Parasport is the Toyota-powered online hub that has been set-up to empower disabled people to become more active by connecting them to new activity opportunities. And now it is time to vote for your Parasport Club of the Year 2020.
Throughout this year, the Parasport team has been promoting the inclusive activities of various UK clubs on its website, each of which has now been nominated for the inaugural Club of the Year award. Eleven incredible clubs have been put forward, and Parasport is asking members of the Toyota community to pick their favourite from the following list of nominees:
Parasport Club of the Year 2020 – DanceSyndrome
The Lancashire-based group is a dance school and social hub that focuses on inclusion, regardless of ability. DanceSyndrome’s weekly workshops bring together people from all avenues of life who share the same passion and want the chance to express themselves.
Parasport Club of the Year 2020 – Girls Win
The London-based programme provides a safe space for young women with a disability. The club encourages the girls to get active through sport, and use this as the launch pad to make new friends and set goals that will empower them in the future.
Parasport COTY 2020 – North Wales Crusaders Wheelchair Rugby League Club
Set-up in 2013 as a joint venture between North Wales Crusaders, Wales Rugby League and Disability Sports Wales, the club has proved to be a crucial feeder to the Welsh national side, with approximately 15 members having made the step up to the international scene.
Read more: Introducing Parasport, powered by Toyota
Parasport COTY 2020 – Leicester City in the Community
Although the charity’s disability specific sport sessions are currently on hold due to the pandemic, in their place have emerged virtual boccia (a Paralympic target sport similar to bowls) and remote drawing challenges that aim to replicate a similar sense of freedom and creative self-expression.
Parasport COTY 2020 – Winchester Goalball Club
The Hampshire club engages people of all ages to play goalball – an indoor team sport that involves throwing and blocking balls with bells inside. Although primarily designed for blind and visually impaired people, all players wear blindfolds so that sighted players can also take part.
Parasport COTY 2020 – Scottish Disability Golf and Curling
Scottish Disability Golf & Curling has grown into a globally recognised model of disability participation, encouraging people to play golf and curling despite having conditions that would normally preclude them from playing or even learning about these sports. The club now has over 1,000 members in more than 20 countries.
Parasport Club of the Year 2020 – Surfability
The Welsh community interest company aims to make surfing accessible to those with impairments and special needs. What began as a weekly surfing group for children with autistic spectrum conditions has now grown into a club which leads the world in adaptive surfing.
Parasport COTY 2020 – Riding for the Disabled Association: Ballyboley
Riding for the Disabled Association is a UK-wide organisation that provides training and activities for inclusive horse riding and carriage driving The branch in Ballyboley, Northern Ireland, has transformed the confidence of disabled people in the North County Down region.
Parasport Club of the Year 2020 – No Limits Multi-Sports Club
Founded almost 25 years ago, the Scottish club was designed to address a lack of opportunities for disabled people to get active in the West Lothian area. Thanks to its efforts to prioritise input from parents and carers, the club has won multiple awards and organised more than 50 adventure holidays.
Parasport COTY 2020 – Stratford Upon Avon Boat Club
The West Midlands club launched its adaptive section in 2015 with two rowers, and now have six or seven different boats serving a squad of more than ten. The club prides itself on taking a people-centred approach, realising that if there is a will there is usually a way to get people rowing no matter their circumstances.
Parasport Club of the Year 2020 – Stockport Disability Darts
Based in the North East, the league is a thriving community that provides equal opportunities for disabled and able-bodied people to play darts together. Members travel from all over the country to take part and the club’s bespoke Stockport Lads Club venue can accommodate around 50 people.
Parasport Club of the Year: how to cast your vote
It couldn’t be more straightforward. Simply click this link and fill in the form to nominate your Parasport Club of the Year 2020. Voting closed at midday on 14 December 2020, which means the competition is now closed for this year.
Watch the following video if you would like a little reminder of the nominees:
