Disability Sport in Derby
This page is about raising awareness around disability sport in the city. Below you can find information on club case studies, courses, sporting opportunities and information on the Derby Disability Sport Focus Group. Use the links below to find out more.
Derby Disability Sport Focus Group – new members needed!
The 2008 Paralympic Games will have hopefully helped raise the profile of disability sport. This is your chance to become actively involved in disability sport in the city.
The Derby Disability Sport Focus Group is looking for disabled and non-disabled volunteer members to sit on its committee and help develop the future of disability sport in Derby.
Professionals, volunteers and disability sports clubs make up the group. It has two key aims:
- acting as an advisory service, directing people on where to go to access disability sport in Derby
- developing an action plan for disability sport provision in Derby.
The group has set five key milestones which are:
- increase the number of volunteers and disabled people on the group
- raise the profile of the Derby Disability Sport Focus Group
- raise awareness of the opportunities available to disabled people in Derby
- develop new sporting opportunities for disabled people across Derby.
- provide opportunities to introduce new sports to disabled people across Derby
Meetings are held on the first Monday of every other month. Anyone is welcome to turn up and attend.
If you would like to join the group or for information on the next meeting contact:
Mark Dolman, Sport and Physical Activity and Equity Officer, 01332 641236 or email mark.dolman@derby.gov.uk
Disability sport opportunities in your area
Derby Sportsability Club
Structured coaching programme and the chance to develop skills in football, trampolining and athletics at Shaftesbury Sports Centre. Every Thursday, 3.30pm to 4.45pm for under 16s. For more information contact Shaftesbury Sports Centre on 01332 255603.
Derby Wheelblazers
Wheelchair basketball for adults and juniors at Derby College Sports Centre. Every Sunday, 2.30pm to 5pm. For more information contact Mark Dolman on 01332 641236 or visit www.derbywheelblazers.com
Cricket
Open to children and adults with physical or learning disabilities. Every Wednesday or Thursday for all ages. For more information contact Paul Roe on 01332 344741.
Derby Shooters and the Ability Counts Programme – Derby County Football in the Community
Football for people with physical and learning disabilities. Every Wednesday or Thursday for all ages. For more information contact Pete Collins 01332 648434.
Starfish Programme
Swimming lessons for children with physical and learning disabilities alongside a parent or carer. Casual instruction provided from the poolside by trained individuals. Programme lasts for 13 weeks. For more information contact Queen’s Leisure Centre on 01332 641444 or Moorways Swimming Pool on 01332 341736.
Case study: The Derby Wheelblazers
Derby Wheelblazers formed in August 2007 after Ken Fradley approached the Derby Disability Sport Focus Group and the council’s b-sporty team. His aim was to create a club that was open to both disabled and non-disabled people which encouraged them to take part in wheelchair basketball together.
The club received a generous donation from Mansfield Maulers to help get it off the ground with the Maulers contributing eight old wheelchairs for the Wheelblazers to use. This was a great help as only a few of the players had their own at that time. Thanks to this, the senior players at the club were able to enter the GBWBA development league. They have now played in a number of games and to date have won all of them!
Derby Wheelblazers are currently very busy securing funding to be used to obtain more wheelchairs for both senior and junior players. It will also buy other necessary equipment and help with facility payments.
New members are always welcome so if you are interested in joining please contact Mark Dolman on 01332 641236 or email mark.dolman@derby.gov.uk or visit www.derbywheelblazers.com
Forthcoming courses and competitions
There are lots of disability sport courses and competitions happening throughout the year - details will be posted on this site. For more information on anything listed below contact Mark Dolman on 01332 641236 or email mark.dolman@derby.gov.uk
Useful links
If you are interested in finding out more about disability sport you may find some of the following links useful:
Funding Zone page: contains advice and guidance on the many funding pots available for your group.
Contact details
For more information on any aspect of disability sport in Derby contact:
Mark Dolman, Sport and Physical Activity Equity Officer, 01332 641236 or email mark.dolman@derby.gov.uk