Enable Active 2018

Forget can’t - think can!

www.enablemagazine.co.uk

BRITAIN’S ONLY DEAF BOXER Reece Cattermole on life in the ring

2018

active

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

Football is becoming more inclusive than ever

SPECTATOR SPORT

The top sporting events happening this year

T I G N I H SMAS to Wimbledon ey rn u jo is h n o d ei R Gordon

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Welcome

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Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Enable Active

We have an exciting issue for you, full of inspiration on how to get active this summer – whatever your fitness goals and exercise preferences. We speak to wheelchair tennis legend and our cover star Gordon Reid about his journey to Wimbledon on p12. We also chat to up-and-coming boxing superstar Reece Cattermole, the only professional deaf boxer in the UK on p19, about pushing through challenges. It’s not all about high achievers. If you love the beautiful game, we take a look at accessible football and which stadiums are accessible on p24. Also included is a spotlight on inclusive gyms, and the health benefits of gardening. We hope it inspires you to break a sweat!

DON’T Until next time!

MISS…

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Keep up to date with the latest from Enable at www.enable magazine.co.uk

Laura Hamilton, Editor

enable Forget can’t - think can!

active

PUBLISHER Denise Connelly denise@dcpublishing.co.uk EDITOR Laura Hamilton laura.hamilton@dcpublishing.co.uk

What’s 4 23

FEATURES WRITER Lorne Gillies lorne.gillies@dcpublishing.co.uk STAFF WRITER Emma Storr emma.storr@dcpublishing.co.uk DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Lucy Baillie lucy.baillie@dcpublishing.co.uk PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Lisa McCabe lisa.mccabe@dcpublishing.co.uk SALES Danny McGonigle danny.mcgonigle@dcpublishing.co.uk ENABLE MAGAZINE www.enablemagazine.co.uk

DC Publishing Ltd, 198 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4HG

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difficulties, exercise can be daunting. We break down the barriers to getting fit.

SUMMER OF SPORT There’s a lot of sporting events happening this summer.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE 2020 OLYMPICS We look at why the Olympics and Paralympics can’t be integrated.

fitness EXPLORING THE OUTDOORS Get out there and explore the great outdoors with Equal Adventure.

SCORE LOVE FOR TENNIS We look at the origins and popularity of wheelchair tennis.

DISCOVERING INCLUSIVE FITNESS Gyms and leisure centres are becoming more inclusive.

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THE SCORE ON ACCESSIBLE FOOTBALL The beautiful game is becoming more accessible, whether you love to play or watch.

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BREAKING EXERCISE BARRIERS For people with learning

Tel: 0844 249 9007 ©DC Publishing Ltd 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any way without prior written permission from the publisher. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of DC Publishing Ltd. The publisher takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers within the publication.

Every effort has been made to ensure that information is accurate; while dates and prices are correct at time of going to print, DC Publishing Ltd takes no responsibility for omissions and errors.

spectating

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health & wellbeing MANAGING YOUR WEIGHT Eating a balanced diet and being active is key to being healthy.

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GET MOVING WITH PHYSIOTHERAPY Physio is a big part of your journey to recovery.

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GREEN FINGERS Gardening is a great way to get fit and also relax.

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NAMASTE We look at the health benefits of yoga.

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athletes Q&A WITH WORLD CHAMPION GORDON REID We chat with the tennis superstar about his legendary career.

POWER PUNCH Reece Cattermole, the UK’s only deaf boxer, tells us about how he loves challenges.

www.enablemagazine.co.uk

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Summer of

SPORT

Take a break from keeping yourself active and sit back to watch the pros do it.

This summer is filled with exciting disability sport events from running to rowing.

Grab your tickets, or the TV remote, and prepare for an epic summer of sport

the main event

WORLD PARA ATHLETICS EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 20-26 AUGUST BERLIN, GERMANY

GB athletes took home 39 medals last year in London 2017 World Para Athletics Championships, and now they’re heading to Berlin for this year’s World Para Athletics European Championships. The week-long event will be held at the Friedrich-LudwigJahn-Sportpark, the German capital’s third largest stadium. The city has been named Europe’s most accessible city, which makes it the perfect location for para-athletes and spectators going to the event.

Nearly 1,000 of the best para-athletes in the world are expected to attend to compete in a range of athletic sports. It’s one of the biggest sporting events for

tennis NATIONAL DEAF TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018 14-16 SEPTEMBER LONDON, UK

After Wimbledon, if you can’t get enough of disability tennis, then don’t worry. There’s plenty of court action to be had. Deaf tennis is an exciting and exhilarating sport and the Tennis Foundation runs championships and sessions for everyone who is interested in swinging a racquet, so if it looks like your cup of tea, then why not get involved, too? There’s nothing stopping deaf or hard of hearing players from living their Andy Murray or Serena Williams dream. www3.lta.org.uk

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disabled people with men’s, women’s and universal competitions taking place.

Long jump, shot put, javelin and relay are just a few of the sports that will take place throughout the week.

You can catch all of the action on TV or radio, but if you fancy jetting off for a mini-break, head to Berlin for the real thing. Single-day tickets for the event are still available through Ticketmaster (www. ticketmaster.de) and start at less than five euros. www.paralympic.org/Berlin-2018

BRITISH OPEN WHEELCHAIR TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

cycling

17-22 JULY NOTTINGHAM, UK

UCI PARA-CYCLING ROAD WORLD CUP

www.tennisfoundation.org.uk

If cycling is your passion, look no further.

The UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup is no normal cycling event. It’s made up of three events, each taking place in a different location around the world. This year, Ostend in Belgium, Emmen in the Netherlands and Baie-Comeau in Canada will play host to the world cup. Two of the events are still to take place this summer.

Athletes from over 25 nations will compete in road races, relays and time trials. Regular bikes will be in use alongside adapted cycles including handbikes, tandem bikes and tricycles.

If one week of wheelchair tennis isn’t enough for you, don’t worry, there’s more. You can follow the athletes to the British Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships in Nottingham at the Tennis Centre. One of six Super Series events on the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour, the tournaments feature men’s, women’s and quads competitions as well as a junior competition. Tickets for the event are free from the Tennis Foundation website, so head along if you live close by, but remember to book your place in advance.

15-19 AUGUST BAIE-COMEAU, CANADA

www.uci.ch

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SPECTATING

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FIND OUT MORE

For more national and international events, or some closer to home, visit www.bbc.co.uk/sport/disability-sport

2-5 AUGUST MANIAGO, ITALY

The world championships take place in one location over four days, but that doesn’t make it less exciting than the world cup. This year, a stunning valley will be the background to the event as paraathletes compete across five small towns in Maniago, Italy. A range of races will take place at the event with para-athletes from across the world competing in road races, time trials and relays on circuits ranging from 2km to 27.2km in length.

on the water ICF CANOE SPRINT AND PARACANOE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 21-26 AUGUST MONTEMOR-O-VELHO, PORTUGAL

This year, the ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships is taking place in Portugal. The championship features races for both non-disabled and disabled athletes. All 34 paracanoe races at the event will take place on the first day of the competition, 22 August. Six Paralympic races will take place ahead of Tokyo 2020. www.canoeicf.com

WORLD ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS 9-16 SEPTEMBER PLOVDIV, BULGARIA

The ancient city of Plovdiv in Bulgaria is set to be the European Capital of Culture in 2019, and it’s spending the summer hosting the World Rowing Championships.

Para-athlete races will be featured throughout the event alongside nondisabled athlete races as they tackle the towns 2,300m canal which was purposefully built for sporting events and races.

PICS: © IGOR MEIJER; MARCIO RODRIGUES

UCI PARA-CYCLING ROAD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

www.worldrowing.com

www.uci.ch

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FITNESS

Exploring the Outdoors Equal Adventure takes you to the great outdoors. It’s the perfect way to get active and have new experiences all while soaking up vitamin D

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ot all exercise gets you outside, trying new things and having fun, but Equal Adventure does just that.

It offers everything from group activities and holidays to individual expeditions that take you to the other side of the world.

Being active in the countryside brings all the benefits of exercise with an added edge. Suresh Paul, director of Equal Adventure, says: “Engaging with the natural environment allows people to find challenges and beauty whilst being able to access places in a mindful manner. It allows people to add quality to their lives as well as developing fitness.” Who doesn’t love the great outdoors?

ACTIVITIES Group outdoor activities help build your confidence, develop your communication skills and push your own boundaries. There’s a range of accessible activities available including kayaking to climbing. Wheelchair users can enjoy cycling or go on an offroad adventure in a Boma (an all terrain wheelchair). Activities can be in groups, individually or as part of an outdoor holiday.

Inclusive adventures don’t stop at outdoor activities. You could start out as a participant, but become the person coaching an activity or leading an expedition. Equal Adventure provides the training necessary to become a fully qualified coach. Once you’ve conquered the outdoors at home, why not embark on an international expedition? Push your personal boundaries and set a goal that will take you on the adventure of a lifetime that combines a range of activities, with the necessary support and expertise alongside you.

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SUPPORT You’re in safe hands with Equal Adventure.

Its coaches are trained in the technical aspects of outdoor activities and equipment, have advanced first aid qualifications, and great communication skills. Suresh says: “The team is able to make complex situations simple and remove barriers to participation and make everything easy. We coach and support people so that they are able to reach new standards in their own personal performance.”

Every outdoor activity is developed with disability in mind. “It’s about inclusive outdoor activities with disabled people in a safe and meaningful manner using the best adaptive equipment, instructors, and venues so that outdoor and expedition programmes can be tailored to provide opportunities and challenges suitable for each individual,” says Suresh.

EQUIPMENT Equal Adventure carries out all of its research in-house and designs its own equipment to make sure activities are inclusive. From hand grips to harnesses, Equal Adventure has over 300 products which can be adapted to suit your individual needs. The Boma offroad all terrain powered wheelchair allows wheelchair users to experience off-road activities.

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FIND OUT MORE

To find out more about Equal Adventure equipment, activities, training or expeditions, visit www.equaladventure. org or call 01479 861 200

www.enablemagazine.co.uk

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12/07/2018 15:03

HEALTH & WELLBEING

MANAGING YOUR

WEIGHT

If you’re worried about your weight, then here are some handy hints to lose fat, eat healthier and feel good in your skin

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o one likes to think about their weight, but aside from feeling good about your body, it’s important to keep yourself healthy.

Being overweight comes with health complications that are mostly avoidable and in many cases reversible, including back pain, heart disease, increasing pressure on your joints and problems sleeping. Obesity puts you at risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, diabetes, several types of cancer and mobility difficulties. If you want to lose some fat and gain some muscle as well as avoid health complications, then the best way to hit your target weight and fitness goals is slowly and consistently.

