Virtual Parasport Day

Parasport Day Delivered Virtually

The inaugural Virtual Para Sport Day took place on Sunday 26th July over the video communications platform, Zoom and welcomed 13 young people from across Scotland to try sport and physical activity delivered in alternative way. This was the first of two planned Para Sport Days with the next one scheduled for Sunday 23rd August.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and in line with government guidance, this year the Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) Regional team have been unable to deliver these events across the country in their usual format. To ensure that young people with a disability still had a tangible opportunity to engage and participate in sport during this challenging timeVirtual Parasport the SDS RDM team planned, organised and delivered the first ever ‘Virtual Parasport Day’ in collaboration with a number of partners including SAMH, members of staff from SGB’s, coaches & volunteers, performance athletes and members of the SDS Young Person’s Sport Panel.

This online event provided coached sessions in Athletics (warm up), Basketball, Football and Boccia while also providing break-out sessions delivered by SAMH (Mental Well Being) and the SDS Young Person’s Sport Panel who shared their journey into sport and their role as the voice for young people in relation to disability sport. Performance athletes, including Paralympians Patrick Wilson (Boccia) and Jonny Paterson (Cerebral Palsy Football) provided an insight into the world of elite sport, looking to inspire the next batch of potential stars of the future.

Post event, the participants were asked to complete a short survey highlighting what they enjoyed about the event and what could be done slightly better and this will help shape the next event in August. The feedback from the event has been positive with participants stating, ‘It was very well run and enjoyable’ and ‘Really important event to deliver’.

To register your interest for the next Virtual Para Sport Day on Sunday 23rd August, please contact Neal Herbert on 0770 939 3514 or email neal.herbert@scottishdisabilitysport.com.