Stoke Mandeville shines at recent event

Stoke Mandeville Stadium recently welcomed more than 60 disabled children to ‘Time to Shine’ an event aimed at increasing young disabled people’s participation in sports and cultural activities, that was held over the Easter holidays.

Hosted and funded by CLM, the Olympic Delivery Authority’s Delivery partner and supported by local charity, WheelPower, the four day residential event introduced pupils aged seven to 11 year olds to sports such as athletics, basketball, hockey and swimming.

Ian Seabrook, Business Manager at Stoke Mandeville Stadium commented, “It was great to be involved with such a fantastic event as ‘Time to Shine.’ It was clear to see that the volunteers were having just as much fun as the youngsters!”

Martin McElhatton, Chief Executive of WheelPower, added, “With the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games under three years’ away there has never been a better time to encourage more young people with disabilities into sport, art and culture. I would like to thank the boroughs for their support as well as CLM for helping us to provide the Time to Shine event to inspire these young people to achieve their dreams.”

A further event will be held 24-27 August for children aged 12-17 years again at Stoke Mandeville Stadium. Stoke Mandeville is the birthplace of the Paralympic Games and the venue hosted the Paralympic Games in 1984.