Local support group Little
Hiccups is seeking funding to start a regular disability multi-sports event
for Under 8’s.
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| The group enjoying the Disabled Sports Day |
Scientific research across disability groups
reveals participation in sport and physical activity leads to improved levels of physical health and well-being.
Most Sports Centre’s now
offer Disability Multi-Sports Day but these are generally aimed at children
over the age of 8. For those parents with under 8’s there is very little out
there.
If you have a child with
special needs or disabilities you will know the frustration of trying to find a
sport activity that your child can join in.
Most mainstream sports
accept all children but the reality is that a child with disabilities just
cannot compete at the same level as the rest of the team.
Little Hiccups, a
Yorkshire based group that provides support for families who have children with
special needs or disabilities, recently arranged for a Disability Multi-Sport
Day for Under 8’s which was accessible to all.
It
was run by two coaches, Brad Spurrs and Nick Smith who were excellent role
models for the children as both have a disability and compete to quite a high
level in their respective sports – Brad in cricket and Nick in Wheelchair Racing.
Coaches
Brad and Nick entertained the children beautifully with fun and accessible
playground games and FUNdamentals which was basic coordination games.
 | |
| Isabelle enjoying the sports day |
Rochelle,
mum of Isabelle visited the disability multi-sport day that Little Hiccups
organised. She says “There is just nothing out there for young disabled
children, and Isabelle had a great time on the day we attended. It's rare
that she gets to join in sports and activities that able bodied children
are able to access as most are geared towards children who can run or jump, or
older disabled children. It just doesn't seem fair! I think it'd be great for
their physical and social development.”
Coach Brad
Spurrs understands more than most the frustration of being unable to
participate in mainstream sports and is keen to support Little Hiccups in this
venture.
Sasha
Hopkinson, mum of a disabled child says “we are yet to come across any sport via Leeds City
Council or other for under 8’s that will provide for Adam, with his
level of understanding and physical ability”. She is one of the families keen
to join in Little Hiccup’s scheme.
Little
Hiccups Event Organiser, Miriam Watson says “Little Hiccups is all about
allowing children with disabilities to access areas they perhaps could not
normally access. On organising our multi-sport event, we were surprised to find
that there was not more out there for under 8’s and from the feedback from
families there is obviously a demand. It is vital that we get the
financial support as it cannot go ahead without this.”
Little
Hiccups is a support group that has been set up by families who have children
with special needs.
Through
personal experience they recognise the importance of allowing the parents and
families of a child with a disability the opportunity to meet people in similar
situations, to make friends and support each other. Little Hiccups runs a
bi-monthly support group for under 5’s in Leeds and organises a fun monthly
outing that the whole family can attend.
You can
contact Little Hiccups through our website www.littlehiccups.co.uk, by email on info@littlehiccups.co.uk or
mobile on 0783 123 0741.
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