“An event like the Typhoo North West regional athletics is brilliant"
Athletes from clubs and schools across the region took part in the Typhoo North West regional athletics event at the Manchester Regional Arena on Sunday 24 April 2016.
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.
The North West event is one of a number of regional meets taking place this summer. Under the banner ‘Typhoo Sports for All’, the programme aims to increase disabled people’s access to local athletics competition.
Under grey skies and despite the occasional downpour, track and field event took place throughout the day with medals handed out to many of the participants.
Anya, who won three medals in the morning, told the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS):
“I want to be a Paralympian, and currently I race for Stockport Harriers. On the track I’m quite a competitive person. I’ve just finished the 100m final and I won the silver medal. Earlier I won the 400m.
“During the middle of a 400m, halfway round, I feel really tired! But I make myself finish, keep going, trying really hard.”
Anya was one of 100 participants at the event, one of a number of regional meetings that culminate in the National Junior Athletics Championships on 2-3 July 2016.
Anya’s mother Nicola Waugh, from Stalybridge in Greater Manchester, told EFDS:
“Anya has spina bifida. She says she can hear me screaming on the sidelines when she’s competing – we’re always there to support her.
“An event like this is brilliant. It’s a proper stadium with a decent track and it’s all well organised. It’s run very professionally and it’s a good experience for youngsters.
“Bring your child to an event like this. Just bring them for fun even, and if they enjoy it then investigate other opportunities. An athletics meeting like this is brilliant for encouraging a love of sport.“
Assisting the event on the day were 31 volunteers from Lions Club International, an organisation whose involvement in the regionals and national finals stretches back over many years.
Erica Collins, North West District Organiser at Lions Club International, said on the day:
“The Lions’ involvement today is to assist with the field events as well as handing out medals. We also run results to the main office, which makes it an important role.
“I think this is a fabulous event – it allows young people who might traditionally not have had the chance to enjoy athletics to participate and enjoy a real sense of achievement.
“I enjoy this so much, because I am a Lion after all! I enjoy this event in particular – all the young people are just amazing. It’s obvious that they enjoy it so much.”
Last year, thanks to Typhoo, 1400 disabled athletes took part across England. For over 25 years, the National event has provided thousands of young disabled athletes with the opportunity to develop their talent and compete against others from across the country. The full track and field programme means athletes with a wide range of impairments can take part- something, which is not often supported at many other events.
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.
Somnath Saha CEO of Typhoo Ltd, said:
“Typhoo is delighted to continue our partnership with EFDS. We are looking forward to supporting more disabled people to access sport as part of our ongoing Sports for All programme.”
Barry Horne, Chief Executive for EFDS, said:
“We’re delighted to be working again with Typhoo on this much-loved programme. It is always brilliant to see how many people get involved in this athletics programme, both competitors and volunteers. This 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.”
