On the UN’s International Day of Persons with a Disability (Thursday 3rd December), we’re handing our blog over to a unique partnership which is looking to transform the lives of those living with a disability in Wales through the power of sport.
The Health Disability Sport Pathway has seen Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Disability join forces after gaining a Calls4Action grant. The objective; to support more disabled people across North Wales to become physically active, and to reap the benefits of being involved in sport.
Below Project Officer Catherine Chin tells us the story of just three of those who have already benefitted from the project.
I was very proud to see that three talented youngsters were shortlisted in this years’ Conwy Sports Awards for the Special Achievement Award. All of whom have a disability or impairment, all of whom have been supported by the link-up between sport and health in North Wales.
Alex, Matthew and Sara all got involved in sports when they were signposted via the Health Disability Sport Pathway by their Physiotherapists. Sounds simple, but it’s been life changing, and it’s still something that is relatively unique.
Sara has always been very sporty. Last year she found a lump in her leg and was diagnosed with bone cancer. Sara underwent chemotherapy and had an operation to replace most of her femur with titanium. The major operation left Sara needing to learn to walk all over again. Unfortunately her active and social lifestyle looked set to change.
However, after being signposted by her physiotherapist, Sara got involved in Conwy Thunder Wheelchair Basketball Club. It’s meant that Sara has been able to get back into sport. She has become part of a team again, playing for fun and also now competitively.
Matthew has always enjoyed and been desperate to take part in sport, but with pain in his joints and it being a struggle for him to run due to Hypermobility and Developmental Coordination Disorder, he would often find it difficult to join in.
After being signposted Matthew got involved in Boccia, then later in Cricket at Colwyn Bay Cricket Club’s new disability session. He was selected to represent the team in Old Trafford, and to his surprise was scouted at the match to play for Wales!
Getting involved in sport has not only improved Matthew’s coordination, but has greatly improved his confidence, and he has done great work in his school to teach them how they can deliver PE more inclusively.
Alex has proven this year that he is one to watch in the world of Wheelchair Basketball! He got involved last year when he was signposted by his physiotherapist. Due to an impairment affecting his right thigh and left hand, Alex found trying to get involved in sport frustrating.
Wheelchair basketball has given him the opportunity to take part in fast paced competitive sport, where he can keep up with all of the other children. After playing for less than a year Alex was selected to the Wales U’15s squad, and helped them to a 4th place finish in the British Championships, their highest ever position!
The Health Disability Sport Pathway provided Sara’s, Matthew’s and Alex’s Physiotherapists with the knowledge and tools to get each involved in sport and it has undoubtedly had a huge impact on all three of them. They are all a real life inspiration!
The Health Disability Sport Pathway is being used across North Wales by a wide range of health professionals to transform the lives of disabled people through the power of sport. With over 1 million opportunities a year for disabled people to get involved in sport across Wales there really is something for everybody.
Keep up to date with the latest news, or get in touch at:
@health_dsw
www.wales.nhs.uk/dsw
BCU.DisabilitySport@wales.nhs.uk
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