21 May 2010

By Sarah Marl

Disabled children will test their sporting prowess over the weekend at Leigh Sports Village. Disability Sport Events (DSE) is proud to be holding the Mini Games North, supported by Unite Foundation.

The event provides 6-12 year olds with opportunities to try out different sports. Children from various schools and regions will compete in the sport-packed event, which helps to identify future disabled champions in sport. From there, they are encouraged to develop their individual talent in many sports. Many Paralympians got their first taste of sport at this event, proving its high impact on many disabled peoples’ lives.

Many sports are on offer- including boccia, swimming, rugby, track and field events. This weekend of competition is often the first time away for many of the children, so it is about independence as well as participation.

Leigh Centurions are not missing the chance to get involved at their home ground too- when they get involved in a wheelchair rugby league game.

Coach Ian Millward and five of his players – Steve Nash, Ian Mort, Adam Higson, Ian Ainscough and Sam Hopkins – will take on the Wigan Wheelchair rugby league club in a local derby session on Friday 21 May to kick start the weekend’s championships.

“We are really keen as a club to support events such as this. I think it is a fantastic opportunity for the youngsters involved”, Millward said, “and if we as a club can go some way to making it all the more enjoyable then so much the better.”

Mini Games North is sponsored by Unite Foundation- the charitable arm of Unite the Union. The Foundation has funded the Mini Games programme since 2006 and will enjoy being a partner until 2012. Derek Simpson, Joint General Secretary for Unite said ahead of the weekend:

“Unite Foundation welcomes the opportunity to fund the DSE Mini Games and wishes all participants the best of luck and hope that you enjoy the weekend. We are delighted to be involved in an event that gives the opportunity for disabled youngsters to participate in sporting activities.”

DSE is the events division of the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) - the umbrella body for sport and physical activity for disabled people in England. The division’s work means more disabled people can access competitive sport from the playground to the medal podium, whether they have potential elite talent or just wish to be active.

Further information about DSE and full results from the event will be available at www.disabilitysport.org.uk
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Media information:
The media are welcome to attend the event.
Ian Millward and Steve Nash, Ian Mort, Adam Higson, Ian Ainscough and Sam Hopkins will take on the Wigan Wheelchair rugby league club in a local derby session on Friday 21 May at 6pm

Please contact:
Sarah Marl
Disability Sport Events
sarah@dse.org.uk
Direct line 0161 953 2438
Mobile 07764 291671

Notes to editors:
Disability Sport Events (DSE) is renowned worldwide in a variety of sports. It organises regional, national and international championships in a variety of sports.
DSE is the events division of the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) – the umbrella organisation responsible for co-ordinating sport and physical activity for disabled people in England. CRN 1075180
www.disabilitysport.org.uk
www.efds.co.uk