Blog: 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 handcycling, ice skating and judo.
Read more in the A-Z blogs series.
Handcycling – Ian Durrant
Handcycling is a nice little piece of freedom if you do have a disability, and I know a lot of people who feel that way.
On a deeper level, if you are a wheelchair user then to be able to participate in a sport where you can leave your chair behind and compete alongside your friends and family is just wonderful. I ride alongside all sorts of people these days.
Ice skating – Hannah Lee
I am able to compete in Inclusive Skating competitions due to my rare heart condition which is only diagnosed by the elimination of other conditions.
I struggle to compete in regular competitions due to the amount of elements which non-disabled skating requires. But thanks to Inclusive Skating I am able to compete with other disabled skaters – the sport allows me to pick how many elements I put in a programme, or how long I can take to complete it before my routine is penalised.
Judo – Connah Anders
Judo has helped a lot with me and my social life. Everyone is on the same level, no-one is excluded. You are just a person who can do judo, just like anyone else.
When you are on the mat competing there is no difference if you’re disabled or non-disabled, other than the fact that my contests start with us in hold. I’m convinced that a visually impaired judoka can be just as good as a sighted person.
