Blogs: EFDS takes a look at an A-Z of accessible sporting opportunities
The English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) website features a blog post every Friday through the year.
In 2016 we’ll be taking a look at an A-Z of accessible sporting and fitness opportunities available to disabled people. This week we’re taking a look back at some of the blogs in the series so far, featuring darts, diving and equestrianism.
Read more in the A-Z blogs series.
Darts – Michelle Gabica
I play from a chair, throwing to a standard-height board. I think I’ve made a lot of people realise that accessibility is key for people like me – in a lot of pubs, darts matches used to take place in a room upstairs.
The comments I have had from people who have seen me play have been very encouraging. People say that they know that if anything happened to them – and you never know what’s coming round the corner – that they could carry on playing darts, adapting the sport for them.
It feel great when you’re playing and you’re in the zone. I keep playing against people who I have beaten, and who I can tell don’t want to play me again. I love playing against people from England, Ireland and further abroad. Darts people are a fun lot, really friendly, and everyone wants you to give it a go.
Diving – Matthew and Sean
During lessons there are always three diving instructors who will demonstrate a particular dive or jump, such as lineups or a pike jumps, on the poolside, and then we follow it. I did find it hard to learn at the beginning, but not so much now.
I’m looking forward to diving at the Hatfield Swimming Gala, which is coming up in April.
I usually have mixed emotions when I’m diving – sometimes I can be nervous because of the height of the 3m board.
But it also makes me feel energised and I’m happy after doing a dive. And as a sport I feel it has improved my self-esteem.
Equestrianism – Julie Ashby
Initially it took a very patient horse and several even more patient volunteer helpers to get me into the saddle. Nonetheless, to achieve this left me feeling elated and filled with renewed hope in myself and the future.
For many, riding conjures images of hacking out in open countryside, showjumping, carriage driving or elegant dressage.
Disabled riders can do any of these things – what may have seemed, to themselves, near-impossible at one time. The health benefits for body, mind and general well-being for all ages and disability cannot be over-emphasised.