Remember to pick a reasonable goal to hit, or a series of smaller targets. It’s psychologically daunting to decide you have to lose several stone by Christmas on a punishing diet – and it won’t work.

ACCESSIBILITY If you have limited mobility or are a wheelchair user, it might feel like an uphill battle to lose weight, but small choices you make will change your body.

Watching your diet and exercising three times a week will make a big difference.

It’s important to remember that whatever your preferences or mobility, that there is an exercise or sport out there for you. Accessibility is an increasing focus for many sport clubs whether you’re interested in archery or scuba diving.

It’s time to find a sport you love and get moving.

NUTRITION Healthy eating is the key to maintaining

a healthy weight. Most people in the UK consume more calories than they need to, but there is no need to starve yourself to lose weight. Being healthy is a longterm goal, and there are no quick fixes.

Yo-yo dieting can be damaging to your health. Don’t feel that you have to cut out a particular food group to lose weight – a balanced diet with a few treats is a natural and easier way to hit your target.

MINDSET If you have a history of disordered eating (or even if you don’t), it’s imperative that you don’t become obsessed with your weight or your diet. Figure out why you’ve put on weight. Are you comfort/stress eating? Does watching the TV make the packet of Jaffa Cakes disappear without you realising? Have you been indulging in afterwork drinks too often, or adding too much oil, sugar or salt to your cooking?

Once you’ve realised where you’ve been going wrong, small tweaks are the answer.

No expensive equipment, or an extreme green juice regime is going to work as well as a small sustainable change to your habits. It may be the case that there are underlying health conditions that you have no control over that are causing you to put on weight – in that case, it’s more important than ever to make healthy choices when it comes to food and exercise.

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FIND OUT MORE

For more information on eating healthy, visit www.nhs.uk

www.enablemagazine.co.uk

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FITNESS

Love for Tennis Score

Henman Hill was buzzing as the courts opened for Wimbledon 2018 this July, but tennis season isn’t over yet.

Put down your strawberries and cream, and pick up your racquet

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heelchair tennis, visually impaired (VI) tennis, physically impaired tennis, d/Deaf (HoH) tennis and many more versions of the sport – tennis is more inclusive than you may think. And it all started from very humble beginnings.

HISTORY When he was 18-years-old, Brad Parks suffered an injury whilst freestyle skiing that resulted in him becoming paraplegic.

It was during Brad’s rehabilitation that he began to experiment with tennis to aid his recovery. After meeting wheelchair athlete Jeff Minnenbraker, they began to discuss the possibility of wheelchair tennis.

In 1976, Parks and Minnenbraker introduced wheelchair tennis across the west coast of the USA. Fast forward to 2016, accessible tennis has changed yet again when it was introduced to the centre of the biggest tennis tournament in the world: Wimbledon. Wheelchair doubles were introduced to the courts of Wimbledon in 2005, and three years ago singles wheelchair competitions were launched, too.

Gordon Reid, Alfie Hewett, Lucy Shuker and many more have waved the flag for Britain all over the world winning Championships, Grand Slams and even being ranked in the top tennis players in

Tennis is arguably one of the most inclusive sports out there for the disabled community the world: accessible tennis is in a league of its own.

ACCESS Tennis is arguably one of the most inclusive sports out there for the disabled community. From small adjustments to a slight change in the rules or equipment, time on the court is easier than you first imagined.

With the help of the Tennis Foundation (www.tennisfoundation.org.uk), Britain’s leading tennis charity dedicated to getting people from any background, community, age or ability to get involved with the sport, tennis has become a sport for the masses. For VI players, the game is played on a smaller version of the court with an audible ball so you can hear it bounce; d/Deaf (HoH) players can play on nondisabled tennis courts or head along to accessible venues (throughout the UK)

and the Tennis Foundation even runs tournaments for d/Deaf (HoH).

Similarly, players with a physical disability can play wheelchair tennis. It’s a fast paced and thrilling version of tennis and it follows the same rules as regular tennis with one amendment: wheelchair players are allowed two bounces. Players with a learning disability can also get involved. The court can be made smaller, the use of larger rackets or special balls designed to slow the game down are all available to make the game more inclusive.

Why not pick up a racquet? The Tennis Foundation host have-a-go camps so you can get a taste for inclusive tennis.

Trailblazers Parks and Minnenbraker, and champions Reid and Hewett are cheering you on.

www.enablemagazine.co.uk

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INTERVIEW

Q&A WITH

WORLD CHAMPION GORDON REID After contracting Transverse Myelitis – a disease that affects the spinal cord – when he was 13, Gordon Reid overcame diversity to show his natural talent at tennis. With a host of titles to his name, Gordon is already amongst the greatest tennis players of all time.

We caught up with him after his most recent win

Congratulations on your win at the Japan Open. How does it feel adding another title to your name?

Thank you! I have worked hard over the past three months to find my form and I’m pleased with my performances and the results over the past few weeks. I’m delighted to be back winning titles.

PICS: ©TOM SHAW

Let’s go back to the very beginning, how did you first get interested in tennis?

I used to play tennis at a local club before I became a wheelchair user. I had no great expectations back then of ever being a great tennis player. I started playing wheelchair tennis at the age of 13 and immediately enjoyed the challenge and the fact that I could still play sport.

I improved quite quickly and the rest is history, as they say!

