Sporting Festival Success in Ashington

Young Participants on the Day

A sporting festival for children with disabilities took place recently at Ashington Leisure Centre, and local sporting champion, Stephen Miller, a three time paralympic gold medallist and current world record holder, was guest of honour.

The aim of the festival was to provide young people with disabilities and special needs with the opportunity to experience and compete in a range of sporting activities, while having great fun in the process. Eighty children from across the county attended.

Activities laid on for the day included football, basketball, boccia, (similar to the game of bowls) archery, cricket, athletics, multi sport skills and new age kurling.

The event was organised by Northumberland Sport, and supported by Npower through the English Federation of Disability Sport.

Stephen Miller, Northumberland’s most successful Paralympian has supported the annual Sportsability Festival since it started four years ago and has been an inspiration to the many young children attending.

Stephen said “It is always fantastic to see the enthusiasm and fun that is had on the day with teachers, children, parents and carers all joining in together. Sport has provided me with so many great opportunities. I’ve made great friends and experienced immense enjoyment from it and I always encourage the children to rise to the challenge, take part and do their best, whatever their ability or disability.”

Doug Lowery, Executive Director of Northumberland Sport, said “The festival aimed to give children with disabilities in Northumberland a real chance to participate in sport, become part of a team and develop confidence in the process.

We hoped the festival acted as a catalyst to encourage more children to regularly participate and experience all the benefits that sport brings. We also hope that it provided the opportunity for parents, carers and teachers to establish links with the local sports coaches and clubs around the county that are here to help and support them.”

Patrick Bonner, Regional Development Manager, EFDS North East added:

“For many of the children this festival is the first time they can try some of the sports on offer. This festival is so important as it gives the children a very fun & positive experience which is vital in encouraging them to want to continue to play at local clubs and venues after the festival is over.”