mospirecoollogo_com_2890629004.gif

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

guidescoollogo_com_555024336.gif

introcoollogo_com_55501327.gif

strokeclubscoollogo_com_55501351.gif

strinfo.gif

coollogo_com_226136740.gif

termscoollogo_com_30399332.gif

moto.gif

inspire.gif

talk-chat.gif

Creative Cafe Sales
Creative Cafe has a Salesrooms site for buying and selling art and handmade goods, equipment and supplies. Anyone wishing to sell their work can list their items for free. Creative Cafe also has a site for members. We are a charitable concern run by volun
Brighton - Sussex

 

Phone: 01273705294
Fax:
E-mail: info@creativecafe.org.uk
Website: http://www.creativecafesalesrooms.com

Enigma Creations Arts
I make wooden crafts and also retail other crafters work.
Derby - Derbyshire

 

Phone: 01332 740392
Fax: no fax
E-mail: enigma_creations@hotmail.co.uk
Website:

Yellowtree Crafts greeting cards
I have a catalogue of handmade greeting cards on my website, and also offer a personalised or bespoke card service for no extra cost (unless an unusual large size card or precious materials are requested). I also print professional digital photo albums
Leicester - Leicestershire

 

Phone: 01455271764
Fax:
E-mail: sales@yellowtreecrafts.co.uk
Website: http://www.yellowtreecrafts.co.uk

Brotherwood Bears Gifts
Design and manufacture of Teddy bears for the specialist collector. I design and make original teddy bears for collectors all over the world, usually one-offs, and I am happy to take orders for personally made pieces.
CALNE - Wiltshire

 

Phone: 01249 760284
Fax:
E-mail: suebrotherwood@aol.com
Website: http://www.brotherwoodbears.com

Evelyn Green (tm) glass designs Jewellery and Crafts
We design & hand make all sorts of glass items from wall panels to jewellery, place mats, bowls & coasters. All bespoke & hand made by us.
Worthing - Sussex

 

Phone: 01903 237651
Fax:
E-mail: info@evelyngreen.co.uk
Website: http://www.evelyngreen.co.uk

Brenda Daniel Crafts
I make beautiful hand made cards for all occasions. A lot of the cards I make are hand embroidered. I also create personal scrapbooks to preserve your photographic memeories.
York - Yorkshire

 

Phone:
Fax:
E-mail: denyal@btinternet.com
Website:

Yellowtree Crafts Arts and crafts- Designer/retailer
*I AM NOT OFFERING WORK* I am a sole trader, designing, making and selling small art/craft items, mainly greetings cards. I am trading under the supervised permitted work rules supported by Leicestershire Breaking The Barriers team.
Leicester - Leicestershire

 

Phone: 01455271764
Fax:
E-mail: dwc@whytefoxx.co.uk
Website: http://www.yellowtreecrafts.co.uk

Billington Bears Crafts
Beautiful handmade artist bears. Highly collectable and with their own names. Sells to stores world wide.
leicester - Leicestershire

 

Phone: 01162202019
Fax:
E-mail: barbara.harris1@ntlworld.com
Website: http://www.billingtonbears.com

Tessa Brown
Arts
I am skilled in fine art so am able to do any type of arts/ crafts or similar. I feel I can offer quality and reliability. I am well-educated and feel I would be adaptable to various services or trades.
Beccles - Suffolk

 

Phone: 01502 717894
Fax:
E-mail:
Website:

E. G. S.
Jewellery
BEING A FORMER DIAMOND MANUFACTURER I STILL CAN GET DIAMONDS AT THE LOWEST PRICES. AT 10% OVER COST I ASSEMBLE AND SELL EARRINGS, THREE STONE RINGS AND DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RINGS.
HOLLIS HILLS N.Y. - USA

 

Phone: 212-221-6510
Fax: 212-221-7461
E-mail: LAZT2000@AOL.COM
Website:

Lynn R Papercrafts Crafts
Arts & Crafts supplies for cardmaking etc. Visit the shop or mail order
Nantlle - Caernarfonshire

 

Phone: 01286 882000
Fax:
E-mail: lynn@lynnr-papercrafts.co.uk
Website: http://www.lynnr-papercrafts.co.uk

Natural Born Scrappers Crafts
Scrapbooking and cardmaking supplies across the planet at a realistic, affordable price. Free delivery.
Hastings - Sussex

 

Phone: 01424 200074
Fax:
E-mail: info@naturalbornscrappers.co.uk
Website: http://www.naturalbornscrappers.co.uk

Slainte Specialist Services Disability Services
We are a newly formed charitable company looking to provide respite/residential care and or education and employment opportunities for individuals with learning difficulties and/or disabilities
Walsall - Warwickshire

 

Phone: 01922611671
Fax:
E-mail: jools2510@yahoo.co.uk
Website:

Custom Cards Greeting cards
All occastion greeting cards made to order, verses optional and Personalisation eg: name/date included if required.
Salford - Lancashire

 

Phone: 07837066846
Fax:
E-mail:
Website:

Arty Alex Supplies Design
IT Internet Research Art and Design Textiles Data Input
South Brent - Devon

 

Phone: 01364 73630
Fax: 01364 73630
E-mail: scullen@waitrose.com
Website:

KMURRAY HOME CARE
Crafts/Care and Pet Care/Dressmaking/Gardening
I make commemorative x-stitch pictures for weddings, anniversaries, births,christenings & birthdays. For elderly & disabled people I will tend their Garden I look after Pets in my own home. I am a nurse and care for people at home.
Surrey - Surrey

 

Phone: 01737 767853
Fax: 01737 767853
E-mail: karencraft@onetel.com
Website:

The Mosaic Man
Craft Supplies
mosaic artist and retail of mosaic tiles, kits and accessories
Cromer - Norfolk

 

Phone: 01263 510131
Fax: 01263510131
E-mail: noel@themosaicman.co.uk
Website:

Fenland Area Community Enterprise Trust
Vocational Training and Support into Employment.
Vocational training in woodwork, horticulture,catering, retail and arts & craft. Programmes designed to help people on benefits and into work.
March - Cambridgeshire

 

Phone: 01354 655080
Fax: 01354 658453
E-mail: facet_office@v21net.co.uk
Website:

anAurora The Internet Magazine for the disAble Wom
Internet Magazine
anAurora The Internet Magazine for the disable Woman is a voluntary run Magazine by and for the disAble Woman in the 21st century The Magazine has articles on art crafts poetry beauty fashion fiction food health wellbeing quizzes hints and tips and Fe
Edinburgh - Midlothian

 

Phone: 01314680110
Fax: 01314680110
E-mail: editor@anAurora.co.uk
Website: http://www.anAurora.co.uk

Carols Crafts
selling bead jewellery & fair trade items
Handmade bead jewellery and fair trade items including- glass jewellery, ethnic jewellery, earrings, necklaces, chokers, silver jewellery, bracelets and keyrings. Also fair trade food, craft and fashion items
Cambridge - Cambridgeshire

