Training club launched for disabled athletes
A training club designed to provide physically disabled
athletes with strength and conditioning coaching has opened its
doors at York St John University.
‘YSJ Strength’ is the latest arm of York St
John Inclusive Activity Club (YSJIAC). Following the success of
multisports and goalball sessions held by YSJIAC for people with
learning and physical disabilities, YSJ Strength branches out to
cater for the specific strength and conditioning needs of amateur
and elite physically disabled athletes.
The club operates in the York St John
University fitness suite every Sunday from 10.00am-12.00pm under
the coaching of John Gray, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Physical
Activity; Dean Armstrong, YSJ Active Development Officer; Simon
Kumar, former student at York St John and Chairman of YSJIAC; and
James Oliver, a first year BA Physical Education & Sports
Coaching student.
A pilot scheme received great praise
attracting athletes involved in wheelchair basketball and goalball.
The coaches have also been privileged to work with York-based
two-time GB Paralympic bronze medallist table tennis player Cathy
Mitton, and her husband Keith Mitton, a former GB wheelchair
fencing athlete.
Cathy Mitton described her experience:
“Having an environment dedicated solely to
disabled athletes is fantastic. I have found that with other
conditioning programmes, the gym environment can be intimidating
and the knowledge of the staff lacking. YSJ Strength couldn’t be
further from that experience and I would recommend the club to
other disabled athletes.”
YSJ Strength will serve as a practical
training and work experience route for students interested or
studying in the area of strength and conditioning. It will also
allow students to engage in related sports performance research
projects. The club is currently recruiting student volunteers who
are keen to gain experience in inclusive sports and performance
coaching.
Dean Armstrong, YSJ Active Development Officer
at York St John University commented:
“YSJ Strength provides a dedicated and
friendly training environment for disabled athletes who are
striving to improve their performance in their specialist sport.
The coaches, all volunteers, work with athletes on a one-on-one
basis to provide tailored strength conditioning sessions.
“The club not only gives York St John students
a unique opportunity to complement their existing sports studies
with a specialism in inclusive sports, but also provides further
recognition for the University as a key asset for inclusive sports
coaching in the region.”
Disabled athletes interested in joining YSJ
Strength are encouraged to contact Dean Armstrong on T: 01904
876751 or E: enquiries@ysjiac.org. The club runs in York St John
University fitness suite on Sunday mornings from
10.00am-12.00pm.
Picture shows (left to right): Dean
Armstrong, James Oliver, Simon Kumar and John Gray with equipment
in the fitness suite at York St John University.
For further information please
contact Amy Hall, PR & Communications Officer on
T: 01904 876466 or E: a.hall@yorksj.ac.uk
