Wandsworth holds its own Paralympics
Young people with disabilities have been finding out about the wide range of sporting opportunities on offer in the borough at two showcase events. A wide range of great coaches and volunteers work with inclusive groups around the borough, and this event was the perfect opportunity to showcase the work these individuals do.
The Wandsworth Paralympic Festivals were organised by Enable Leisure and Culture in association with Disability Sports Coach on behalf of Wandsworth Council.
A range of local disability sports providers took part including Aussie Rules Europe, Surrey Cricket, Knights Community Gym Kick Boxercise, the Anders Disability Badminton Charity, Flyerz Hockey, Panathalon Challenge and the Change Foundation.
Kaity Hall, the event coordinator at Enable Leisure and Culture, said:
‘I would like to thank Disability Sports Coach for their work throughout the two weeks and leading up to the event, providing local volunteers and engaging us with Aussie Rules Europe, who proved to be a very popular provider over the two weeks. I am looking forward to where events like this can take us and the future of Inclusive sport’
All organisations work within the borough of Wandsworth providing opportunities for young people and adults with disabilities. More than 25 young people on each day had the chance to come along and try out the different sports which was a great turn out for the first year of the event, and Enable Leisure and Culture look forward to bringing back this event next year with Disability Sports Coach.
Cabinet member for community services and open spaces Cllr Steffi Sutters said: “I really enjoyed attending the Wandsworth Paralympics, which showcased the wide range of sports on offer to people with disabilities in Wandsworth, and I’d like to thank Disability Sport Coach and Enable Leisure and Culture for their work leading up to the event.
“We have a lot of great coaches and volunteers in the borough, and I’m looking forward to seeing even more opportunities become available over the next year or so. We are determined that inclusive sport will be a key part of our work helping local people to stay active and healthy.”
Find out more about disability sport in Wandsworth.