More than one hundred children attended the West of Scotland’s Parasport Festival, which took place at On-X Linwood on Monday 4th March. It was the highest number of participants to ever attend a Parasport Festival in the West of Scotland.
Organised by Scottish Disability Sport and supported by OneRen, participants got to try a diverse variety of sports: athletics, cricket, powerchair football, football, basketball, swimming, boccia, badminton, Para canoe, tennis, table tennis and snow sports.
The sport and physical activity sessions provided opportunity for the children and young people to bolster both their physical and mental health.
Layla, 15, from Barrhead, said: “I think it’s great, the staff have been brilliant in help us to get more active. It’s great to get out and not be stuck in the house and it shows there are lots of opportunity out there to give sport a go. It’s been amazing and I’ve made a ton of new friends.”
Joshua, 15, from Bishopbriggs, added: “I think it’s a good opportunity for people to find out about new sports. It can be depressing to watch others doing sport, but disabled sport makes it better for all people to get involved. Basketball is my favourite and that’s where I want to compete and win.”
Proud parent, Michelle Cameron, from Helensburgh, was with her boy Jamie. She said: “I want Jamie to take part in sport and help with his confidence – that’s what he needs. He came in today and the staff have been amazing and he’s enjoying it now, which is fantastic.
“Jamie wants to be the best and I just want him to achieve his personal best and coming here today has been great for him – and I’m super chuffed too.”
Fraser Kennedy, West Regional Development Manager for Scottish Disability Sport, said: “This gives kids from all over the West of Scotland the opportunity to come and try 13 sports. It’s all about having fun and enjoying a great day, but also opening up the world of sport to them with improved pathways all the way up to the Paralympics.
“The team at OneRen have been great and the venue has been fantastic.”
Chris Cleary from OneRen’s Active Schools team, said: “We are delighted to host the Parasport event which showcases the sporting opportunities available to young people with a disability. Sport has the power to change lives and its great to see such a high-profile event here in Renfrewshire.”