Blog: Looking back at July's A-Z blogs

29 July 2016

The English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) website features a blog post every Friday through the year. In 2016 we’ll be taking a look at an A-Z of accessible sporting and fitness opportunities available to disabled people. This week we’re taking a look back at July's blogs in the series so far, featuring orienteering, polo, powerchair football and powerlifting.

Orienteering – Peter Roberts

TrailO is a sport specifically designed for disabled participants and it gives all abilities a chance to compete against each other. If you have an interest in maps and like solving puzzles then this is the sport for you.

It is relatively inexpensive to enter and the only equipment you will need is a compass and clothing suitable for outdoors. To be honest, I always carry a waterproof cape!

Polo – Elaine Corner

Polo requires 100 per cent concentration. It’s all about you and your pony, where the ball’s going, where other players are and hitting the ball.

It’s a total escape from all other stuff that might be happening in your life. That’s what makes it such a fantastic sport. If you go for a run or a cycle or a swim it frees up your mind to think about any problems or issues you might be experiencing. So polo is a fantastic escape.

Powerchair football – Amir Ali

To be a good powerchair football player you need to have an excellent understanding of your wheelchair. Often, a person will have been in electric wheelchairs for the whole of their life, so they will have a good “feel” of it, what it can do and how to control it.

Playing powerchair football makes me feel really good. I like to be competitive and play sport. From the first minute to the final whistle I am trying to get stuck in.

Powerlifting – Jemma Robinson

Powerlifting has made me much more confident in myself. For example, I now feel able to talk to strangers without feeling nervous – it’s a great feeling.

Through powerlifting I have been able to win some medals and trophies, and winning is the biggest thrill ever.

For more information visit the Blogs section of the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) website. Keep visiting the site every Friday for new blogs in our A-Z 2016 series.