Chelmsford set to host latest Typhoo regional athletics event
150 athletes from clubs and schools across the region will take part in the Typhoo East regional athletics event at Chelmsford Stadium.
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 East 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.
Ros Cramp, Treasurer of the Eastern Region Disability Athletics Forum (ERDAF) and an organiser of the event, said:
“With 148 athletes taking part and the weather looking great we are looking forward to a great day of athletics. This is an event where new athletes get the opportunity to compete in athletics often for the first time against people like themselves. This can give a massive boost to self esteem and confidence, and many make friends for life.
"We will also have elite athletes competing at the event whole have won medals on the international stage, which shows athletes and spectators alike that anything is possible!”
Somnath Saha CEO of Typhoo Tea 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.”
Disabled athletes at the regional qualifiers are aiming for a place in their regional team at the National Junior Athletics Championships- the programme climax on 2-3 July 2016. Over 250 12-20 year olds will take part over that weekend at Warwick Athletics Stadium, where you can spot future stars.
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.
Teams of dedicated volunteers deliver regional events, including long-term partner Lions Club International.
