Disabled athletes showcase their talents

 

Over 40 highly talented disabled school pupils from Staffordshire took part in the County Athlete Assessment day on 24 June, held at Fenton Manor Sports Complex, Stoke-on-Trent.  

 

The young disabled children took part in a talent identification programme which aims to find the most talented sports people with a disability and offer them appropriate routes to develop their pathways into competitive sport at all levels.

 

Organised by Sport Across Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent, this was the second day of its kind which meant that the children had had the opportunity to put their skills to the test in athletics, football, wheelchair basketball and table tennis. Experienced National Governing Body (NGB) coaches guided the children through drills and activities and were responsible for selecting potential future talent.  Former Paralympic athlete, Mark Fosbrook was also on hand throughout the day to talk to participants and offer them advice about developing in their sport.
 

The County Athlete Assessment days are part of the National Playground to Podium scheme which is led by Sport England, the Youth Sports Trust and ParalympicsGB. It aims to help create a clear and professional disability sport pathway from school sport through to club participation and on to elite performance.

Aiming High Disability Sport & Physical Activity Development Officer, said: "It was a fantastic day that gave young talented athletes with disabilities the opportunity to showcase their skills to NGB coaches."

 

Naomi Bird
Knowledge, Communications & Equalities Manager
T: 01785 619585
E: nbird@staffordbc.gov.uk