Over the last eighteen months, we have received funding from a Section 106 grant (made by house builders to the community) which allowed us to bring in race chairs and frames and other smaller kit. There has also been a grant from the Together Fund, which supports community inclusion activities.

The development of Adaptive Athletics at Yate continues to expand. At the time of writing we provide five main sessions each week and will offer two further sessions each week when the schools return from June 5th.

We cater for children from 10 years old right up to adults over 50 years old. They are diverse in terms of their physical, sensory and learning differences. In total we have 33 regular (weekly) participants. They are registered as adaptive athletics members of Yate Athletic Club. From September 2022 to April 2023, we have delivered 240 person-sessions to the regular, registered participants.

The sessions follow a similar pattern: (A) arrival with helpers/parents- check on recent activities, additional issues, expectations for the session

(B) warm- up as appropriate to needs – eg wheelchair users will concentrate mainly upper body activity; participants with intellectual difference will have whole body motor activity on the track or indoors

(C) chosen adaptive activity for that session – Throwing, running, jumping – specialised throws equipment

(D) Depending on capability, some participants – approximately 9 – will use running frames, hand cycle and race chair

(E) Some participants will mix these activities in a single session

(F). Appropriate ‘warm down ‘ activity – discussions with helpers and parents

From this group, 6 have progressed to compete in local and district competition and their performance is now shown online in the national recording system – ‘power of ten’.

We consider that this all reflects favourably on Yate AC being the only club in the area with this extended activity.

The sessions are expected to continue. We will apply for more funding as needed. The personal satisfaction of the coaches and others who have given time to these activities is evident. We are grateful for all their understanding and encouragement.