Disabled sports camp draws poor response

Press, 31 August 1989, Page 34

Disabled sports camp draws poor response

Disabled youths aged between 14 and 20 years have been offered a unique opportunity from September 1 to 4 — but few have taken up the challenge of a sports camp at St Bede’s College. The camp will be run by Phil Humphreys, a leading figure in disabled sport in Canterbury. He is disappointed at the lack of interest for the week-end, which offers a variety of activities.

Only six of the expected 25 extries have been received. “We cater for all disabilities, but I have been very disappoined . with the response,” he said. “Last year we had 20 kids come along and they all though it was great and they were particularly impressed that they were treated as an adult and a person."

Mr Humphreys, who spent 20 years in the New Zeland Navy, which included 15 years as a physical training instructor, feels that there is a need for more sport for disabled people. "It’s mainly for enjoyment and to keep fit, but when people get injured or are bom with a disability they often think there is not much left in life — they are wrong. “Sport is a social outlet and to take part is what it is all about,” he said. The camp is offering wheelchair tennis, gym activities (basketball and weights), motivation lectures, swimming, track and field, air weapons and a”total image” presentation.

Graham Felton will be taking the motivational lessons

while local coaches will talk about their training methods. There will be a display of wheelchair tennis by the New Zealand players, Wayne Fleming and Ross Burgess. A professional tennis coach and Geoff Love of Kiwisport, will also be on hand to offer advice. There is a jet boat ride on the Waimakariri River, but Mr Humphreys is attaching most of the significance on the “total image” course.

“It’s important for eveyone, but especially important for disabled people to know how to dress, the best colours to wear and to have good grooming. That is often neglected, in my experience. There will also be someone showing the girls how to apply make-up and other tips like that.”