The event was hosted to increase awareness and participation in disability sport in Manchester.
Over 60 young disabled people from Lancasterian School, The Birches Primary School, Oakwood School and Newbridge School attended the day and participated in rugby, wheelchair football, boccia, sit down volleyball and athletics sessions.
CITC coaches delivered the fun 30 minute sessions so the participants could try new sports and learn some new skills.
“It was fantastic to see so many young disabled people participating in the four paralympic sports and getting into the Olympic Spirit. Everyone was smiling and laughing with each other and it was great to see them having so much fun,” smiled Disability Sport Manager Daniel Landstrom.
The day was supported by club mascots Moonchester and Moonbeam who played all the sports with the young people throughout the day and Chris Johnson from CBBC who greeted the young people at the start of the day.
To conclude the day a short presentation was held with Alex Williams presenting the group with medals to celebrate their efforts and participation throughout the day.
Dan Walker who presents Football Focus for BBC Sport also attended the presentation for photographs and to meet the young people.
“City in the Community’s disability coaches made dreams come true for youngsters taking part in the Paralympic School Sports Day,” said Shelley Alexander, BBC Sport’s the Outreach Manager.
“Many of the children had been at the London 2012 Paralympics earlier in the week watching their heroes and now they were finding out how to be just like them.
“So thank-you to the enthusiasm and commitment of the CITC coaches - we couldn’t have done it without you.”
The event was part of the ‘One City’ Disability Sport Programme which is funded by the Premier League Community Fund and Manchester City F.C.
The programme works closely with ten local special schools and is designed to increase sporting opportunities and promote disability sport in Manchester (details are below).
Mondays:
Active Lifestyle Centre, Denmark Road, Hulme
6-7pm 8-13years
7-8pm 13+ years
Tuesdays:
Manchester Tennis & Football Centre, Etihad Campus, Gate 2, Alan Turing Way, Manchester, M11 3FF
6-7pm 8years+
For more information regarding the ‘One City’ Disability Sport project please contact Daniel Landstrom:
T: 0161 438 7835 E: Daniel.landstrom@mcfc.co.uk
