FUTURE CHAMPIONS AIM HIGH AT STOKE MANDEVILLE
6th May 2008by Sarah Marl
The listing was posted by Disability Sport Events
Six to twelve year olds compete in a range of disability sports
Disability Sport Events is holding the annual DSE MINI GAMES at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, Aylesbury this weekend. The event for mini stars is supported by Unite the Union’s charity- the Amicus Foundation. Over one hundred children from all over the country will compete in a sport-packed event, designed to identify future champions in disability sport.
The six to twelve year olds are given endless opportunities to try many sports- including Boccia, Swimming, Track and Field events and for the first time this year- rugby. This weekend of competition is often the first time away for many of the children, so it is about independence as well as participation. Young, gifted and talented stars are encouraged to develop into junior and senior performers in many sports. This year, the event celebrates its 25th anniversary at the home of disability sport.
In 2006, Unite the Union, through its foundation announced that they would be supporting our Mini Games Programme until 2012 in a deal worth over £175,000. In a six year programme, Unite are likely to see many participants from this event go on to achieve in many international events. This is the third Mini Games supported by the Foundation.
Joint General Secretary Derek Simpson from Unite remarked about the partnership:
"One of our many campaigns is for access to work, to fair pay and training opportunities for all regardless of age, sex, race or disability. We understand that sport plays an important part in developing young peoples potential to get the most out of life. We hope that by sponsoring this event we can help many youngsters achieve their full potential both in sport and at work".
The Mini Games is always an exciting event to attend. Gordon Neale OBE, Director of Events for DSE commented:
“This is the opportunity to spot this country’s future talent. Some of our best Paralympians have once participated in this event. Thanks to Amicus Foundation we can continue to inspire talented children to take up disability sport“.
For the next four years, DSE and Amicus Foundation aim to increase the amount of participants at the Mini Games. If you know of any children who would be interested in taking part in the future, please contact DSE’s Office on 0161 953 2499.
Other parties supporting the event are Water Direct, Nottingham Trent University and RFU Community Rugby.
Further information about DSE is available via www.disabilitysport.org.uk
-ends-
Media information:
Sarah Marl, Marketing & Communications Manager, Disability Sport Events
sarah@dse.org.uk 0161 953 2438/ 07764 291671
Notes to Editors
Disability Sport Events is renowned worldwide in a variety of sports. The charity organises National Championships and has an annual calendar of events to be proud of. They rely heavily on fundraising and sponsorship to provide sporting opportunities for disabled people. Disability Sport Events 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.
For more information on Disability Sport Events, please call 0161 953 2499
www.disabilitysport.org.uk
Unite is the largest union in the United Kingdom, with over two million members in the public and private sectors. It is a new union establishing new traditions and structures relevant to the needs of our members who are currently experiencing life in the modern workplace. It is dedicated to serving the best interests of its members and will seek to improve their standard of living and the quality of their lives though effective relationships with employers and government.
For more information on Unite the Union contact 0845 850 4242
www.unitetheunion.org.uk