Supporting disabled women to be active this International Women's Day
Today (Wednesday 8 March) is International Women’s Day. This year, campaigners are asking you to #BeBoldForChange. Call on the masses or call on yourself to help forge a better working world - a more gender inclusive world. To celebrate, we’re taking a look back at a collection of disabled women who have shared their sporting stories with us over the past year. Read on for real stories about achieving goals, relieving stress, and the benefits exercise can bring to all areas of life.
“If women are encouraged to go to the gym, it’s not only good for our fitness levels, but also for our mental stress levels! I find that exercise is very good for my stress relief. I work in a stressful environment for an investment bank. I work sometimes very long hours and just sitting there on my office chair doesn’t help.” Chandni
Chandni Sony, from West London, didn’t play much sport growing up. As an adult, she goes to the gym and pushes her limits. Watch the video above or read Chandni’s blog.
“I love skating. I have made so many friends but in particular a friend called Olivia. We are a little team! Although she is six years younger than me we get on like a house on fire, and we support each other with things both on and off the ice. I think friendship is the most important thing to have come from my skating.” Hannah
Hannah Lee competes in inclusive skating competitions and has a heart condition. Read Hannah’s blog.
“These days I enjoy everything about playing netball – being with new people, learning new things like shooting, passing and marking. I love shooting, and I love winning. The team spirit is very strong and we all help each other – I have supported other members to get home after a session.” Alison
Alison Evans is from Swindon and has a mild learning disability. Read Alison’s blog about netball.
“I was in the army for 25 years, involving tours to Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. I had a motorbike accident in 2011 and lost my left leg below the knee, as well as injuring my back. When I’m on a horse my disability is just not a factor. People who watch me playing polo don’t know that I actually don’t have a leg.” Elaine
Elaine Corner talks about how her passion for polo helped her rehabilitate from injury. Read Elaine’s blog.
“Keeping fit gives you a power – you can do things, you can achieve. While I can’t exactly run around and kick a football with my grandchildren, which is sad, I still can be there for them in many other ways, such as reading or helping them paint or play. It’s really noticeable, the difference, if you can manage even minimal exercise.” Denise
Denise Powell, from Northampton, has had Multiple Sclerosis for seven years and talks about how attending a keep fit class helps her retain her mobility and make friends. Read Denise’s story.
"My family are really supportive. They all come to competitions at home and they always watch out for my results if I am playing away. They help me train as well. Boccia is a really sociable game and in the past I’ve played ‘beach boccia’ with my younger cousins when on holiday (using a retired set of balls, of course!)" Tia
Tia Ruel from Wokingham has Cerebral Palsy and plays boccia for the England squad. Read Tia’s blog.
“Being a diver and coach has given me more confidence. Also, being active and participating in sport helps me with my core stability. I have mild hemiplegia cerebral palsy, which affects my right side. Partaking in any kind of sport can be challenging for me, but I get such a sense of achievement from doing something I have a passion for - like diving. I have always enjoyed sport and I am now studying BA (Hons) Sports Development at university.”
Maddy Hopson from Plymouth talks about her love for platform diving. Read Maddy’s blog from February 2017.
If you are interested in being active, find out how to start here. Or contact us to share your story. Women in Sport is transforming sport for the benefit of every woman and girl in the UK.
