Day of disability sport delivers

Treloar College was the venue for a day packed with sporting activities that drew students together from across the local area.

Eggars, Amery Hill, Treloar School and College, Aylesbury College, Alton College and Perins were all represented by students at The Day of Disability Sport, which was hosted at Treloar’s Holybourne campus.

The event, which took place on Wednesday 15 June, aimed to raise awareness of disability sport in the run up to the Paralympics 2012, as well as raise the profile of opportunities that exist for careers and volunteering within the disability sports sector.

It also looked at establishing sporting links between students and staff across the colleges and schools.

Kristina Veasey, Equalities Consultant and former GB wheelchair basketball team Paralympian, coached wheelchair basketball sessions which students actively participated in.

She said: “This day has showcased some really enthusiastic young people; they have all been keen to give the sport a go. Some looked apprehensive as this was perhaps their first time sitting in a wheelchair.”

She added: “Hopefully they know more about wheelchair basketball now and may even want to get involved with coaching the sport.”

Swimming in the newly refurbished Holybourne pool, the students were put through their paces by Treloar’s swimming coaches Sue Small and Dionne de Botte.

GB Coach and Treloar’s staff member, Barry Bowden, also introduced the students to the Paralympic sport of boccia. He was assisted by past student and Paralympian boccia gold medallist, David Smith.

Sam Bull, National Development Manager for the Wheelchair Football Association, attended and coached groups throughout the day.

He said: “It’s been a steep learning curve for the students but they didn’t take long to get used to playing wheelchair football. This day has helped to promote the sport and raise its profile as most people don’t even know it exists.”

Sue Slight, Specialism and Aylesbury Project Coordinator at Treloar’s, said: “This day has given us a platform to engage with our partner schools and colleges. Valuable links have been forged which will enable everyone to work together for the benefit of the students.”