Perfect day of para-sports held at Picky

Orkney held it’s first Para-sports festival to the delight of participants.

The festival, which had one athlete claim “This is the best day of my life,” was open to those aged 5 to 18 and have a physical, visual or hearing impairment.

The day allowed people a chance to try a variety of exciting sports from badminton, athletics and swimming to kayaking, rugby and boccia – a sport similar to bowling, designed for athletes with support needs.

The event, held on March 25, was supported by Scottish Disability Sport, with a number of sport specific specialists delivering activities, including Orkney’s Active Schools team, the Council’s Community Sport Hub Officer, local sporting clubs, and Orkney’s new charity, Inclusive Orkney.

Joanne Cairns the council’s community sports officer added: “One parent has already written into us to thank us for a ‘superb day’ and for all the work ourselves and others are doing ‘to give those less able a chance to try new things and celebrate their differences instead of seeing them as a barrier. It was a very special day indeed!’. Feedback like that just puts a smile on your face!”