Mobility Roadshow Adaptive Sports Zone Provides Free Activity Sessions For All With Restricted Mobility
The 2016 Mobility Roadshow incorporating Get Going Live! will be featuring an adaptive sports zone available to all visitors interested in playing inclusive sports such as wheelchair tennis and basketball, powerchair football and Boccia (26-28th May 2016, Silverstone, Northants).
The Mobility Roadshow incorporating Get Going Live! is the UK’s leading consumer-focused event offering the opportunity to test, trial and compare the latest accessible vehicles, mobility products and services for people with disabilities. Organised by Let’s Play!, visitors have the chance to participate in free sessions of disability sports during the three-day event. Let’s Play! works alongside various National Governing Bodies and partners to provide “come and try” sessions that encourage people living with restricted mobility to get involved in sport.
Ann Frye, Chair of charity Mobility Choice, organisers of The Mobility Roadshow, comments: “The Mobility Roadshow Sports Zone will provide inclusive opportunities for all visitors to try out a range of accessible sports. Supported by our many high achieving and enthusiastic event ambassadors, we hope visitors enjoy these taster activities and consider getting involved in adaptive sports on a regular basis.”
The event ambassadors will be joining visitors at the morning and afternoon sessions and include Lamin Manneh, disabled war veteran, Invictus Games competitor and star of BBC DIY SOS “Homes for Veteran’s Special”. Lamin, who is officially opening The Mobility Roadshow comments: “I am really looking forward to playing the various accessible sports available. Prior to the Roadshow, I will be competing in Rowing, Archery, Shot put and Discus at The Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida – an international Paralympic-style tournament for disabled servicemen and women. I hope I can share my experiences with visitors and inspire them to get involved in adaptive sports.”
Mobility Roadshow visitors can participate in Disability Tennis on the event’s opening day – May 26th. With a range of specialist equipment available such as sports wheelchairs and audible tennis balls, Disability Tennis is suitable for many people with a physical or visual impairment. Mobility Roadshow Ambassador, Aaron Morgan, participated in Wheelchair Tennis as a teenager. Now 25, and a successful motorsport competitor, he comments: “I am eager to try out the sports activities at this year’s show and in particular I’m looking forward to the tennis sessions. This is a great opportunity for visitors to try activities for the first time and find out how to get involved locally”.
There is the chance to try Boccia on day one with support and guidance from Nigel Murray MBE – show ambassador and successful Paralympic Boccia competitor. Originally designed for people with Cerebral Palsy, Boccia is now enjoyed by players of varying capabilities. Nigel comments: “I am looking forward to attending the Mobility Roadshow Sports Zone on May 26th with Boccia England, the sport’s National Governing Body. Boccia is a fantastic, inclusive activity for people with disabilities and for those without. Anyone can participate, and have some fun. That’s the joy of the game and I hope to encourage as many Roadshow visitors as possible to have a go! ”
Powerchair Football and Wheelchair Basketball sessions will be available on the 27th and 28th May. Powerchair Football is the ideal sport for electric wheelchair users with several leagues operating on a national level. Roadshow visitors do not need to use a powerchair on a daily basis to participate and people of all ages can join these free team sessions.
Wheelchair basketball embraces a wide range of disabilities including people with a lower limb impairment, Cerebral Palsy and Multiple Sclerosis. Today there are over 100 teams across the UK and the Sports Zone will provide details on The British Wheelchair Basketball (BWB) – the national governing body in the UK.