Last year you won the men’s wheelchair doubles at Wimbledon and retained the title – how are you training this year to get fit and ready for Wimbledon 2018?

We have a 12-month competitive calendar so we train and play all year round.

Fitness isn’t really an issue unless we suffer an injury, but the biggest challenge is allowing enough time to prepare on

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the next court surface – Wimbledon is a tough one as we will be going from Roland Garros aka The French Open, which is played on the slow clay courts to the fast grass courts of Wimbledon.

I’m excited about playing at Wimbledon again as I love playing in front of the home crowd.

Playing

in a GB shirt and being presented with a gold medal on the podium is very special.

What would you say to someone considering joining a tennis club and participating in accessible tennis?

Tennis is a great sport and can be played by anyone for your regardless of their age country in a GB shirt or ability. Many tennis From winning and being presented clubs now offer sessions Grand Slam titles with a gold medal on where the game has to succeeding at been adapted for many Wimbledon, what the podium is very impairments and I would has been your special indeed urge anyone who hasn’t career highlight to played tennis to go and give date? it a go. The Tennis Foundation Winning Grand Slams were responsible for getting me is very special and winning started and offer opportunities all over the inaugural Wimbledon singles the country so get on the court. title in 2016 was very special. Only a few weeks after winning that Wimbledon title, Grab a racket and hit the court with The I won the singles gold medal at the Rio Tennis Foundation. Find a club near you Paralympic Games, and this is the career here, www.tennisfoundation.org.uk highlight so far. Playing for your country

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FITNESS

Discovering inclusive fitness Getting active doesn’t have to be a chore. No matter your ability, more sports are becoming fully inclusive. Time to find your gym shorts because the countdown to fitness is on

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* SPORT ENGLAND, ACTIVE LIVES 1 2015-16

here are two types of people in the world: the sport obsessed and those with little to no interest in becoming a gym bunny. No matter the level of your interest in physical activity, or even your fitness or ability, there is an exercise out there for you.

Activity Alliance (formerly known as the English Federation of Disability Sport) is an organisation that works with leisure centres to ensure everyone has the chance to get active. Through interacting with the disabled community and leisure centres directly, Activity Alliance is on a mission to make all gyms inclusive.

INVOLVEMENT Living with a disability can make exercise seem like a challenge best left for another day, but it’s time to stop putting fitness off.

“Activity Alliance’s vision is to get people active for life,” says Dawn Hughes, national partnerships advisor (leisure sector) for Activity Alliance. “It’s no different to the population in general in terms of the real health benefits, whether that’s physical or mental. Exercise results in increased levels of confidence, independence in daily living and improved physical and mental wellbeing.”

Starting can be the hardest part of getting active. Going to the gym, discovering a brandnew sport, attending your first hot yoga class or simply clicking a YouTube video that can help you get moving in the comfort of your own home – when you start the activity the endorphins will kick in and then you’ll love it.

From Sport England, Scottish Disability Sport and Disability Sport Wales, the doors to inclusive sport are open. When you first get involved with an activity, or as you work your

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You don’t have to be a Paralympian to reap the rewards of sport

PICS: © SPORT ENGLAND

way through a set of classes to find the sport or exercise best suited for your needs, you will see the positives almost instantly. Physical and mental health will improve as well as your overall levels of confidence. You don’t have to be a Paralympian to reap the rewards of sport.

The world of exercise is more accessible than you may think.

INCLUSIVITY Research shows that disabled people are more likely to be physically inactive than nondisabled people, and 43 per cent* of disabled people don’t participate in sport at all. This has resulted in an increase in obesity amongst people with learning disabilities, and for people with mobility issues, it can affect their ability to exercise.

However, this is all changing as more leisure facilities are providing inclusive activities – with some classes even mixing disabled and nondisabled people together. Activity Alliance’s research revealed that two-thirds of disabled people would prefer to take part in sport and exercise with both disabled and non-disabled participants, and Activity Alliance is on hand to make more centres inclusive. After all, the best way to learn from others and change attitudes is to integrate.

“We want to ensure that the opportunities are there. This includes more disabled people in the workplace as either a fitness instructor, or a volunteer helping with the local club on a Sunday morning, all the way up to chief executive levels on the board with leadership across the sector to make things more accessible to the target audience and get more people involved,” explains Dawn about the current work Activity Alliance does under its Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI).

In a bid to encourage more disabled people to get into sport and start their fitness journey, IFI supports leisure facilities to become more inclusive through an accreditation process.

The IFI Mark Accreditation works to help sport facilities across the country to be more welcoming, accessible and inclusive to help more disabled people to get into sport.

Dawn explains: “From a user point of view, the accreditation encourages leisure centres to talk to the local community. We want to go out and find out about disabled people’s needs in the local area, putting out surveys, talking to local disability groups to work together, and ask the community what they want their leisure centre to be, what’s missing, and how it can be improved.”

INSPIRATION As more centres become inclusive, access to disability sport improves and the voice of the disabled community is heard across fitness platforms, it’s time to get some fitness inspiration.

“I would say to go out and have a look at what’s available. Things have changed massively over the last few years,” advises Dawn. “There are more opportunities out there than people think there will be. It’s about going and talking to a provider and finding all the options, asking for a taster session, planning to go along and try things. There’s certainly more out there than there used to be and there will be more in the future.”