 

Phone: 01954 200911
Fax:
E-mail: carol@carolscrafts.co.uk
Website:

Teresa Durrant
Craftsperson. IT. Nurse
I make bespoke greetings cards forall occasions. I also undertake the following IT tasks - word processing, database design and maintenance. I also organise events such as conferences etc. Events organiser.
Salisbury - Wiltshire

 

Phone:
Fax:
E-mail: TeresaDurrant@aol.com
Website:

National Association Disabled Craftworkers.
Registered helpline.
providing help and information to enable clients to sourcefunding, training and suppliers to enable them to continue their hobby or craft enterprise.
Mauchline - Ayrshire

 

Phone: 01290 552174
Fax:
E-mail: acm725@msn.com
Website:

David Braunsberg
Artist Craftsman
Silk Paintings, hangings, scarves,cushions & greetings cards. Also etchings & prints framed or unframed.
London - London

 

Phone: 020 7435 1075
Fax:
E-mail: h.braunsberg@virgin.net
Website:

Craft Kits UK
Craft and Wedding Supplies
Supply Craft and Hobby kits and accessories plus fundraising kits for schools, guides, nursing homes etc.
29 Broadway Avenue - Twickenham

 

Phone: 0208 814 2227
Fax: 0208 814 1367
E-mail: craftybits@aol.com
Website: http://www.craftkitsuk.com
Craft directory : UK craft websites online directory
Natty Netty : Craft Supplies for card-making & scrapbooking. Embellishments, Punches, Peel-Off Stickers, Sakura Pens, Vellums, Mulberry Papers + much much more!
Aunty's Card Making Forum : Card Making Forum
Card Making, Scrapbooking & Craft Supplies : Liz's Crafts are online suppliers of card making, scrapbooking and general craft materials.
tjc designs : Cardmaking, Scrapbooking and Crafting Supplies
Rainbow Crafting : Arts & Crafting Supplies
Trinity Jewellery : Gorgeous range of exluslively designed and crafted jewellery
The Bead Shop : Bead and Jewellery Making Suppliers
Craft Party : Make money doing what you love
A Card 4 U : Cardmaking & Scrapbooking Supplies at great prices, friendly service, & fast delivery.
Get Crafty : Card Making Craft Supplies
Incessant Fad : Unusual and unique handmade products aimed at women including contemporary jewellery, accessories and leather stationery
UK crafts directory : UK crafts directory
Craft Juice : Social networking for the craft people of the world.
Beach Designs : Contemporary Greetings Cards and Prints
Glass Kanvas : Contemporary fused glass and dichroic jewellery
Poisoned Apple Jewellery : Fashionable handmade jewellery, or a place t find something a bit different, using swarovski, sterling silver, metal leaves, wooden beads etc
Candles by Lisa : Handmade highly scented candles.
Sommer Wood Designs : Unique handcrafted wooden gifts and decorations
Hunters Designs : Personalised Cake Toppers
Hope Jewellery : Beautiful handmade jewellery, including necklaces, earrings, watches, charm bracelets and rings. All my items are made using glass beads and crystals.
Banyan Craft : Card-making & scrapbooking craft supplies. Card blanks, Embellishments, Punches, Peel-Off Stickers, and much more!
Cooper Sewing Machines : Sewing machine suppliers Cooper Sewing Machines offer an unbeatable combination of choice, low prices and unsurpassable service.
hand made Wedding Stationery : Beautiful hand made wedding invitations, wedding cards and wedding stationery by Gibson~Doyle. Request a sample pack to day and tick this off your wedding to-do list!
Jaccylee Jewellery & Designs : Original handcrafted Fashion, Costume & Bridal Jewellery using only the finest Glass Beads, Pearls, Semi-Precious Stones, & Swarovski Crystals.
Annas Jewellery n Things : Hand Made Costume Jewellery
Crafts Forums : UK based craft forum full of loads of great information about crafts and craft fairs.
Utopia Poppy - Unique Handmade Jewellery : Handmade Jewellery made from gemstones: quartz, garnet, swarovski crystals. Unusual unique designs. Great jewellery at great prices.

 

The British Wheelchair Archery Association

The Archery Association assists with all aspects of interest and involvement, from information to elite training.

Initially, the Archery Association can put wheelchair users who wish to try archery in touch with relevant people at local level, encouraging them to join a local archery club to receive coaching and gain experience before attending an archery training weekend.

Approximately six training weekends between October and April provide coaching and advice from experienced archery coaches. They also afford the opportunity to establish links with other disability groups in preparation for European and World events to ensure good team spirit, essential for success at major championships.

An indoor tournament is held annually and the Association organises the archery competitions at the British Wheelchair Sports Foundation Junior and Senior Games and Championships, as well as the Inter Spinal Unit Games.

The Association is always keen to welcome new members and would encourage anyone interested in archery to contact:

Pauline Betteridge
Chairman, British Wheelchair Archery Association
4 Churchway
Crofton
Wakefield
WF4 1HG
email

British Wheelchair Archery Association

FITA - International Archery Federation


History

In 1948 Archery was the sport chosen to inaugurate the first Games at Stoke Mandeville and has been a Paralympic sport since 1960. The rounds shot at earlier Paralympic Games included the FITA, Albion, Columbia and St Nicholas. in 1992 the competition became identical to that of the Olympic Games: the Olympic Round.

Archers can score anywhere from 1000 to 2500 points. At the 1988 Paralympic Games in Seoul, the Korean Archer An Tae Sung shattered the World Record with 2553 points.

"Dartchery", a game similar to darts and adapted by using a "darts" target on the boss was included as an event in the Paralympic Games from 1960 to 1972.

 

THE BRITISH WHEELCHAIR ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION (BWAA)

Wheelchair Athletics in Great Britain is one of the most successful sports of recent years with no less than 25 medals being won in the last three Paralympic Games. In addition, ten World Records have been held by British wheelchair athletes during the past eight years.

The BWAA have a detailed development plan and are striving constantly to bring new athletes into the sport and develop them into 'world beaters'. The Association is very active and rarely does an important meet occur in the world without British representation.

Athletes compete in five wheelchair field disciplines using specifically designed "throwing frames" which are tailor made to maximise the athletes functional capabilities.  The disciplines are: Shot Putt, Discus, Javelin, Club and Pentathlon.  Shot Putt, Discus and Javelin techniques are all based on the way in which able bodied athletes throw.  Pentathlon, the most gruelling of the events is a mixture of three field events and two track events all in one day.

Training weekends are held monthly at the Stoke Mandeville Stadium and Grand Prix events throughout the summer months, details are available from BWSF.

For more information on field athletics contact:
Barbara Hoole
30 Grape Lane
Croston
Leyton
PR26 9HB
barbarahoole@hotmail.com
www.bwaa.co.uk

Other Links:
UK Athletics
IAAF - International Association of Athletics Federations

 

THE BRITISH WHEELCHAIR ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION (BWAA)

Wheelchair Athletics in Great Britain is one of the most successful sports of recent years with no less than 25 medals being won in the last three Paralympic Games. In addition, ten World Records have been held by British wheelchair athletes during the past eight years.

