Written by Fiona Jones, an adult participant with a learning disability.
I used to go out in the evenings to a karate club and every second week I went to a RDA horse riding club to keep active healthy and fit and to socialise with others, but when I moved here there were not any clubs that I could access or felt comfortable with .
I tried out the martial arts club but the style was not suitable, too touchy feely, too fast and far too noisy, and too much involved.
For a while I felt like I wouldn’t get back my active feeling but I asked Alison Shaw who works for Scottish Disability Sport if she could help me to access sports in the evening as I missed going out and being active. She suggested that I come along and try a sports club for adults and teens who have a disability that is held every Friday evening in Stonehaven Leisure Centre and it is on from 7 to 8. I went along to the first week and I tried out basketball and badminton . I enjoyed the basketball. I worked on my dribbling and passing skills.
The session changes after every 4-5 weeks so that we all get a chance to try out the different sports and we get a chance to work with qualified coaches in those sports who can help us to safely, fun and calmly develop our skills in the sports.
We did gymnastics for a while. At first I was not keen because it was too fast and too noisy . I came back I gave it another try, and I felt happier and more confident, and I felt like I was getter better at it as I did it more weeks. Also, one week I went in a wheelchair to play basketball and at first it was strange because you don’t have the used of legs just arms and I was afraid I would fall but once I got the hang of it, I enjoyed it and I scored some baskets from the chair. In badminton I found it frustrating as I struggled to hit the shuttle cock, but I kept it up and eventually I hit it over the nets after a couple more goes at it. Future sports we are going to try will be tennis and hopefully martial arts. And cricket, dancing and so much more other sports.
As a result of joining this I am feeling more confident in sports clubs and something else nice has happened – I have made friends with a lot of the young people who go to it and we have been able to support each other through sports and get to know each other’s interests and hobbies . I also liked it because it has helped me to develop my social skills and it means that I am finding it easier to get on with other young people . I enjoyed spending time in their company each week.
I also find tat the coaches are easy to work along side us and they are friendly and approachable and non-judgmental towards our disabilities . Another good thing is that my coordination is much better and I am feeling stronger and fitter. This is now the highlight of my week . I would recommend this club to other people.
Addendum: The Multi Sports Club is ran by Stonehaven & Portlethen Community Sports Hub and involves clubs affiliated with the hub running 4-5 week blocks of their sport especially for the participants. It is open to anyone of secondary age or adults and is free of charge to attend.
If you or someone you know is from the Grampian area, has a disability & would like to get involved in the Multi Sports Club or any other sporting opportunities, please get in touch with Alison Shaw on 07828 744 848 or alison.shaw@scottishdisabilitysport.com.