From high intensity sport such as wheelchair basketball or tennis, a full body workout through gymnastics or swimming, hitting the gym or taking a gentler approach in a yoga or Pilates class, inclusive sport is waiting for you.

Grab your trainers, pack the gym bag and get the adrenaline pumping because you’re only one step away from an active lifestyle.

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FIND OUT MORE Activity Alliance

www.activityalliance.org.uk

Sport England

www.sportengland.org

Scottish Disability Sport

www.scottishdisabilitysport.com

Disability Sport Wales

www.disabilitysportwales.com

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Doing exercises at home can be a great way to further the benefits of physiotherapy

Get moving with

PHYSIOTHERAPY When you think of physiotherapy, you might believe it’s only for recovery after a major accident or surgery.

Did you know it can also be used regularly to aid mobility? We look at the health benefits of physio

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hysiotherapy is used to help people who are ill, injured, or who have a disability that affects mobility. The therapy is normally used to treat problems with muscles, joints, heart and lungs, but can be used to aid a wide range of conditions from cystic fibrosis to cerebral palsy. Physio is suitable for everyone no matter your age or ability.

BENEFITS Physio has a range of benefits: muscle strength, motion range, endurance and joint movement can all be improved through physio. It can also help to relieve pain and stiffness. Physiotherapy isn’t limited to sessions; a physio can offer advice on the best ways of carrying, holding and positioning someone who has a condition which limits their mobility or causes pain.

EXERCISE A physiotherapist will show you a range of exercises, aimed to improve your overall wellbeing or a specific problem area that you want to target. Massage and manipulation of

particular areas is also used in order to restore blood flow to parts of the body and relieve pain. Different temperatures, light and water can be used during physio for this purpose.

WHERE Your GP should always be your first port of call. Once you are referred, a physiotherapist will give you advice on what type of treatment is most suitable for you and how often appointments should be. Self-referrals can take place, but this isn’t common. If your GP can’t refer you, or the wait time is too long, private physiotherapy is available, but won’t be covered by the NHS. Directories can be found online to help you find a private physiotherapist in your area.

Doing exercises at home can be a great way to further the benefits of physiotherapy, or to combat common injuries, like muscle strains, without waiting for an appointment or referral. Your physiotherapist can show you how to do at-home exercises. Alternatively, trusted online sources, like The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy can provide helpful guides.

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FIND OUT MORE

To find a private physio: Physio First www.physiofirst.org.uk For advice, more information and at home exercises: The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy www.csp.org.uk For general information about physio: Focus on Disability www.focusondisability.org.uk Physiopedia www.physio-pedia.com

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12/07/2018 10:30

ATHLETES

PUNCH

Reece Cattermole has defied expectations by becoming the UK’s only deaf professional boxer. We catch up with the young athlete to talk about how he trains, his career goals and how he hopes he’s the first of many

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eece’s genetic hearing condition was confirmed by the doctor when he was three-years-old. The twenty-oneyear-old has limited hearing and is expected to be completely deaf by the time he reaches 40-yearsold. However, the progressive hearing loss has not been a barrier to his sporting achievements, and this year he became the first professional deaf boxer to hold a licence in Britain since the 70s.

Boxing began as a coping mechanism for Reece when he was a teen. “Boxing started off as anger management sessions for me when I made the transition to high school,” says Reece. “I struggled to understand and come to terms with my hearing condition which was a long constant mental battle.

After a few boxing sessions I began to take an interest in the sport, not

because of the action, but how it made me feel personally.”

Boxing became a release for Reece, providing him with structure and focus. “Boxing is energetic, challenging and tests you mentally and physically in more ways than you expect. You always end up leaving the session feeling great about yourself, knowing you have given your best effort and that's all that matters in the Reece is end,” he says.

TRAINING

No longer a stress release, boxing has become a huge part of Reece’s life.

Boxing training for

the first deaf boxer to qualify as a professional boxer in 40 years, an accomplishment he takes seriously

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ATHLETES

non-disabled athletes revolves around the sounding of the bell that signifies the end of the fight, and verbal cues – but none of that applies to Reece. His team has put adjustments in place to help him train, and it's enabled him to go from an amateur boxer to professional in a short space of time.

Communication is key, as with all sports, and his team has learned what works for Reece. “My team has a lot of understanding of my hearing condition which allows communication, training and fight night to go as smoothly as possible,” he says. “When my coaches train me, they know they have to be in front of me to communicate because 70 per cent of my understanding comes from sight as I lip read.”

If he is sparring or in a fight, his coach

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70 per cent of my understanding comes from sight as I lip read Robert Ottley will bang on the canvas to get his attention. One bang means pick up the pace and two bangs mean to relax. He can still hear some background and certain noises, but sight is his strong point.

Reece is only at the beginning of his boxing career and is already making waves in the industry. In May 2018, he made his professional debut – and won the match against a non-disabled boxer.

The change from amateur to professional boxing was taxing for Reece,

but he was too excited to be racked with nerves. He enjoyed testing his boundaries. “Everything was strict and basically the next level, so it was really competitive. I was too excited to be worried. Knowing I have made my step into the professional environment was amazing and was very progressive of the British Boxing Board of Control,” says Reece. “I thrive in challenges by giving the absolute best of my ability because I have a lot to fight for.”

ACHIEVEMENTS

Reece is the first deaf boxer to qualify as a professional boxer in 40 years, an accomplishment he takes seriously, and hopefully he will be the first of many.