The BWAA have a detailed development plan and are striving constantly to bring new athletes into the sport and develop them into 'world beaters'. The Association is very active and rarely does an important meet occur in the world without British representation.

Athletes compete in five wheelchair field disciplines using specifically designed "throwing frames" which are tailor made to maximise the athletes functional capabilities.  The disciplines are: Shot Putt, Discus, Javelin, Club and Pentathlon.  Shot Putt, Discus and Javelin techniques are all based on the way in which able bodied athletes throw.  Pentathlon, the most gruelling of the events is a mixture of three field events and two track events all in one day.

Training weekends are held monthly at the Stoke Mandeville Stadium and Grand Prix events throughout the summer months, details are available from BWSF.

For more information on field athletics contact:
Barbara Hoole
30 Grape Lane
Croston
Leyton
PR26 9HB
barbarahoole@hotmail.com
www.bwaa.co.uk

Other Links:
UK Athletics
IAAF - International Association of Athletics Federations

 

Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Association

Wheelchair basketball is probably one of the oldest established wheelchair sports, its roots going back to the late 40's/early 50's. Although initially a rehabilitation and recreational activity for spinal cord injured patients, it quickly developed into a competitive sport and today the National Wheelchair Basketball League consists of 65 teams playing in 9 Divisions. Wheelchair Basketball embraces a wide range of disabilities including paraplegics, spina bifida, amputees, brittle bones, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. Able bodied players are eligible to play in divisions 2, 3, 4 and the Women's League. Virtually everyone who can conceivably play wheelchair basketball is encouraged to do so.

The governing body of the sport in this country is the Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Association. The Association employs a full-time development officer.

For more information on Wheelchair Basketball visit the GBWBA Web site: www.gbwba.org.uk or contact:

Charlie Bethel
GBWBA Office
Loughborough Park
Oakwood Drive
Loughborough
LE11 3NG
01509 279900
email c.bethel@gbwba.org.uk


SIMPLIFIED RULES OF WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL

The Game
Each team is striving to throw the ball into the basket of their opponents. The ball is played with the hands only and can be passed, thrown or dribbled in any direction.

The Team
Each team consists of up to twelve players, but only five may be on the court at any one time. (See also the Classification System document).

Scoring
A basket scored from the field counts for 2 points, unless attempted from beyond the 3-point line, where it counts for 3 points. A free throw counts for one point. After a basket has been scored, the ball is thrown in FROM THE END LINE by the opposing team within 5 seconds.

Dribbling
Dribbling: a dribble is when a player with the ball bounces the ball and pushes the chair simultaneously or, places the ball on his/her lap, takes one or two pushes of the chair, bounces the ball, places the ball back on his/her lap, pushes once or twice, etc.
A player is forbidden to:
• dribble the ball with both hands at the same time;
• allow the ball to rest in one hand while dribbling;
• push the chair more than twice whilst the ball is resting on the lap.
Penalty: possession is given to the opposing team. The ball is thrown into play from the sideline or end line within 5 seconds.

Fouls
1. Personal Foul:
A personal foul is a foul by a player on an opponent involving contact with his/her person or chair.
Penalty: throw-in from the sideline or end line by the opposition.
2. Shooting Foul:
A personal foul on an opponent or opponent's chair whilst that opponent was in the act of shooting for basket.
Penalty: 2 free throws (or 3 if outside the 3 point line) awarded to the player fouled if they did not score as they were shooting; if they scored, 1 free throw allowed.
3. Unsportsmanlike Foul:
This is a personal foul committed by a player who deliberately makes contact with an opponent with the purpose of preventing him/her from playing normally.
Penalty: 2 free throws awarded to the player fouled, unless the player was shooting and scored, whereas only 1 free throw awarded, followed by side-line possession.
4. 5 Fouls by a player:
A player who commits his/her fifth personal foul must leave the game. He/she may be replaced by another player.

Freethrows
The shooter takes up a position behind the free throw line (front wheels may be over the line). He/she must take the shot within 5 seconds. Other players (2 attackers, 3 defenders) may take up positions on the key markings around the restricted area. No other player may touch the ball until it touches the ring.

 

THE BRITISH WHEELCHAIR BOWLS ASSOCIATION
(BWBA)

The BWBA was formed in 1982 in order to have a central body for wheelchair bowlers of all standards from beginners to international players. It is now widely recognised as the governing body for wheelchair bowls in the UK.

The Association meets at the Stoke Mandeville Stadium and uses the Lady Guttmann Indoor Bowls Club, which is on-site.

Several weekends a year are organised at Stoke Mandeville. These weekends vary and include coaching to all standards by qualified coaches, matches, competitions and courses for instructors and coaches. Accommodation and catering is available for those travelling from a distance


The main annual competitions are, firstly, the National Wheelchair Championships. Preliminary selection is held in each of the Home Countries for entry into the main event.

The annual Home Countries Bowls Tournament is also held each year, hosted by one of the Home Countries in turn.

There is also the BWBA Matchplay event held regionally with the annual finals for the top eight pairs and the top eight singles players in the UK taking place at Stoke Mandeville

The BWBA helps its members and any other interested people with advice on accessible clubs, equipment, rules and any other matter relating to the sport of lawn bowls. We are in close contact with all the main bowling organisations such as EIBA, EBA, EWIBA and the other Home Country bowls organisations and are affiliated to the British Isles Indoor Bowls Council.


There are two types of wheelchairs for bowling now in use enabling a bowler to wheel up and down the green. These chairs are approved by the BWBA and are called Purpose Designed Wheelchairs, or PDW’s for short. Both chairs can be used indoors or outdoors.

1. The Bradshaw Bowls Buggy (top left) - contact Bradshaw Engineering on 01275 848070


2. Clippie Detachable Wheels (pictured right) - contact Boughton Products on 01926 812279

For further information please contact:
Ian Blackmore
'Kerria'
Station Road
East Preston
West Sussex
BN16 3AJ
Tel: 07932 791519
E-mail:
ianblackmore@bwba.org.uk
BWBA Dedicated Website:
www.bwba.org.uk

 

The British Wheelchair Cue Sports Association (BWCSA)

Membership
Full membership is open to:
a) any person who needs a wheelchair to compete
b) all other individuals directly involved in the administration of wheelchair cue sports


Coaching and Competition
The Association organises coaching weekends at Stoke Mandeville and sessions at venues around the country. It assists in the cue sports events at the National Junior and Senior Championships and the Inter Spinal Unit Games.

In addition, matches against members of able-bodied snooker clubs are arranged on a social and competitive basis, whilst a series of six ranking tournaments at venues around the country provide competition and a ranking list used to determine Great Britain representatives at European and World Games.

