Monthly blog round-up: February
The English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) website features a blog post every Friday - sharing the experiences of disabled people involved in sport and exercise at all levels, and those who support disabled people, on their journey to being more active. Today, we take a look back at our blogs throughout February and look forward to March’s stories - and the Winter Paralympics.
Ian Cook - exercising once again
At the start of February, Ian told us how local and accessible opportunities helped him to enjoy exercise once again.
"Before being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis I used to run, swim and cycle. As my MS worsened I gave up each of these activities and three years ago I realised I had given up all exercise. I knew I had to do something.
My first port of call was my local MS Society branch which runs a weekly exercise class. It was a good start but I soon realised I wanted something that might push me a bit more."
Isabelle Weall - Trampolinist
February also saw Isabelle explain to us how being active supports her in her daily life.
"I walk on prosthetics and it’s essential for me to keep fit to make walking as easy as possible. I also use up more energy just completing daily activities, so being active helps my body keep up with me. I think that physical exercise also makes you feel better mentally, which is an added bonus.
I really enjoy sport and taking part in it makes me really happy, especially when I’ve accomplished a new move because I know how hard I have worked towards it."
Claire Cashmore - Triathlete
February also saw us talk to GB Para-swimmer turned triathlete, Claire. She spoke to us about sport helping her confidence.
"I always want to push myself and consequently, I am always looking to try new things. I believe you should say yes to any opportunity that comes your way and if you hate it, so what?! At least you are not always thinking ‘what if’."
Matthew Payne - VI tennis player
Our last blog in February saw Matthew tell us how he took up tennis after loosing the sight in his right eye completely and loosing more in his left eye.
"Tennis quickly became a vital part of my continual rehabilitation. It is the one part of the week where I am able to forget about my disability and just enjoy the sport and company of the group."
That's all for our February round-up. With March being the month of the 2018 PyeongChang Paralympics, the month's line-up will see us delve into winter snowsports. March will also see us hear from Shona again on her journey to being active.
