The build up to the Beijing Paralympic Games, scheduled from the 6-17 September 2007 continues to gain momentum.
Last week the Paralympic Roadshow began its journey in Trafford, at Wellington High School. Paralympians, Mathew Walker, World Champion Swimmer and Mark Eccleston, World Quad Tennis Player talked to disabled children from five Trafford schools about their Paralympic experiences.
In the afternoon, as the Paralympic Roadshow moved on to Salford, the pupils from Trafford had the opportunity to participate in indoor Athletics, New Age Kurling and Hockey sessions.
Avril Saunders, Head of Sport, Trafford Sport Development said,
“The Paralympians were great and bringing the children together to hear them was so motivating. The sports that followed went so well and all the children going home with their own medal was brilliant, their faces beamed joy!”
The Salford leg of the Paralympic Roadshow in the afternoon brought over two hundred young people to join the Paralympians. They enjoyed the added bonus of a visit from London Marathon Winner, Shelly Woods and her brand new carbon fibre racing wheelchair.
Shelly stated
“ from my first days playing wheelchair basketball, aged 11, sport has changed my life so much. To fulfil my dream of winning the London Marathon and to share my story with people with similar aspirations was a delight ”
The Paralympic Roadshow will now move on to Manchester, on the 9th May 2007. In partnership, the British Paralympic Association and the Manchester Sport Development team will run a ‘Come and Try’ event in the heart of Manchester, in Albert Square.
Later on in the day National Governing Bodies from disability Sport will come together to identify ‘Gifted and Talented’ young people from local schools.
For further detail click here
Josie Cichockyj, 3 times Wheelchair Basketball Paralympian and host of each leg of the Paralympic Roadshow offered her thanks to all involved, particularly Assim Chaudhry and Natallie Craig for their contribution in giving the people of Greater Manchester a chance to share the Paralympic Games experience.
As a Paralympian sport opens many doors for disabled people and it is absolutely wonderful that London 2012 will bring the games to the hearts and minds of British people.