The ranking tournaments are open to any disabled person requiring a wheelchair to compete and comprise three competitions:

  1. competitors with an upper limb disability preventing functional use of the bridge hand
  2. all other competitors needing a wheelchair to compete
  3. a plate competition for 1st round losers


In addition to snooker, BWSCA members are able to participate in international 9-ball pool tournaments.

For more information on cue sports contact:

Matt Duffy
34/G2 Trafalgar St.
Clydebank
Dunbartonshire
G81 4EE
0141 941 0778
matthewduffy@mac.com

Jean Yule (Secretary)
87 Westfields Road
Corby
Northants
NN17 1GH

 

BRITISH PARAPLEGIC FENCING ASSOCIATION (BPFA)

Background
Originally devised at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, U.K., competitive wheelchair fencing was first introduced in 1953 and has been a Paralympic sport since Rome in 1960. Popular in Europe since its inception, the sport is now practised in 25 countries worldwide.


How Does it Differ from Able-Bodied Fencing?
Unlike able-bodied fencing, wheelchair fencing is static: the fencers are clamped to the piste, a metal frame (two versions of this frame, the French and the Italian, are used in competition; see lower left). Beyond this, the sport is largely similar to its able-bodied counterpart. 

Fencers are classified according to their level of ability.  Class A fencers have full sitting balance, and many can still stand or even walk. Those in the B Class don't have full sitting balance but do have full use of their arms and hands, whilst C Class fencers do not have full arm and/or hand activity.

History
The sword is one of the oldest of weapons and has long been used to demonstrate skill and speed, and of course to settle 'matters of honour'.

The Modern Olympic sport of fencing demands those same talents of speed and skill allied with fitness and stamina to produce the complete fencer. Learning the skills of attacking and defending with either foil, epee or sabre, fencers develop good coordination, balance and flexibility.

Fencing is one of the few personal combat sports that can be successfully practised from a wheelchair. The rules are exactly the same as in the able-bodied sport with a few minor additions to cover the complications of fighting from a chair.

The wheelchair fencer is clamped down at the appropriate distance and angle from the opponent which means that neither can get out of range during the bout. This makes for exciting, intense and tough competition demanding high levels of concentration with the slightest error resulting in defeat.

Fencing has developed widely around the World and the Association provides fencers to represent Great Britain at International, World and Paralympic Competitions. There are also events for the novice and junior fencer.

Organisation
Wheelchair fencing (along with other disability fencing) in Britain now comes under the aegis of The British Disabled Fencing Association which in turn is affiliated to The BritishFencing Association.

The secret of successful coaching in wheelchair fencing is adaptability - making the abilities of the disabled person fit the rules. In other words, forget the disability and concentrate on the abilities.


Wheelchair fencing is static, and in competition chairs must be fixed in place by metal frames. Whilst frames are obviously beneficial for coaching purposes, they are not essential - a wheelchair can be held sufficiently firmly by a third party during a lesson. The fencing measure for each of the three weapons is shown in the following line drawings:

The fencer with the shortest arm decides whether the fight will be at his distance or that of his opponent. The non-sword arm is used to hold on to the wheelchair to assist the lunge and recovery (probably an obvious statement, but at least one coach has taught wheelchair pupils to raise the non-sword arm as a counter-balance). The fencers come on guard with absence of blade and the point must not extend beyond the opponent's guard before the command "allez".

The target at foil and sabre is exactly the same as the able-bodied target area. At epee the target is everything above the waist with a lame apron being worn to cancel out hits below the waist. Feet must remain on footrests and not touch the piste, and daylight must not be seen between the fencer's buttocks and the seat of his chair. Apart from all of this, the rules are exactly the same as able-bodied rules where they apply, e.g. rules relating to fleche attacks, crossing over on the piste, corps a corps etc., obviously do not apply.

Fencers may lean back out of reach as far as their disability will allow provided always that the rules relating to footrests and buttocks are observed.

Because fencers are 'in distance' for the whole of a fight, there is very little sword play and fights, particularly at foil and sabre, tend to be very quick.

It is not necessary for the coach to sit in a wheelchair, an ordinary chair will suffice.


Other Disabilities
Arm amputees have largely succeeded in establishing themselves in the able-bodied fencing world (e.g. Robert Bruniges to name but one) and long may they continue to do so.

Leg amputees, particularly 'above knee' amputees have from custom and practice (and probably comfort and safety!) fenced from a wheelchair. There is, however, no reason why they should not fence on their feet if they wish, and if it swells the numbers of interested participants making competition for them more meaningful, then it should be encouraged. Rules for ambulatory disabled would be exactly the same as for able-bodied. If in the fullness of time they prove that modifications to the rules are necessary, then these would be given due consideration in the light of national and international opinion.


For more information about wheelchair fencing contact:

Paul Cordell
secretary@bpfa.org.uk
Secretary, BPFA
92 Challinor
Church Langley
Essex
CM17 9XD

International Wheelchair Fencing Committee: http://www.iwfencing.com

Fencing Frames
The only manufacturer in Britain is Alfred Bekker Ltd in Driffield, East Yorkshire.

Telephone No. 01377 241700
Fax:                  01377 241767
e-mail:  info@alfredbekker.com

Cost is approximately £1,000 per frame, but remember to apply to local and national bodies for grants, ie National Playing Fields Association, Council for Physical Recreation, Sports Development departments etc.  Frames are also manufactured in France, Germany and Italy, but are generally more expensive even without the cost of shipping.

A general tip: Wherever you decide to purchase your frame from, make sure you have something to put under it, e.g. hardboard, an old piece of carpet or rubber matting etc., because once you have a couple of hefty fencers on either end, it may well mark or even damage the floor!

 

HANDCYCLING ASSOCIATION OF THE
UNITED KINGDOM (HCAUK)

The sport of hancycling offers people with mobility impairments the opportunity to participate in an activity that promotes health & fitness.


The Handcycling Association is one of the newest sports associations and was set up to promote and encourage handcycling for recreational and competitive purposes throughout the UK.

Committed to providing the best opportunities for its membership, the association has identified the following priorities:
  • promotion
  • recreation
  • exercise
  • information
  • access
  • research & development
  • racing


Members receive a regular newsletter; information on routes throughout the UK and Europe; the latest news on handcycling; insurance at events and information on competitions both in the UK and abroad.

There are two basic forms of handcycle, one that attaches to your wheelchair and the other a standalone recumbent bike. Handcycling is one of the fastest growing sports for disabled athletes and it now has Paralympic status.


The British Grand Prix combines a number of races around the UK and is set to become the focal point of British handcycle racing. There are three classification divisions for men (A, B & C) and a combined class for women.
A Tetraplegics
B Mid level paraplegics up to T9/10
C Paraplegics for T11 to L4, amputees, able bodied etc.

A dedicated team has recently been formed, (TEAM SPECIALIZED-BLOC) that brings together the expertise and experience of the best riders in the UK. These elite riders are being encouraged to race on the European Handycling Circuit (EHC) which is the cornerstone of the best races in the world.


The beauty of the sport is that whatever level you want to participate at, it is available for you. 

