced you are. Also everyone is so kind and welcoming.

WHAT IS A PARTICULAR MOMENT IN THE CLUB YOU REMEMBER FONDLY?

L: When Sandy started cantering to the song Barbie Girl when I was riding him.

S: When I first started trotting as it felt amazing.

M: My favourite moments are whenever I got moved to a new horse or a new horse came. Also when I started cantering and when it was lunch because we would all have a good laugh.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS THAT ARE THINKING OF JOINING?

L: It’s fun, enjoyable and everyone is very friendly.

S: Don’t be afraid of the horses as they don’t hurt you and the people at Gartmore are helpful. Very professional.

M: The thing that I would say to others is that you should go for it and follow your heart because it is a great experience to do.

I would recommend going there because it is amazing and all the horses are so cute and everyone is so kind to you.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN THE CLUB?

Gartmore has no restriction on age and by having a well-balanced group of volunteers we find the older generation can pass on their experience, knowledge and advice whilst the younger generation bring new ideas into the club. The club strives to keep pace with the modern world and new teaching techniques. We take lots of advice from the professional people working in teaching and medical environments to ensure riders achieve the maximum possible from each session.

WHAT IS A PARTICULAR MOMENT IN THE CLUB YOU REMEMBER FONDLY?

All moments are special – overcoming fears, communication with signing, the kindness, respect and thoughtfulness amongst members of the club bringing all generations together and in the middle is the horse who makes no comment. To hear members say ,“I am going to ride, groom, clean or just say hello to ‘my pony’” shows the real connection between horse and rider.

If you are interested in getting involved please call 01543 686 117 or email gartmoreridingschool@googlemail.com.

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