Able Too Games 2010

 

The Able Too Forum, in conjunction with East Staffordshire Borough Council, once again organised a very successful Able Too Games.

The event was on Saturday 25^th September 2010 at Meadowside Leisure Centre. All involved keenly awaited last year’s games due to the Meadowside re-opening following its refurbishment and having the opportunity to use the new facilities.

We had 72 people with disabilities attend, plus their families, making the overall day feel very busy. There were 11 different activities during the day, ranging from swimming to boccia to table tennis and bowls. We also had 2 new sports: new age croquet and new age golf and thank the Consolidated Charity of Burton on Trent as they provided a grant to purchase this new equipment.

We had consistent numbers across each activity, meaning people were free to come and try different activities that they may not necessarily have done before.

 

During the day we had assistance from various disability sports clubs, including: Able Too United Football Club, Mark Symonds Karate club, the head coaches from the East Staffs Badminton Development Group and coaches from the Bowls Development Group. The idea of having this representation was to provide information of when the clubs meet and encourage participants to join. All the clubs involved thought the day had gone well and were hopeful of seeing some of the attendees again at their own club session.

The day was funded by various groups and organisations. The main contributor was the Consolidated Charity of Burton on Trent who kindly donated £1,150 towards the hire of the Meadowside Centre and the new equipment previously mentioned. All participants received certificates from East Staffordshire Borough Council and special gifts and medals funded by the Able Too Forum.

All the staff were East Staffordshire Borough Council’s Sports Leaders, who led activities throughout the day, and Members of the Able Too Forum were on hand to take care of proceedings during the day.

Parents thought that the coaching aspect of each session was excellent and different to other years, it engaged the participants longer and gave them a true feel of how our Able Too clubs operate. This feedback was received and passed on to the coaches, as they initiated the idea.

 

We also had other excellent feedback ideas, which will be presented to the Able Too Forum, to action or respond to.

Overall, the day was well attended, well received and we are certain, all who attended will attend again. In addition, with the other disability sports clubs able to attend, we hope for another successful year in 2011.

 

Neil Brown
Sports Development Officer
T: 01283 505914
E: neil.brown@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk