Typhoo and EFDS tea-m up to support disabled athletes across England
Typhoo and national charity the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) have teamed up to ensure more disabled athletes have access to participation opportunities across England. In 2015, the renowned National Junior Athletics Championships and the nine regional qualifiers will add extra ‘OO’ through Typhoo’s name, in a bid to increase the number of disabled people in athletics.
It is the third time Typhoo has backed the charity’s work after sponsoring the Typhoo Sports for All project in 2009 and 2010. Then, the partnership funded free Disability Inclusion Training across the country. This year, the tea company is brewing up with EFDS’s Disability Sport Events programme to ensure more disabled athletes have access to local competition.
Somnath Saha CEO of Typhoo Ltd, said:
“Typhoo are delighted to renew our partnership with EFDS to help disabled people access sport as part of our ongoing Sports for All programme.”
More than 1000 disabled athletes will be part of the regional qualifiers that lead to the National Junior Athletics Championships climax on 27-28 June. Over 250 12-20 year olds will take part at Warwick Athletics Stadium and history proves that there will be future stars among the competitors.
There is a full track and field programme on offer, meaning athletes with a wide range of impairments can take part- something which is not often supported at many other events.
Barry Horne, Chief Executive for EFDS, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome back Typhoo to partner a much-loved programme. The number of people involved in this athletics programme, both competitors and volunteers, is testament to the hard work that takes place every year. Typhoo’s support is extremely valuable and will ensure more disabled people use this opportunity to be active for life.”
For over 25 years, the National Junior Athletics Championships has provided thousands of young disabled athletes with the opportunity to develop their talent and compete against others from across the country.
Many elite disabled athletes began their golden careers at the national event. Paralympians Hannah Cockroft, Shelly Woods, Aled Davies and Hollie Arnold were once junior participants who moved up the ranks to become world-class athletes.
Regional events are delivered by teams of dedicated volunteers, who drive the athletes’ ambition to qualify for the Nationals. This makes them highly competitive for the team trophy at the national event.
One athlete aiming for Warwick this year is Sean. He competes for the East team as a seated discus thrower and wheelchair racer. His first taste of success was at his first National Championships last year and is now a committed member of Stevenage and North Hertfordshire Athletics Club. Sean is a regular at his local gym and has started to take up officiating roles. Once a boccia player for his school, he was drawn in to athletics after hearing about the Nationals.
Sean said:
“From the first time I started at the track, everyone talked about the Nationals. Everyone aims for them. This is the ultimate opportunity for personal bests, medals and to represent my club. I can be on my own in my discipline, but last year when we all got together as a team to watch the races, I have never felt such a high level of adrenalin. My biggest goal is to get to The Nationals again this year.”
Regional events start from April across the English regions. More information about the Typhoo Regional and National Championships will be available on our website.
