By Emma Logan, Communications Manager
Over one hundred children attended the West of Scotland’s Parasport Festival, which took place at On-X Linwood on Monday 4th March.
It was the second highest number of participants to ever attend a Parasport Festival in the West of Scotland.
Participants got to try a diverse variety of sports: athletics, cricket, powerchair football, football, basketball, swimming, boccia, badminton, Para canoe, tennis, table tennis and snow sports.
Having just joined Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) at the end of last year, it was the first Parasport Festival that Fraser Kennedy had to organise and it proved to be a great accomplishment.
“It was a really fantastic day, to have over 100 children attending from all across the West of Scotland was a huge success”, said the Regional Development Manager for the West.
“The day itself ran incredibly well thanks to all the students from City of Glasgow College and the coaches from the SGBs (Scottish Governing Bodies) and the community clubs that delivered a total of 13 different sports, ” Fraser said.
The event attracted returning participants as well as welcoming 74 children and young people to their first ever Parasport Festival.
“Ellie’s been before and she really enjoyed it”, said Andrea Martindale, Ellie’s mum.
“She loves the variety of sports. She’s doing some sports that she’s never even tried before. She loves that.”
As well as taking part in sport, Parasport Festivals provide a unique opportunity for children and young people to socialise and make new friends.
“She also enjoys being with people that also have disabilities, so she doesn’t feel so alone. So that’s a good support for her,” said Andrea.
Basketball Scotland is a regular attendee at SDS’ Parasport Festivals and the sport proved to be very popular on Monday.
“I love Parasport Festivals. We do them every year”, said Tina Gordon, Basketball Scotland’s Disability and Inclusion Manager.
She continued to say, “It’s amazing to see so many young children playing, having fun and it gives us a real opportunity to find new players and introduce the sport of wheelchair basketball and basketball to them.”
The West of Scotland’s event was the fifth Parasport Festival to take place this year. Upcoming Parasport Festivals include Tayside, Forth Valley, East of Scotland and Shetland.
Whilst registration has closed for both Tayside and Forth Valley, there is still time to sign up for the East and Shetland. To do so and for more information about the Parasport Festivals, visit here.