County News

NEW!!! Disability Sport Forums are being set up all over the County.

Over this past year we have increased from 2 established Disabiltiy Sport Forum Groups to 6 with several more planned.

 

These groups are fantastic as they are made up of local people with an interest in Disability Sport and it's development within the area. In order to show the good work that these groups do SASSOT has created a section with in the Disability Sport area dedicated to these development groups. You will be able to see information about each group, past agendas and minutes and also future meeting dates.

 

To find out more about the Disability Sport Forums click here.

 

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Volunteer of the Year

Stoke on Trent woman Jackie Jackson’s efforts for Autistic children have been recognised by Wyre Council.  For nearly three years Jackie has been driving to Blackpool every Sunday to act as a volunteer at Blackpool Tiggers, a charity that provides Trampolining for children and the families of children on the Autistic spectrum. Tiggers put Jackie forward as The Volunteer of the Year in recognition to her spending so much time and effort. Unless she is on holiday she spends every Sunday in Blackpool at Tiggers.  From over 40 nominees Jackie was shortlisted to the final five.

 

“I was at a loose end on a Sunday and I was chatting to a friend who lives in Blackpool.  He said ‘why not come and see what I do on a Sunday?’ so I did and I loved it!” 

I started as a safety spotter but I knew I wanted to get more involved and become a qualified coach.  The trouble was that it would cost about a thousand pounds for training and exams.  I work in an Opticians practice in Hartshill and my boss suggested we asked the patients to help.  Their response was fantastic! In four months I had my thousand pounds.  I couldn’t believe how generous people were, although I had to promise that I wouldn’t give up my job and become a full time coach!”

 In 2009 Jackie went on a level one British Gymnastics course in trampolining and passed her exam in June 2009. She studied further and was helped by a trampolining club in Trentham.

 

Jackie has now qualified as a Level Two Trampoline coach and wants to bring ‘Tiggers’ to Stoke on Trent.  “I have the skills and knowledge to start a Stoke Tiggers. When you see the fun that the children have it makes you want our kids to have the same opportunity. It makes them more confident, helps with their coordination and is great exercise

 .” Jackie is contacting local parents groups and is looking for volunteers and a venue to start a local group.

 

If you are interested in being involved or can offer a venue you can contact Jackie on 07518722592 or e mail: happy-jackiej@hotmail.com

 

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