Photo: We are the champions.
Leicestershire celebrate their sporting success.
Leicestershire led the way in Coventry at the finals of the 28th Rotary Disabled Sports Team Championships . Over 250 sports people with physical and learning disabilities competed in the finals which were hosted at the Xcel Leisure Centre.
Leicestershire, winners of last year’s contest, were up against strong teams from Avon, Coventry, Derby, Gloucestershire, Hucknall, Newark, Rugby, South Yorkshire & Lincolnshire, Staffordshire & Shropshire, Wakefield and Warwickshire.
They competed in contests such as kurling, weightlifting and rifle shooting. One of the many exciting events was the pit-stop challenge where teams raced against each other in a Formula 1 style contest with wheelchairs instead of cars. Wheels are changed part way through the race before competitors charge towards the finish line. The triathlon also had everyone on the edge of their seats as athletes swam, cycled and rowed.
Leicestershire took first place overall having excelled at men’s weight-lifting, pitstop, slalom, rifle shooting and swimming. South Yorkshire & Lincolnshire came a close second and Avon claimed third place.
The Championships are only possible thanks to the continued commitment by five Rotary clubs in Coventry who organise and work tirelessly to support the event with the aid of clubs from around England. Rotary clubs support the athletes by raising sponsorship, paying for accommodation and yelling encouragement on the day.
Event organiser Ron Gibbs, from Coventry Jubilee, said the Championships capture the spirit of taking part and having fun. “I’ve been involved with organising the Championships since the beginning and it never fails to have an emotional effect on me. These events can have a life-changing impact on our competitors. One lady from the Staffordshire team became involved with sport just six weeks ago. By chance she entered the weightlifting event on the day and now has increased movement in her arms, something she thought she would never have again following breast cancer.
“It also shows what can be achieved when Rotary clubs work together. We love rising to the challenge and this event is no exception.”
