Monthly blog round-up: August
Activity Alliance 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 August and look forward to September’s stories.
Our first blog of the month came from Team CP England athlete, Thomas. He spoke to us about preparing to compete in RaceRunning at the Cerebral Palsy World Games in Spain.
"It is my first World Games and I am the youngest RaceRunner in the England squad, so I just want to go out there and do the best I can in all my races. I would absolutely love to win a medal but the competition will be tough. I’m just so excited to wear my Team CP England kit and represent my country."
Pablo Rees - boccia player
The second week in August heard from boccia player Pablo ahead of the BISFed World Boccia Championships. He spoke to us about the enjoyment he gets from playing boccia.
"I really enjoy being active but what I most enjoy are the personal achievements I have gained through taking part in sport. Not only does it keep my mind and body active but I love the feeling of being part of a team."
Shona - becoming more active
Since January we have been hearing from Shona, a 20 year old disability, lifestyle and beauty blogger on her swimming journey and becoming more active. August saw her write her seventh blog post, in which she tells us how swimming helped her train for the Superhero Tri Series that took place on 18 August.
"My technique has improved greatly, and in the last few months I’ve started swimming breaststroke with just my arms to try and improve my technique further. I’ve also been doing this because on Saturday 18 August I’m taking part in the Superhero Tri Series, an accessible triathlon designed for disabled people where you can use any support or equipment you need to get over the finish line."
Read Shona's seventh blog post here.
Billy Mansell - Active Essex Ambassador, footballer and cyclist
Billy told us how being active has encouraged his new lifestyle change, which has helped him stay dedicated.
"I first started my multi-disciplinary approach before my son was born, if it hadn’t been for him, as well as me being absolutely determined to take part in football, I believe I would not be where I am today. It did take dedication and commitment to low intensity exercise to get me into physical position to be able to compete but it got me where I am now. I am so proud to have achieved all I have to date. I know that in time there will be even more achievements and goals met."
Chris King - gym goer
Our penultimate blog saw us here from 61 year old Chris King on how being active has been essential in improving her mobility.
"I really enjoy being active because it makes me feel I am taking back control of my life. Being active has been essential in improving my mobility as I need my upper body strength to just move around. Basically, my arms are my legs and my wheelchair act as my toes."
Gabrielle, aka "Gabs the Boxer" - boxer
Our final blog in August came from 14 year-old Garbielle who previously blogged about trying out kickboxing and really enjoying it. In her blog she tells us about winning her very first boxing match.
"Since going to the gym, starting kickboxing and then going on to specialising in boxing the transformation on my physical and mental wellbeing has been incredible. It’s because of this that through motivation, dedication and self-belief on Saturday 28 July I had my first boxing match and I won! My ultimate goal is to fight at elite level."
That's all for our August round-up. September will see us hear from Shona and how she is getting on with her swimming journey, as well as plenty more blogs from active disabled people.
If you're interested in writing a blog about your experiences of sport and exercise, please email news@activityalliance.org.uk or call 0161 228 2868.
