Disability Sport Wales held the Arriva Trains Wales Wheelchair Sports Spectacular this weekend (11th and 12th September) for the 12th year running at Cardiff Met University, National Indoor Athletics Centre (NIAC) in Cyncoed. Over 500 disabled people of all ages and ability levels attended and tried over 20 sports with a range of adapted equipment.
The two day event was supported by local authorities across the South East Wales region, and offered children, young people and adults the opportunity to take part in a range of activities. Each day various sports were showcased, all run by club coaches. They included badminton, table tennis, wheelchair basketball, golf, wheelchair football, karate, wheelchair racing, and cricket, plus many more.
It is primarily aimed at physically disabled adults and children but everyone was welcome to attend. Designed to spot those who might have a burgeoning talent or those who simply want to take part in sport and have fun - there were sports to suit everyone of all ages and ability levels. As well as having the opportunity to try the sports, participants also found out about clubs that they can join in their area.
This year Disability Sport Wales Community Partner Arriva Trains Wales was the principal sponsor alongside the Cardiff Bay Rotary Club who have been a charity partner of the event for the seventh year in a row, both organisations demonstrating huge commitment toward disability and inclusive sport. Additional support has also been provided by Sinclair VW Cardiff, Cardiff Met University, Cardiff Council – European Capital of Sport, Cardiff University and Snowdrop Independent Living.
Pippa Britton, Chair of Disability Sport Wales said "I would like to thank our Community Partner Arriva Trains Wales, Cardiff Bay Rotary Club and our other partners for supporting this event which has now become an important date in the Disability Sport Wales calendar. Over the years many thousands of people have benefitted from this event by being introduced to new sports and clubs which they have gone on to join. Many of the sports that we showcase are excellent examples of inclusive activity whilst others offer the opportunity to engage specific Paralympic or disability specific programmes. It is important that we continue to keep the profile of disability sport high on everyone's agenda in Wales and this event ticks all the right boxes, ensuring that we continue to maximise opportunities for disabled people to get hooked on sport for life."
Rob Phillips of Arriva Trains Wales said. “As the Official Community Partner of Disability Sport Wales we are proud to support this event. This is an excellent opportunity for people to try a wide range of sports and activities along with their family and friends. We recognise the importance and value of sport and physical activity and the positive benefits it can have on the health and well- being of individuals. We hope that this event will act as a catalyst enabling many of the participants who attend over the two days to go on and join clubs in their area. There really is something for everyone at this event. “
Phil from Cardiff Bay Rotary Club said “Our members look forward to volunteering at the event and have made many new friends over the 7 years we have been involved. We know the impact this event has had and this year will be no different. Rotary is committed to supporting and celebrating diversity in our communities and this event is a superb example of how our members can make a real difference to the lives of many people.”