For further information on handcycling and getting involved contact Barry North on 01273 269274 or email handbikes@calshot.demon.co.uk or visit http://www.handcyclinguk.org.uk.

 

HANDCYCLING ASSOCIATION OF THE
UNITED KINGDOM (HCAUK)

The sport of hancycling offers people with mobility impairments the opportunity to participate in an activity that promotes health & fitness.


The Handcycling Association is one of the newest sports associations and was set up to promote and encourage handcycling for recreational and competitive purposes throughout the UK.

Committed to providing the best opportunities for its membership, the association has identified the following priorities:
  • promotion
  • recreation
  • exercise
  • information
  • access
  • research & development
  • racing


Members receive a regular newsletter; information on routes throughout the UK and Europe; the latest news on handcycling; insurance at events and information on competitions both in the UK and abroad.

There are two basic forms of handcycle, one that attaches to your wheelchair and the other a standalone recumbent bike. Handcycling is one of the fastest growing sports for disabled athletes and it now has Paralympic status.


The British Grand Prix combines a number of races around the UK and is set to become the focal point of British handcycle racing. There are three classification divisions for men (A, B & C) and a combined class for women.
A Tetraplegics
B Mid level paraplegics up to T9/10
C Paraplegics for T11 to L4, amputees, able bodied etc.

A dedicated team has recently been formed, (TEAM SPECIALIZED-BLOC) that brings together the expertise and experience of the best riders in the UK. These elite riders are being encouraged to race on the European Handycling Circuit (EHC) which is the cornerstone of the best races in the world.


The beauty of the sport is that whatever level you want to participate at, it is available for you. 

For further information on handcycling and getting involved contact Barry North on 01273 269274 or email handbikes@calshot.demon.co.uk or visit http://www.handcyclinguk.org.uk.

 

THE BRITISH WEIGHTLIFTING ASSOCIATION
FOR THE DISABLED (BWAD)

Weightlifting and Powerlifting require power, strength and technique.  The competition follows the format of the Olympic Games, the only difference being that the lifters 'bench press' weights rather than using the 'snatch' or 'clean and jerk' method.

The raw power needed in weightlifting and powerlifting sometimes belies the tactics adopted and required in the unique atmosphere of competition.

The British Wheelchair Weightlifting Association aims to encourage both men and women of all ages to participate in weightlifting and powerlifting, which increases strength and fitness.

For more information about weightlifting contact: sjosullivan@btinternet.com

Classification
Participants must have reached his or her 14th birthday at the time of competition.
and classification is by weight category as in non-disabled powerlifting competition.

The competitor must have the ability to fully extend the arms with no more than a 20 degree loss of full extension of either elbow, to make an approved lift according to the rules.

If an athlete has significantly impaired kinesiology of the upper body which represents to the classification team a potential high risk for injury, this athlete may be disqualified.

Minimum disability of the spinal injured athlete will be determined by the same methodology as Les Autres athletes, except that their classification will be permanent.

All eligible participants must be determined as being physically fit by a physician.


History
Weightlifting became a Paralympic event for the first time in 1964 at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.  Powerlifting was one of the earliest Paralympic sports, becoming an official event in 1964 in Tokyo.

The sport undertook a major transition with the incorporation of identical rules as those of the able-bodied "powerlifting" competitions and with the inclusion of other disability groups.

As the 1992 Paralympic Games in Barcelona, 25 countries participated in Powerlifting competitions. This number more than doubled in 1996 at the Atlanta Paralympic Games with 58 countries in participation.

Since 1996 that number has risen to a total Worldwide membership of 109 countries on five continents. Women competed for the first time in at the Sydney Games in 2000.

Until the 1992 Paralympic Games both Powerlifting and Weightlifting events were staged although nowadays only Powerlifting is part of the Paralympic programme and IPC Powerlifting encompasses a multidisability register of athletes competing in 10 weight classes for both men and women

 

THE BRITISH WHEELCHAIR RACING ASSOCIATION (BWRA)

Wheelchair racing is one of the most popular sports in the world with numbers increasing all the time. The British Wheelchair Racing Association is committed to providing competition and coaching to help anyone who would like to participate in the sport, whether at a recreational level, or with the aim of racing competitively.


BWRA is the national governing body for wheelchair racing in Great Britain, offering support and services to wheelchair races from elite to grass routes.

BWRA provides a full programme of road racing events held under the banner of our National Grand Prix Championships. The events range from 5km to the full marathon, the culmination being an end of season awards ceremony. The BWRA also holds Annual Track Championships which attract around 80 athletes with more international interest each year.

BWRA is committed to development, and can provide assistance in terms of equipment and coaching experience for junior and novice athletes who want to get involved in the sport. Regular training weekends are held at Stoke Mandeville.

For more information about track and road racing contact the British Wheelchair Racing Association:

c/o 53 Fulmerton Crescent
Redcar
Cleveland
TS10 4NJ
Tel 01642 476169
Fax 01642 476169
Email:  tannigt@ntlworld.com

BWRA Website

UK Athletics

IAAF - International Association of Athletics Federations

History
Since 1948 when the first national Stoke Mandeville Games were held, setting the precedent for International and Paralympic Games, athletics has undergone a constant process of evolution, both in terms of records and participation.

Javelin, Shot and Club were the first events, with field events for women being introduced in 1960 and discus added in 1962.

The first 'track' event was the 60 metres wheelchair dash; by the 1970s the distances were increasing rapidly and currently the track programme incorporates distances from 100m to the full marathon for men and women.

Historical precedence was set at the 1984 Olympic Games when wheelchair racing was part of the exhibition programme. The Olympic Games have continued to recognise Paralympic athletes through exhibition events in the Olympic Games since 1988 and are now a regular feature of international events to showcase disability athletics.

 

Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Association (GBWRA)

Wheelchair Rugby is the team sport for tetraplegics, or anybody with an upper limb impairment. The game originated in Canada when a group of tetraplegics decided to create a team sport in which they could compete. In 1984 a demonstration match during the Paralympic Games launched wheelchair rugby as an International Sport.


Wheelchair Rugby is played on a standard basketball court using a volleyball, and with goals and a key area marked out at both ends. On the court side, situated at the half way line, is the Table at which the scorers and time keeping officials sit. On the opposite side is the Sin Bin and Penalty Box official.

The object of the game is to score by carrying the ball over your opponents' goal line. Most chair to chair contact is allowed, but not body contact. The opposition attempt to gain possession of the ball, block attacks on goal and force errors. The game consists of four 8 minute quarters; the clock stops whenever the ball is deemed out of play.

Wheelchair Rugby is now played in 20 countries Worldwide and there are currently 8 teams playing in the GB league. Britain is currently ranked 4th in the World after winning the European Championships in 2003.

