On Saturday 20th November the inaugural SDS Highland Parasport Festival was held at Dingwall Leisure Centre (High Life Highland) for young people with physical and sensory disabilities.
In what was a hugely successful first Highland Festival, the young people tried out a variety of exciting and in many cases completely new sports in an inclusive and welcoming environment. All participants were wonderfully supported by the brilliant High Life Highland team during the day as they made their way through the busy events programme.
Throughout the day the youngsters tried swimming, badminton, boccia, wheelchair basketball, athletics and kayaking which were all met with smiles on faces. A parent of one of the participants told SDS that it was “the best day out we’ve had in ages”.
We were also delighted to welcome Maree Todd MSP along to support the event, where she got involved in the activities and spoke with participants. She even had time to join in some wheelchair basketball before taking on SDS CEO Gavin MacLeod and High Life Highland CEO Steve Walsh in a mini boccia match during the lunch break.
Maree Todd MSP said:
“I was delighted to attend the inaugural Highland Parasport Festival and was pleased that the day was a great success with all the participants enjoying themselves trying out new sports.
It was a great pleasure seeing the young people active in learning and with smiles on faces, ably supported by SDS and High Life Highland staff.
Sport should be for everyone, and by creating welcoming and inclusive environments like this we can get more people with disabilities participating in sport and enjoying the huge benefits that it brings.”
High Life Highland’s Head of Sports Development Mags Duncan said:
“This was a great first festival for youngsters with a physical, visual or hearing impairment and was very well received by all those who attended.
“With such positive feedback, we’re planning regular sessions and intend to have further festivals in other areas of the Highlands such as Caithness and Skye.
“We want to ensure as many people as possible will get the opportunity to take part in a range of different sports and activities.”
SDS would like to thank High Life Highland for providing the venue and support from the HLH team throughout the event.