News

Talent spotting event searches for the next Paralympians

(25 March 2013)

With last summer’s ParalympicsGB euphoria still fresh in their minds, a team of student volunteers and staff from Team Durham and County Durham Sport (CDS) is hosting an inaugural talent spotting event for disabled athletes.

Building on the success of the Paralympics, Team Durham, Durham University’s sports organisation, together with CDS, wants to attract people – students and non-students to the event, with the aim of identifying future sporting champions.

The national governing bodies of rugby, rowing, tennis, table tennis, fencing, basketball, football, triathlon and volleyball will all be represented at the event, held on Tuesday, April 23, at Durham University’s Graham Sports Centre, Maiden Castle.

The event is being organised by Team Durham’s Communities, Event Management Team and will give children and adults with a disability the opportunity to have a go at a sport that they may not tried before.

Katie Binks, Team Durham’s Partnership Development Manager, said: “The taster sessions will give disabled individuals the opportunity to experience a range of disability sports and be coached by individuals from associated national governing bodies – they will also be scouting for the talented athletes of the future.

“Talented athletes will be identified and offered the chance to receive further coaching and support.

“We want to inspire people to discover their abilities, rather than be held back by their disability. Maybe they could be the next Paralympian?”

Two sessions will take place on April 23: juniors aged 11-16 should go along from 10am-2pm, and adults aged 16-plus from 6pm-9pm. Please note that due to limitations on numbers, attendance for juniors will be restricted to pupils from County Durham schools.

To register, email your contact details to talent.id@durham.ac.uk.

For more information, contact the Event Management Group on 0191 334 2165 or search for Talent ID Day on Facebook.