For more information on wheelchair rugby visit the GBWRA Website or contact:

Ross Morrison
1 Sunbury Court
FAREHAM
Hampshire
PO15 6HB
Tel 01329 513506


Paul Davies
Development Officer
Endsleigh
Park Place
Bargoed
CF81 8LZ
Tel/Fax: 01443 829476

 

Disability Target Shooting Great Britain (DTSGB)
(formerly British Paraplegic Shooting Association)

Ready...Aim...Fire!....

Shooting competition is divided into rifle and pistol events, air and .22
calibre. The rules governing the competitions for the disabled are those of the
International Shooting Committee for the Disabled. These rules take into account
the differences that exist between shooting for the able-bodied and shooting for
persons with a disability.

Shooting utilises a functional classification system, which enables athletes
from different disability classes with the same abilities to compete together;
either individually or in teams.

Disability Target Shooting Great Britain endeavours to promote and encourage all wheelchair shooting in Great Britain, organising competitions for both beginners and competent shooters, as well as providing top coaching for those chosen to represent Great Britain in International, World and Paralympic competitions.

Training & Competition
DTSGB holds regular Training Weekends at the Stoke Mandeville Stadium culminating in top level competition. One of the main aims of the Association is to develop links with able-bodied shooters and governing bodies. This is achieved by disabled shooters competing in able-bodied shoots and involving able bodied coaches in the training of disabled shooters.

At the present time we have approximately 30 members but the interest in shooting is rapidly growing. The Association is currently attempting to form a Junior Shooting Squad to ensure the development of our National Team in the future.

History
Although shooting as such has been known since the invention of gunpowder, target shooting really came into its own in 1907 with the formation of the U.I.T. which is the governing body in the able bodied world of shooting.

DTSGB (Formerly BPSA) was formed in 1976 to introduce shooting to people with disabilities. Rules and regulations in conjunction with the ISSF were drawn up, the only difference being that wheelchair competitors shoot Air Rifle Prone and standing as per bodied competitors who shoot standing only. Disabled air pistol shooters shoot the same competitions as the able-bodied competitors.

Shooting events for athletes with physical disabilities started in 1970 in Scotland. Shooting first became a Paralympic sport in 1980 Great Britain has won many medals at Paralympic Games through the efforts of such stars as Deanna Coates and Isabel Newstead.


Click here for more information about shooting at www.dtgsgb.org.uk

Alternatively contact:
Rose Hughes
Secretary
DTSGB
68 Weir Road
Pheonix Green
Hartney Witney
Hampshire
RG27 8ES
Tel 01252 842715
rosiebpsa@fsmail.net

 

British Sledge Hockey Association (BSHA)

The crash of sledges and poles can just barely be heard over the roar of the cheering crowds!  BSHA was founded in 1995 with the aim of developing and governing the sport of sledge hockey. The AGM is held each year normally at one of the club tournaments so all members have a say in the development of the game and also vote or stand for vacant posts on the committee.

The Game
Sledge hockey is a sitting version of ice hockey and is open to people not able to participate in the latter due to a disability; which in-turn disables them from taking part in ice hockey.

As in ice hockey, six players (including the goalie) from each team are on the ice at one time. Two-blade sledges that allow the puck to pass underneath replace skates, and the players use sticks with a spike-end and a blade-end. Therefore, with a quick flip of the wrist, the players are able to propel themselves using the spikes and then play the puck using the blade-end of the sticks. A player may use two sticks with blades in order to facilitate stick handling and ambidextrous shooting. Sledge hockey games consist of three 15 minute stop-time periods.


The Equipment
The only Specialist equipment is required to play the sport; is a sledge and the hockey sticks themselves; as for the rest of the equipment required it's the same as ice hockey:-
Helmet (compulsory)
Gloves (compulsory)
Neck guard (compulsory)
Body Amour (compulsory)
Elbow Pads (Optional)
Shorts (Optional)
Leg Pads (Optional)

How the game is played
Players' sit in a sledge that has two skate blades underneath them fastened to channels that are fixed to the frame of the sledge, most players' have custom seats on their sledges that are moulded to their shape. The frame is tubular metal with a runner on the front to ride on the ice, the length of the frame is dependant on the length of the players' legs (if the player is a double amputee, then the frame has to be a certain size; this depends on the size of the channel & blades. The channel and blades have to be no more than a third of the overall length of the frame).

The player uses two hockey sticks to player the game (instead of one), situated at the butt end are picks which enable the player to dig in to the ice to propel himself/herself across the ice surface; at the other end is the blade which the player uses to, receive, pass and shoot the puck. The game is played under the same rules as IIHF rules, but the rules for equipment is cover in the IPC hand book for sledge hockey (the IPC hand book details the legal requirements for the specialist equipment , sledges, sticks). The game is also full contact just like ice hockey.

History
Sledge hockey is the Paralympic version of ice hockey and, since its debut in the Paralympic program in 1994, it is fast becoming one of the biggest attractions for spectators at the winter Paralympic Games. It is fast-paced, highly physical and played by athletes with a locomotor disability.

For more information contact:
BSHA Head Office
1 Woodcoates Close
Norwood Grange
Beverley
hu17 9uu
01482 670628
07976703534
sledgehockeygb@yahoo.com
 
www.bsha.co.uk  www.bezzagb10.karoo.net

 

British Wheelchair Table Tennis Association (BWTTA)

Table Tennis has been a Paralympic Games sport since 1960 but was one of the earliest sports introduced in the rehabilitation of spinal cord injury patients.

Table Tennis is a popular indoor activity because it is a keenly competitive game, requires little space and is inexpensive. It is also easy to learn and beginners can have great fun playing at a recreational level. Table Tennis improves the concentration, reaction speed and coordination of those who play and has long since been used in the rehabilitation of people with a disability.


Table Tennis is one of the sports that wheelchair players can competitively play against an able-bodied opponent and many wheelchair players are members of table tennis clubs in their communities.

Competitions are grouped into male and female, singles and doubles with players playing in categories based on their level of disability.  There is also an 'Open' competition were all classes compete to become the overall Champion.

Wheelchair play requires a lot of practice, manoeuvring the chair and playing to shot can be difficult and tends to produce a more defensive game than able-bodied table tennis making the sport both physically and mentally challenging.

For more information about table tennis contact:

Denise Barnett
Secretary, BWTTA
3 Brentford
Wellingborough
Northants


Laws for Wheelchair Play

Table Tennis shall be played according to the Laws and Regulations of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), as set out in their Handbook, EXCEPT for the following amendments, exceptions and alterations.
The service Law in singles play (ITTF Law 2.6)
A let (ITTF 2.9) shall be called if in service the ball:

  • Leaves the table by either of the receiver's sidelines (on one or more bounces).
  • On bouncing on the receiver's side returns in the direction of the net, or
  • comes to rest on the receiver's side of the playing surface.
  • The assistant umpire shall call let if an otherwise good service in a singles match leaves the table by the receivers side line nearest to him.

