BBC SPORT | N Ireland | Disabled sport gets boost

Blind water skier Janet Gray is backing a new sponsorship aimed at improving sporting opportunites for disabled people in Northern Ireland.

Disability Sports Northern Ireland have launched the project which is being funded by the Royal Mail.

The Ready, Willing and Able for Sport programme will see a range of events organised in aerobics, pool, swimming and athletics throughout the province.

Disability Sports NI chairman Patrick Bell said the scheme would give "new opportunities" for many people in Northern Ireland.

"The Royal Mail investment meets a very real need and will enable Disability Sports NI to create a range of opportunities which will enable disabled people to experience fully the benefits of sport and physical activity," said Mr Bell.

Janet Gray hopes she can inspire other disabled people to take up sport
Janet Gray in action on the water

Janet Gray, who has won several gold medals in the World Disabled Water-Skiing Championship, described sport as a "tremendous way of getting out and socialising".

"You don't have to be in the elite athlete level to compete," said Janet who was awarded an MBE last year.

"Just to get out and do something and having that exercise makes you feel a lot better.

"There's that self-confidence that it gives you as well as the whole area of personal development".

Patrick Bell, who has competed in Archery in the Paralympics, added that it was important to seize the opportunity to compete.

"If I hadn't had the physical activity that I have had over the past 20 years, I probably would have melted into an armchair," said Patrick, who is in a wheelchair.


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