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 Playing
sport is a relatively simple thing to do. You just need a pair of trainers,
a tracksuit, and depending on what you want to do maybe a racquet and a
ball. Unfortunately it’s not always that easy for someone with a
disability.Before
a disabled person can even start thinking about which sport to play, where
to play it or even what to wear, they need to overcome their biggest barrier
and find a suitable sports wheelchair. The Wheel Appeal. The Appeal is
aiming to raise £6,000,000 to provide over 2,000 disabled people with a new
sports wheelchair, training and coaching that will enable them to
participate in sport and
enjoy competitive and recreational sport.
Apply for a sports wheelchair. |
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 Sailing:
Then and now
Sailing for disabled athletes began on an international level in the 1980s.
The first International Handicap Trophy Regatta was held in Switzerland,
followed by others in Germany, the Netherlands and France.
The 1992 World Disabled Sailing Championships were held in Spain alongside
(but not part of) the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games.
Today, the world’s best disabled sailors regularly train and compete with
able-bodied sailors in ‘open’ international regattas.
How to play – and win
Weather permitting, races consist of nine separate runs, which each take
around an hour to complete. They are usually contested over an ‘out and
back’ course that consists of an upwind and downwind leg.
Competitors accumulate points according to their position after each run,
with one point for first, two for second and so on. The winner is the one
with the lowest total of points at the end.
Sailing at the Games
Sailing was introduced to the Paralympic Games as a demonstration sport in
Atlanta 1996. This led to its inclusion in the Games as a full medal sport
in Sydney 2000.
There are modifications in equipment in order to suit the athlete's ability.
The yachts used in Paralympic competition have keels, mainly because this
design provides greater stability. These keelboats also have open cockpits
to allow more room for the sailors.
Facts about
Paralympic Sailing
Men and women compete against – and with – each other in Paralympic Sailing
events.
Sonar class boats are seven metres long and weigh 950 kilograms. They are
sailed by crews of three.
The Skud 18 is the fastest boat used in Paralympic competition. It is sailed
by a crew of two.
The most technical of the Paralympic boats is the 2.4 Class, which is sailed
single-handed.
In Great Britain, the Olympic and Paralympic Sailing teams train together
and share the same management. The programmes are fully integrated at every
level.
Are you interested in Sailing ? .......
Get involved
With beginners’ courses around the country for people of all ages and
backgrounds, it’s easy to get started in Sailing. Find out more by
contacting the Royal Yachting Association.
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Powerchair Football is an exciting new sport. It
can be fully competitive if you want to go that far, or just a fun game.
Celtic Storm is Cornwall's own club, playing regularly at venues in the
County [usually Truro leisure Centre]. We also take two teams to play in the
National League at Kettering where these pictures were taken.
The sport is for disabled people who cannot participate in usual football
games. Our players are mostly powerchair users but now we have three
specially built sports chairs for the club and now other disabled people
have been able to access the game. Dont miss your opportunity to try it out.
Check out the website for latest fixtures
www.celticstorm.org.uk or
contact the Chairman Tim Kellett on 01326 210534.
 
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MOTORSPORT ENDEAVOUR , the
club that brings motorsport to the disabled, is holding a disabled driving
day at Silverstone, the home of the British F1 Grand Prix, on 7th
December 2008.
The day will start with registration and briefing, before
the cars are let out onto the circuit in groups with instructors at your
side helping you find your way. You will have the chance to debrief between
each of your sessions and build your confidence as the day progresses.
Lunch will be provided, and a guest or two from the world of
motorsport will be dropping by to meet everyone. And you will go away with
memories which you cannot repeat anywhere else!!!
So are you interested? - Contact ...
Motorsport Endeavour Ltd.
123 Ealing Village, London, W5 2EB
Tel 0208 991 2358
www.motorsportendeavour.com |
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