JSAD sporting bonanza

MORE than 200 competitors took part in the Jersey Sports Association for the Disabled weekend of sport at Fort Regent.

The range of events included swimming, basketball and gymnastics and involved teams from Cardiff, Coventry, Cheshire and Birmingham. Despite one volunteer being taken to hospital after she fell out the side of a wheelchair in a practice session, the three-day event was a great success.

JSAD chairman Paul Patterson said: ‘It has been absolutely brilliant. Everyone I have spoken said they had a fantastic time. It has been a humbling experience to see the effort and concentration of the competitors.’
Mr Patterson said that the Jersey Rockettes Cheerleaders had been training for 60 hours for their two-minute routine and the Band of the Island of Jersey had been rehearsing for the last three months.

‘The whole Island has got together to help,’ he said. ‘The highlights have been the closing ceremony and opening welcome. ‘Special Olympic Games GB medals winner Samantha Godel did some stunning floor work in the routine by the Jersey Special Gymnastics Club. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. They treated us to the most incredible performance.’

Sports Disabled Personality of the Year Haydn Maguire, who suffers from epilepsy, took part in the swimming, bowling and athletics in the 2008 Disabled Games and said: ‘It’s been great. Over the three days all the competitors have done really well and there has been a very high standard of sport.’

• Pictures by David Ferguson • Picture sales: Click here