The event gave young people a chance to try out a range of activities in an inclusive environment where everyone can feel like part of the action.
By Grant Cloughton
Disabled sports enthusiasts took part in the Richmond-upon-Thames Inclusive Sports and Exercise (RISE) event in Teddington on Saturday.
The event gave young people a chance to try out a range of activities in an inclusive environment where everyone can feel like part of the action.
Event Organiser, Lizzy Walne, said that the event allows young people to come along, socialise with like-minded people and try out sports which they may not get a chance to do elsewhere.
Sophia Lewis, 10, who has cerebral palsy, practiced dancing, boxing and badminton. Her mum, Colette Lewis, 45, said: “This is the first time we’ve been. She enjoys dancing the most, but these events also allow her to try new sports.”
Mrs Lewis added that less able-bodied people do not always have the choice of attending mainstream activity groups, whereas the RISE events cater for this.
“There’s not enough for the cognitively less abled children, and more needs to be done,” said Mrs Lewis.
RISE taster sessions are arranged every six months, but clubs during that time may.
RISE have recently introduced a new project called RISE to Shine, which offers people the chance to become part of Team Richmond by competing against other boroughs in the London Youth Games.
There are several disability sports included in the competition.
Anyone who would like more information on RISE events can go to www.richmond.gov.uk/rise.
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