However, if the receiver strikes the ball before it crosses a sideline or takes a second bounce on his side of the playing surface the service shall be considered good and no let shall be called.
The service Law in doubles play (ITTF Law 2.6.3).
A let (ITTF Law 2.9) shall be called if in service the ball:

  • On bouncing on the receiver's side returns in the direction of the net,
  • or comes to rest on the receiver's side of the playing surface.

However, if the receiver strikes the ball before it takes a second bounce on his side of the playing surface the service shall be considered good and no let shall be called.
Umpires notes on service Laws.

  • If umpires feel that the server is deliberately serving fast let services before serving correctly this should be interpreted as gamesmanship and the ITTF's warning and penalty point system shall be used (ITTF regulation 3.5.2.).
  • According to ITTF Law 2.6.7the umpire may waive the requirements for a good service if he is notified before play that it is prevented due to physical disability. This will always be done for Class 1 and Class 11 players.
  • The assistant umpire shall call let if an otherwise good service in a singles match leaves the table by the receivers side line nearest to him.
    Doubles play (ITTF Law 2.8.2).
  • In doubles the server shall first make a good service according to ITTF Law 2.6with the above mentioned exceptions, and the receiver shall make a good return, and thereafter either player of a pair may make good returns.
  • A players wheelchair shall not protrude an imaginary extension of the centre line of the table. If it does the umpire shall award the point to the opposing pair.

Touching the playing surface with the free hand (ITTF Law 2.10.1.10).
When the ball is in play a player may use the playing surface to restore balance after a shot has been played (provided the playing surface has not been moved). However, the player shall not use the table as a support with the free hand while playing the ball.

Wheelchairs

  • Wheelchairs must have at least two large wheels and one small wheel.
  • Footrests may be fitted if required, but neither the footrests nor the feet shall touch the floor during play which shall result in the lose of a point.
  • In Team and Class Events no part of the body above the knees may be attached to the chair, as this could improve balance. However, should a player require some strapping or binding for medical reasons this should be noted on the classification card and it will be taken into account when assessing the player's playing class. In Open Events strapping and other aids will be allowed.
  • There are no restrictions on size, number or shape of cushions.

Playing areas (ITTF regulation 3.2.3.1).
For Wheelchair play the area may be reduced, but shall be not less than eight metres long and seven metres wide.
The playing area must be enclosed by dark surrounds.
Leaving Racket on table during intervals (ITTF regulation 3.4.2.3).
Unless otherwise authorised by the umpire, players shall leave their rackets on the table during intervals. In all cases when the racket is strapped to the hand, the umpire will allow the player to retain his/her racket during intervals.
Tables.
Tables shall allow access to wheelchairs without obstructing the player's legs and shall allow access to two wheelchairs for doubles.
Table legs shall be at least 400mm from the end line of the table.

 

National Wheelchair Tennis Association

Fast, exciting, breathtakingly skilful, totally professional..................

All these words describe wheelchair tennis, which celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2001 Wheelchair tennis was first played in Great Britain in 1983. It is estimated that over 6,000 people now play the sport in more than 70 countries Worldwide. It has been a Paralympic as an organised sport. Since its inception in the United States in 1976 it has become one of the fastest growing wheelchair sports in the world.sport since 1992, the same year in which an international wheelchair tennis tour was conceived that now boasts 120 tournaments around the world.


Some of these tournaments are hosted by the British Tennis Foundation in partnership with the National Wheelchair Tennis Association of Great Britain, including the British Open, one of only two tournaments on the Worldwide NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour to have Super Series status, the equivalent of Grand Slam. 

Wheelchair Tennis Development

The National Wheelchair Tennis Association works in partnership with the British Tennis Foundation to deliver a full programme of activities including camps for beginners, juniors and ladies, intermediate training for developing players and national training for elite players. The wheelchair tennis camps are sponsored by NEC, sponsors of the international wheelchair tennis tour.


Kim Blake
In addition, a full range of tournaments provides competitive playing opportunities at local, national and international level.

Promising young players may be nominated by the British Tennis Foundation to attend international junior camps organised by the International Tennis Federation.

There are an increasing number of localised opportunities, such as one-day clinics and demonstrations, to introduce more players to wheelchair tennis. There are also some taster days at multi-disability and multi-sport events usually organised by national disability sports organisations, such as the British Wheelchair Sports Foundation.

How to get started

  1. Contact the British Tennis Foundation for opportunities to play in your area. Also, a good way to keep informed of playing and coaching opportunities is to join the National Wheelchair Tennis Association of Great Britain. You will get regular mail-outs, including newsletters and useful information on what is happening in wheelchair tennis, locally, nationally and internationally.
  2. Many indoor tennis centres built under the Indoor Tennis Initiative (ITIs) organise wheelchair tennis programmes throughout the year with qualified tennis coaches. Some also have specialised wheelchairs, provided by the British Tennis Foundation with the aid of Lottery funding, to get you started.
  3. Join your local tennis club. More and more tennis clubs, with the help of Lottery funding, are upgrading their facilities to cater for wheelchair users. However, when renovating or upgrading facilities, tennis clubs should note that tennis/sports wheelchairs are approximately 1100mm wide - wider than the legal requirement for building regulations. This should be taken into consideration when designing entrances, corridors, disabled toilets, gates to outside courts and car parking facilities.

Membership

The NWTA runs a Membership Scheme for Players and Associate Members. As a Member, you will get regular mail-outs, which include Tramlines, the NWTA's official quarterly newsletter, tournament entry forms, information on camps, coaching opportunities and upcoming events, entry into an annual ballot for wheelchair seats at Wimbledon and preferential rates with certain sportswear and equipment stockists.

  • Full Player Member - £30
  • Full Player Member - £15 (first year introductory)
  • Full Junior Member - £15
  • Associate Member - £20
  • Group Membership - £20

For more information visit the British Tennis Foundation Website or contact:

Lynn Parker
Disability Tennis Manager
The British Tennis Foundation
The National Tennis Centre
100 Priory Lane, Roehampton
London SW15 5JQ
Tel; 020 8487 7051 Fax; 020 8487 7304 Minicom; 020 8487 7311

For more information on the International Tennis Federation or the NEC Tour visit http://www.itfwheelchairtennis.com/
For information on Wheelchair Tennis at the Paralympic Games visit the ITF Paralympic Tennis Website

Turin Winter Paralympic Games 2006

The IX Paralympic Games will take place in Torino from the 10th-19th March 2006. The return of the Paralympic Games to Italy is a historic event as it was in Rome in 1960, that, for the first time, the Olympic and Paralympic Games were held in the same place.


WHEELCHAIR CURLING

The surface of ice, the weight of the stone, the distance from the target, elements that a mixed gender team, from its position are challenged to achieve: the stone must slide as near as possible to the target on the ice.

In 2006, the Paralympic debut of this typically Scottish game of precision

Curling is a team sport and is contested on a sheet of ice. The object of the sport is to slide 19.96 kilograms smooth granite stones with handles across the ice, aiming for them to come to a stop on a target (the house), marked on opposite ends of each sheet.
Wheelchair Curling will make its debut during the Torino 2006 Paralympics. The first edition of the World Championships was held in Switzerland from 21 to 26 January 2002, with the home team triumphing against Scotland.

