Irwin Mitchell Support Paralympic-Inspired Sporting Event

By Suzanne Rutter

More than 400 youngsters inspired by the legacy of last year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games took part in a host of sporting activities at the Barnsley Disability Games 2013.

Children, young people and adults from across South Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire took part in sporting events at the Metrodome Leisure Centre, organised by Barnsley Rockley Rotary Club and sponsored by law firm Irwin Mitchell.

Andrew Buckham, an associate solicitor based in the Sheffield office, said: “At Irwin Mitchell we represent hundreds of children and young people dealing with a range of disabilities and events like this are a fantastic way of involving everyone, whatever their ability, in sporting events. It was fantastic to see so many youngsters taking part this year and there was a great atmosphere with a lot of competitive spirit and camaraderie between teams.

“We were really proud to sponsor the event and hope the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games continues in future and that we see more young people rewarded for their sporting achievements.”

The Disability Games were held at the Metrodome Leisure Centre after being held in Hull for the past two years and included swimming, snooker, boccia, kurling, darts, weight lifting competitions plus specialist wheelchair events. The Mayor of Barnsley, Councillor Dorothy Higginbottom, and local MP Dan Jarvis took attended the event and cheer on the competitors.

The winners and runners-up were presented with a trophy by Paralympians Susan Gilroy MBE, a table tennis player, and hand cyclist Karen Darke and all participants received a medal for taking part.

Graham Noble, the President of the Barnsley Rockley Rotary Club, added: “It was a real honour for us to host the Disability Games in Barnsley and with 400 youngsters taking part in 20 events there was a real sense of competitive spirit. I hope everyone who took part, whether they won or not, went away with a real sense of achievement and hopefully we will see even more youngsters taking part next year.

“Events like this, particularly after the Olympic and Paralympic Games, are essential to provide young people of all abilities with access to sporting activities but it wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of Rotarians and sponsors like Irwin Mitchell.”

Rotarians from neighbouring clubs in Mexborough, Rotherham, Scunthorpe, Sheffield Vulcan, Stainborough and Wortley also volunteered at the event.