Sportsability Festival 2007

Through Sporting Champions, Northumberland’s most successful Paralympian, StephenMiller, winner of 3 Gold medals and current world record holder, was guest of honour at this years Sportsability Event which took place at Ashington Leisure Centre on Friday June 29^th2007. Other invited guests included Councillor Alex Wallace, the Civic Chair of Wansbeck District Council.

Organised by Northumberland Sport, this provided just under 100 children with a variety of special needs and disabilities from all over the County with the opportunity to compete in and have fun experiencing a variety of sports, which was a huge success. Activities, which all participants took part in included Boccia, New Age Kurling, Archery, Football, Basketball, Netball, Table Cricket, Table Tennis, Athletics and Multi-Skills disciplines.

Stephen said, “It’s fantastic to see so many local young people taking part in this festival, which will hopefully provide further opportunities to participate in sport through local clubs. Sport provided me with great opportunities and immense enjoyment, which I hope these young people will also experience.”

Event Organiser Neville Duncan, the Project Development Officer for Northumberland Sport said “We’re really pleased to have hosted this event for the 3^rd year in succession and once again StephenMiller proved to be a real inspiration to our participants.”

Patrick Bonner, Regional Development Manager for English Federation of Disability Sport said “The festival has been an outstanding success. Opportunities such as this give disabled children in Northumberland a real chance to participate in sport and gain confidence in doing so. It’s not every day that you get to see great role models like StephenMiller and the children certainly looked to take great inspiration from meeting Stephen. It’s the perfect catalyst to create increased participation and interest in sport by young disabled people.”

For further information on disability sport and the Sportsability event contact Widening Access Manager or Project Development Officer.