MLAs Raise Awareness of Disability Sport

Assembly Community Connect, in conjunction with Disability Sport NI, today hosted an event in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings to raise awareness of disability sports.

MLAs competed against pupils from Mitchell House Special School, Holywood Road, Belfast, in a game of boccia, a game designed specifically for athletes with a disability affecting motor functions. The purpose of the game is to throw, kick or use a ramp to propel a ball onto the court with the aim of getting closest to a 'jack' ball.

MLAs and pupils then took part in a wheelchair slalom much to the delight of everyone involved.

Maeve McLaughlin MLA, Chair of Assembly Community Connect said: “This has been a really enjoyable and worthwhile event and I was pleased to see the MLAs enter into the spirit of the game.

“As Chair of Assembly Community Connect I am delighted to support this event to raise awareness of disability sport. Sport is a great way of promoting social inclusion as well as allowing people with disabilities the chance to show how they can triumph over any disability.”

Angela Hendra MBE, Chairperson of Disability Sport NI said: “Our thanks to the members of Assembly Community Connect for extending the invitation to members of our charity and the pupils of Mitchell House to come along to Parliament Buildings today.

“This has been a wonderful experience for the young people and perhaps more importantly, is also has been a great opportunity to help raise awareness the wide range of options open to people of all ages with any form of disability to get involved and take part in sport and physical recreation.”

ENDS