He hopes to show that everyone can thrive and overcome obstacles despite challenges.

“It’s a massive achievement in itself because knowing I am one of the millions of people who have disabilities and struggle with certain things, I like to use this to build a pathway for people from all walks of life and disabilities to achieve their goals and dreams,” he says. “I want my journey and struggles to show that there is place for everyone.

No matter how hard it gets and how long it may take, we will always push through challenges that we face because who knows where we may end up if we don’t try. It’s best to say we tried than not at all.”

Despite having a disability in the ring as he can’t hear the bells or get verbal advice from his coach, Reece has turned his deafness into a strength.

“If I’m honest, it really doesn’t matter to me as it’s another challenge that I aim to push through and I feel like I am more at an advantage than a disadvantage,” he says. “Having a hearing condition allows me to not be distracted by the cheering and background noises and be more focused on my opponent without distractions.”

His next match is September 8th 2018 at London, York Hall, Bethnall Green and he’s busy training for it. “My career goal has always been to make it to the professional rankings in boxing, but who knows what the future holds,” says Reece, who is expecting a baby boy with his partner Bella in August. “I’m taking one step at a time and taking each day as it comes.”

www.enablemagazine.co.uk

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SPECTATING

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he Rio 2016 Paralympic Games finished far too quickly. The thrill of watching athletes competing in their chosen field is the reason the Paralympic Games are so successful – you’re watching years of practice brought to life.

The idea for the first Paralympic Games was born in 1948 when Sir Ludwig Guttmann organised an archery competition for newly disabled veterans recovering in his hospital in the small English village Stoke Mandeville. In 1952, the event became international and has evolved to the spectacle of talent and sportsmanship that we all know today.

Ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, the excitement is already building.

COMBINED As the recent Gold Cost Commonwealth Games were the most inclusive to date, it’s an exciting time for sport. It was not just disability that fared well, the recent Games also shone a light on LGBTQ rights.

There were 38 para medal events running in the schedule alongside non-disabled events. It put disability sport on the main stage. As everyone prepares for Tokyo 2020, there are questions about why the integrated approach the Games took can’t be replicated for the Olympics and the Paralympics.

There is an extremely simple, and unavoidable reason the Olympics and Paralympics can’t run as one event. As the second largest sporting event in the world, there simply wouldn’t be enough amenities in one host city to run the Paralympics in conjunction with the Olympics.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE 2020 PARALYMPICS 2018 has been a triumphant year for accessible sport. Earlier this year, athletes struck gold at the successful Winter Paralympic Games in PyeongChang and have now set their sights on the summer months. The journey to Tokyo 2020 starts now

POPULARITY Comparing the number of athletes competing in the Commonwealth Games to the Paralympics, it’s understandable that the events have their own separate scheduling.

During the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, 4,342 para athletes from 159 nations competed in 22 sports whereas 300 para athletes competed in the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Tokyo 2020’s three core concepts have already been announced: striving for personal best, diversity and future achievements. Tokyo 2020 could follow on the high of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games’ success – despite not running at the same time as the Olympics.

Although the Olympics and Paralympics will never combine, it’s refreshing to see disability sport and events continue to further develop accessible sports, as well as highlight the excellent athletes all over the world. Disability sport has never looked so exciting. Here’s to 2020. i

FIND OUT MORE

Follow all the action in the run up to the Games at www.tokyo2020.org and Team GB at www.paralympic.org

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The score on

Accessible footb Football is fast becoming one of the most inclusive sports in the UK. We discuss the benefits of playing football, how to get involved and where the accessible stadiums are

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ootball should be accessible to everyone whether it’s playing as a hobby, competitively or just attending games. There’s more opportunities than ever to get involved with the game.

BENEFITS Like any form of exercise, playing football has a host of health benefits.

If you’re playing on a regular basis, football can improve your stamina, which will aid breathing and reduce over-exertion in everyday life. The wide range of movement while playing can help increase mobility, and improve muscle strength and blood circulation.

Alongside the list of physical health benefits, playing football can also improve your mental health. Being part of a team can benefit your social skills and lead to an increase in selfconfidence. It can also improve your leadership skills. Physical exercise leads to the release of chemicals like endorphins in your brain, which boost your overall mood and can help mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

GET INVOLVED Getting involved with a local club, whether it’s just for fun or at a competitive level, is becoming easier for disabled footballers. Most towns or cities have sessions adapted to suit everyone’s abilities, and some clubs even take part in disability leagues.

Last year, the Scottish Football Association started Para-Football, which supports seven leagues, has 12 forms of inclusive football and helps to train coaches on accessibility. Initiatives like Para-Football are opening the door to a world of competitive football for disabled people. Football is much more than just a hobby or way to fit in an hour of exercise a week.

A similar programme is run by The Football Association in England. Its Grassroots Pathways programme allows people to compete at a local level. If you’re after glory, then the FA Disability Cup is an annual league that allows teams to compete on a national level.

For disabled footballers who take sport seriously, there are elite teams where players can train and compete at an international level.

www.enablemagazine.co.uk

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FITNESS

tball INCLUSIVE FOR ALL Recent expansions of programmes like Para-Football and boosts in funding mean football is more accessible than ever. Inclusivity for everyone is possible through multiple variations of the game, tailored to fit the needs of different disabilities. Autism-friendly sessions are available alongside sessions which accommodate those with learning difficulties. Cerebral palsy football, amputee football and PAN Para-football all exist, allowing people with different disabilities to play and train together.

