Wheelchair Basketball in Caerphilly County Borough has been sent into a spin with the unveiling of four brand-new, specially adapted, wheelchairs.
The chairs, which cost around £500 each, were bought partly using funds raised by The Caerphilly Lions. They have been modified specifically to suit beginners at Wheelchair Basketball and can be used by able-bodied children as well as disabled children.
The chairs were presented to Sport Caerphilly at a special event on Friday December 13 and were then handed over to a number of disabled children to learn the skills needed to play Wheelchair Basketball.
Accepting the chairs from The Caerphilly Lions on behalf of Sport Caerphilly was Cllr Dave Poole, Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services.
Cllr Poole said: “As an authority, Caerphilly County Borough Council aims to be inclusive of every resident, regardless of age, gender, race, or ability and aims to provide equal opportunities for everyone. One of our key priorities over the next year is the improve access to sport and leisure activities and facilities. This wonderful donation will help us to provide opportunities for all children to access sport, whether they have a disability or not.”
Caerphilly Lion, Howard Mallett said: “Caerphilly Lions are always here to help, and it is great to see that we have got these new chairs here to further improve the Wheelchair Basketball club in Caerphilly.”
Jon Morgan, Disability Sport Wales, added: “It is great to see this partnership between Sport Caerphilly and the Caerphilly Lions enabling children with disabilities to take part in this great sport. This is a fantastic example of what can be done to improve inclusion across Wales.”
The wheelchairs will be regularly used by children who attend the Wheelchair Basketball club at St Cenydd Leisure Centre every Tuesday. The club meets from 6-7pm every Tuesday and welcomes new members regardless of ability.