The team
Each team is made up of 4 players, the Lead, Second, Third (Vice Skip) and Skip. The Lead is delivers the first stone. Play continues with each athlete delivering two stones alterning with the opposing team. Each team must be composed of at least one woman.

The stone
The stones made for curling have to respect very precise parameters: a circumference of 91.44 cm, a height not less than 11.43 cm. The weight including the handle must not exceed 19.96 kg.

The house
The objective is to reach the house that is the zone of the sheet marked by the four large concentric different coloured circles. Placing the stone inside the house means earning a possible point. The point is won by placing as many of your team's stones closest to the centre of the house.

GB Curling Team for Winter Paralympic Games

The players that won this year’s World Wheelchair Curling Championships will have the opportunity to challenge for gold at the Torino 2006 Winter Paralympic Games.

Britain qualified for Torino – the first time curling has appeared at the Winter Paralympic Games – by virtue of Scotland’s victories at the 2004 and 2005 World Championships.

Frank Duffy, Michael McCreadie, Tom Killin, Angie Malone and Ken Dickson will represent Great Britain in Torino, with Louise Dodd selected as non-travelling reserve, Ena Stevenson - team manager, Tom Pendreigh - head coach, Ali Glover -physiotherapist and Kenny More - notational analyst.

Torino Fixtures for Great Britain Curling Team

Sunday 12th March
Great Britain v Switzerland
Great Britain v Denmark
Monday 13th March
Great Britain v Norway
Great Britain v Sweden
Tuesday 14th March
Great Britain v Italy
Great Britain v Canada
Wednesday 15th March
Great Britain v USA
Tie-breaks if necessary
Thursday 16th March
Tie-breaks if necessary
Friday 17th March
Semi-finals
Bronze medal match

For more information about Wheelchair Curling in GB visit the British Wheelchair Curling Association website


ICE SLEDGE HOCKEY

The skates on the sled that fiercely score the ice. The stick, half harpoon and half bat. The puck crazed with speed.

Two goals, three judges, twelve players who do not fear physical collisions to make a point on the adversary's side.

An exciting and spectacular sport, Great Britain will be competing in Torino where for the first time the home team Italy will take part.

It is the version of traditional Ice Sledge Hockey for athletes with disability, with players at the benches, continual side changing, quick substitutions of players, sudden and darting shots, spectacular parries, all played by athletes in special gear to protect their bodies.
The size of the rink and goals, the markings on the ice, all the rules like off sides or forbidden shooting, the penalties inflicted on the players when a foul is made (charges with excessive roughness, obstructions, improper use of the sticks, etc) are identical to the "older brother": The substantial differences from this latter then, is the athletes' technical equipment: they use sledges fitted with two blades like those of ice skates, that is used to move about on the ice, and the playing sticks, that in this case are two and have a double function: they are used to push like a ski-pole in cross-country skiing, and turning the stick to the blade, to control and shoot the puck. Players benches and penalty boxes must in principle have plexi-glass in front, and there must be level access to the ice surface.
The number of players on the rink, too, does not change, there are 5 moving and 1 goaltender, they can be substituted at any time with no limit on the number of substitutions, only the total number is reduced to 15. The periods are a bit shorter; there are 3, 15 minutes long.

It is a very fast game, physical (sometimes very tough) with a single objective. Score more goals than the other team. It is one of the most spectacular of winter sports.

The team
On the rink there are three judges, and two teams made up of six players (two defenders, three attackers and one goaltender) who face each other skating on the ice and trying to make points shooting the puck with a stick into the adversary's goal. Substitutions are rapid and frequent.

The rink
The indoor ice rink measures 30 x 60 m.

It has the following markings:
A centre field line (that is used to judge the forbidden throw: (players cannot send the puck from their own half of the field beyond the other team's goal line, nor into a zone where no adversary can gain possession of it).
The centre-field circle.
The face-off circles (there are 4 and they are used for face-offs: line outs after a penalty; all the players except the two contenders must remain outside).
The goal area semicircle the (limits the area where the goaltender cannot be touched. Players cannot stop inside the area only pass through it).
The blue dividing lines (divide the field into three parts, when attacking no player can pass a line before the puck).

The goals
The goals are 183 cm long and 122 cm. High.

Suitability
The athlete must have an impairment of permanent nature in the lower part of the body of such a degree that it
1. is obvious and easily recognisable
2. makes ordinary skating - and consequently ice hockey playing impossible.

For more information on Sledge Hockey in GB visit the British Sledge Hockey Association website

GB Team for 2006 Winter Paralympic Games

Philip Saunders (Nottingham), Gary Vaughan (Cardiff), Ian Warner (London), Simon Berry (Hull), Karl Nicholson (Manchester), Nathan Stephens (Wales), Stephen Thomas (Wales), Russell Willey (Cardiff), David French (Scunthorpe), Richard Whitehead (Nottingham), Gary Farmer (Nottingham), Mark Briggs (Nottingham), David Hall (Chesterfield)
Non-travelling reserve: Matthew Lloyd (Withernsea)
Coach Kevin Whiteman.

coollogo_com_555014001.gif

introcoollogo_com_55501327.gif

strokeclubscoollogo_com_55501351.gif

strinfo.gif

coollogo_com_226136740.gif

termscoollogo_com_30399332.gif

moto.gif

inspire.gif

talk-chat.gif

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

I.

J.

K.

L.

M.

N.

O.

P.

Q.

R.

S.

T.

U.

V.

W.

X.

Y.

Z.

FREE INSERTION IN OUR DIRECTORY
Get your group or society noticed.
Open to all associations, societies, sports and social groups, private members clubs & affiliations etc with an interest in disability issues

If you wish to be included on this directory please drop us a line using the form oppossitte: Also open to indevidual artists and crafters who are invited to submit details of their business allowing them a shop window to advertise their products and wares.

PLEASE ENCLUDE AS MUCH INFO AS IS POSSIBLE PLEASE INCLUDE

CONTACT NUMBER, LOCATION , TYPE OF ACTIVITY, HOW OFTEN TIMES DAYS ETC YOU MAY ALSO INCLUDE A WEB SITE URL IF APPROPRIATE. 

Good Access Guide

Sign My guest book and help us make a difference.
I am interested in hearing the views of visitors to the 2nd chance web site. How did you find it? was it informative? Do you feel such a website can help? what can be done differently?

  

Organisation:
Email address:
Times & Dates:
Discription of activity:
URL: http//
  

2ndsurf.gif

introcoollogo_com_55501327.gif

strokeclubscoollogo_com_55501351.gif

strinfo.gif

coollogo_com_226136740.gif

termscoollogo_com_30399332.gif

moto.gif

inspire.gif

talk-chat.gif

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

I.

J.

K.

L.

M.

N.

O.

P.

Q.

R.

S.

T.

U.

V.

W.

X.

Y.

Z.