PAN Para-Football isn’t suitable for deaf people, people with impaired vision or wheelchair users, but there are separate dedicated sessions and leagues which are more accessible. Using balls that make sound, football is now accessible for blind or visually impaired people. Bells in the centre of balls allow the game to be played based on sound rather than sight.

Powerchair football is a unique sport for electric wheelchair users. Players use power wheelchairs to manoeuvre and kick an oversize ball. It’s one of the fastest growing disability sports.

ACCESSIBLE STADIUMS Accessibility and inclusivity isn’t just important when it comes to playing football, it also applies when you watch it. When you want to go to a football match, finding an accessible stadium can be more hassle than it’s worth, especially if your favourite team’s grounds don’t cater to your needs.

Stadiums that have been built recently offer better accessibility as they are now designed with this in mind. After official guidelines were put in place in 2015, more stadiums are adapting to cater to disabled people with limited mobility and wheelchair users, but some stadiums aren’t stable enough to carry out construction.

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To avoid disappointment, phone the stadium before buying tickets to ensure that it has appropriate access. There are limited spaces in designated wheelchair-friendly areas so it’s important to book in advance. At some grounds, stewards can be arranged to help guide you to these areas. A few stadiums have started going the extra mile and have introduced sound-proof rooms suitable for fans who have sensory difficulties.

Your local club may also arrange accessible days out to football games: this removes the stress of arranging transport to and from the game, and avoids the need to call the stadium to check if its facilities are appropriate.

FIND OUT MORE

To find your local club visit www.parasport.org.uk/find-a-club To find out more about leagues in your area visit the Scottish Football Association (www.scottishfa.co.uk) or The Football Association (www.thefa.com) For more information on accessible stadiums, visit accessibility charity Euan’s Guide (www.euansguide.com)

www.enablemagazine.co.uk

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Green S

Gardening can be a relaxing and simple way to keep active. While it might not seem like exercise, gardening is a form of aerobic exercise and is accessible to everyone

pending an afternoon in the garden is a lovely way to relax, but you may be surprised to know that it’s good for your health.

Time outside means increasing your vitamin D intake, which helps with bone strength, and has even been found to help combat dementia. Gardens provide a safe and open environment for people with dementia, where memory can be stimulated and attention span improved by remembering the names of different plants. Garden designer and wheelchair user, Mark Lane says: “Gardening brings joy, physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.”

Building muscle can be one of the greatest benefits of gardening. It improves strength and your range of movement without the need for difficult exercise or heavy equipment. “It’s improved my mental awareness and I have better cognitive recall, stronger muscles in my arms and hands, improved finger dexterity and less stress,” he says.

GETTING STARTED Before you head in to the garden, it’s important to be prepared. Make sure you do your research first and decide on a project that suits your abilities as well as the time of year. “Don’t think twice about it, but also be realistic. Know what you can do and work with it,” suggests Mark.

Limited mobility doesn’t have to mean limited gardening. “Sometimes it means thinking outside the box to get something done,” he says. “Find a length of pipe, place the pipe over a hole, drop down the seed and hey presto, you have planted

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a bulb or sown a seed – simple!” There are countless tools available to make gardening easy and accessible, including raised flower beds to easy-grip tools.

Remember to gather the tools you need and keep them in a basket or garden cart.

FINDING SPACE You don’t need a large garden to get started. “House plants are very fashionable at the moment: it’s still gardening,” says Mark. “If you have a window box or a pot, think about cut and come again lettuces, herbaceous perennials or bedding plants.”

BE SOCIAL Whether it’s planting, pruning or landscaping, gardening doesn’t need to be a solo activity. “Gardening is also a great social activity and can help with isolation,” says Mark. Gather your family and friends or join a gardening club in your local area. Becoming part of TOP TIP a gardening club or an If you’re a beginner, allotment group is a great certain plants are easier to grow than way to meet new people, others. Why not try and swap garden tips and tomatoes, sunflowers tricks with others, all while or roses? growing your own fruit and veg.

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Nearly 40% of people with a learning disability are obese. It’s important to keep active to avoid further health problems as a result of being overweight, but for people with a learning disability, sport and exercise has more than physical benefits. Working out can help build communication and team work skills, increase confidence and improve your quality of life

BREAKING EXERCISE BARRIERS F

inding inclusive activities and sports for people with learning disabilities can be daunting, but there are ways for you to get your sweat on regardless of your abilities. We round up our pick of ways to get involved.

ACTIVITIES Vijay Patel is 30-years-old and has a mild learning disability. He works for the Mencap Trust Company and volunteers for Mencap, a charity for people with a learning difficulty, but in his spare time he loves to stay active through sport.

“My interest in sport started in my school days,” says Vijay. “I play on the football team, I’m vice-captain, I do ten-pin bowling and I’m a member of the running group at Mencap.”

Football has always been a passion of his. “I particularly enjoy football – I’ve always loved watching and playing football since I was a child,” says Vijay.

“Anyone can take part and there are both people with and without a learning disability on the teams.”

