A day to inspire in Swindon 

Paralympic star Ben Rushgrove introduces sport to disabled children

Paralympic star Ben Rushgrove was in Swindon to inspire disabled children to follow in his footsteps on Friday.

 
175 children participated in the access day which is organised by the council’s leisure services department in partnership with the education department.

 
Activities included trampolining, martial arts, fencing, football, climbing, ice skating, boccia, (a version of bowls), volleyball and goal ball, (a sport which involves a ball with a bell in it for the visually impaired.)

 
“It’s days like today that help people with disabilities to take up a sport and help people to overcome these barriers to success.” commented Ben, who won a 100m silver medal at the Beijing Paralympic Games in 2008.

 
“There is a perception within sports clubs that you have to be good at a sport to join a club,” commented Ben Humphrey, ability sports development officer for leisure services.

“It’s about having fun and getting the benefits of sports. You have to have a can-do attitude.”