There are plenty of activities suitable

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the club can cater for. for people with a learning disability to try. A lot of local leisure INCLUSIVE GYMS centres and sports clubs Even if you have a strong provide sessions which are interest in sport, it adapted for people with Even if you have isn’t always easy to a physical or learning a strong interest find opportunities disability. Coaches are in sport, it isn’t to get involved or specially trained and always easy to find organisations lack there is no pressure to opportunities to knowledge about what sign up immediately, get involved support people with a which is one of the main learning disability may problems Vijay has found require. “Within Mencap when attending clubs. “A lot there are many sporting of clubs get people to join in opportunities, however, outside of straight away, but many people with my work, I don’t feel there are enough,” a learning disability might just need a bit says Vijay. more time at the beginning before they “Some groups aren’t very accessible, can get started,” he explains. this could be either due to a lack of Swimming, table tennis, bowls and understanding of a learning disability cycling are all activities which are easily or complicated membership or sign-up adapted to be inclusive, accessible processes. I think having a bit more time for everyone and have adapted clubs to have things explained, like the rules of available throughout the UK to suit the game, would be really useful.” people with learning disabilities.

This is set to change. Across Britain Parasport (www.parasport.org.uk) allows more gyms are taking this on board and you to search for your local club as well as becoming more inclusive. Gyms are providing information on what disabilities

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FITNESS

starting to provide classes specifically for people with a physical or learning disability and personal trainers or staff are given training to explain how to use equipment and give assistance when necessary.

Look out for gyms with who have been awarded the Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) accreditation or search for your closest inclusive gym through Activity Alliance.

AFFORDABLE EXERCISE Taking part in a sport is about more than getting fit. It’s also a great way to meet people, as Vijay knows. “I wanted to get active and stay fit, but also be part of a team because I enjoy socialising. I really enjoy the social aspect and camaraderie.

It gives me something to do so I don’t get bored,” he says. “It’s vital to stay active to improve your physical and mental wellbeing! Try a few different sports – don’t feel downhearted if you don’t like one of them. Keep trying and you’ll find something you enjoy.”

Even if you do find a sport you love, the

cost might put you off. Only six per cent of people with a learning disability are in employment, which can make attending clubs, gyms or activities an expensive option. Getting involved in sport doesn’t have to break the bank: there are ways to get active without spending a penny.

Your local park or green space is a great area to fit in some exercise. There are often free football grounds, plenty of paths and a lot of parks have free outdoor gym equipment so that you can break a sweat with no cost. If you have friends who also want to get active then why not start your own mini football league?

Make teams as big or small as you want and meet up once a week at the park or

in a nearby greenspace to have a friendly game.

Grab your trainers and go for a run in your local park. You don’t have to be part of an official club to enjoy the social aspect as a lot of communities set up Facebook pages for people who don’t want to run solo. Simply arrange to meet up with others in the group at a specific time to have a chat and get your jog on.

Even just going for a walk is great exercise, try walking instead of driving or catching the bus next time you need to go out.

To find your local park, and find out what facilities it has to offer, visit www.gov.uk/find-your-local-park.

USEFUL ORGANISATIONS Mencap runs sports clubs for people with a learning disability around London. It also provides advice, information and helpful ‘let’s get active’ guides on its website (www. mencap.org.uk).

Activity Alliance

(www.activityalliance.org.uk) provides advice for people who want

to get involved with sport as well as organisations who want to learn more about making sport inclusive.

The UK Sports Association (www.uksportsassociation.org) helps athletes with a disability who wish to compete on a national or international level.

www.enablemagazine.co.uk

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

NAMASTE

Low intensity exercises like yoga are a great way to destress and keep fit – and are accessible to everyone

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atching a yogi demonstrate a complicated headstand in a neon crop top might lead you to believe that yoga is for the hyper fit, but that’s not the case at all. Yoga is a series of stretches and poses, some of which are challenging, but most don’t require a high level of fitness or flexibility. When you build strength through yoga, you balance it with flexibility, so it’s low intensity and easy on your joints and bones.

The benefits of yoga are legion. It increases your flexibility, builds muscle strength and improves your posture. It has been proven to reduce stress levels, increase blood flow and regulate your blood pressure. It even helps you sleep at night and reduces anxiety. As it’s low intensity, there’s very little risk of injury and a yoga instructor is always on hand to help you do the poses safely.

ACCESSIBILITY

Yoga doesn’t discriminate – it’s an exercise that’s open to the elderly, pregnant women and disabled people. Whatever your mobility, there are yoga poses you can do.

Don’t get disheartened if you can’t do a

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one handed tree pose – most people who do yoga can’t. Yoga openly acknowledges that everyone’s body is different and what may come naturally to the person on the mat next to you is impossible for you, and vice versa.

RELAXATION

Yoga classes are a place of non-judgement, where you concentrate on aligning your breathing to your movement. Yoga isn’t just about exercise, it also has a more spiritual aspect (although you can opt out of that if you want) and it can make you feel more connected to your body. There are as many different types of yoga as there are stars in the sky. If you’re interested in relaxation, try candlelight yoga, and if you’re more interested in working up a sweat, try hot yoga where the temperatures are increased to 30 degrees.

If you don’t want to go to a class, or prefer to practice the poses before you join a group, there are lots of free yoga tutorials on YouTube. There are even tutorials that are wheelchair based – there are no limits with yoga.

See you on the mat.

KIT A yoga class will provide you with all the equipment you need, from a mat to blocks and bands. Don’t feel the need to splash out on extortionate exercise clothes: for yoga, all you need is a t-shirt, shorts or leggings that you can move about easily in. Do remember to bring a water bottle with you.

www.enablemagazine.co.uk

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