Basketball sessions set up for disabled students in Burnley (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Basketball sessions set up for disabled students in Burnley

1:56pm Tuesday 19th June 2012 in Hyndburn

WHEELCHAIR basketball sessions have been set up for disabled students in Burnley.

The sessions, which are going to be held at Ridgewood Community High School, are being launched on Saturday to coincide with the Olympic torch relay taking place in the town.

The initiative has been set up by Burnley Basketball Club, in conjunction with Burnley Borough Council, Ridgewood Community High School, Lancashire Sport and Lancashire Bombers.

James Tucker, former coach at Burnley Basketball Club and St Mary's College Blackburn, will lead the sessions with volunteer William Smith which will start in September and are suitable for all abilities.

Giulio Minozzi from Burnley Basketball Club said: ”Burnley Basketball Club is looking to expand our offering of basketball for all abilities and ages and starting wheelchair basketball seems to fit with our ethos.

“We are proud to be very much an inclusive club.

“Next season will have more teams playing at regional level.

“And we have engaged with the wider community to take basketball to them.

“The Olympics and Para Olympics have created an incredible opportunity to promote non mainstream sports.

“The torch relay has caught the imagination of the British public and Burnley Basketball Club is happy to marry the two and launch the wheelchair basketball in Burnley while the torch relay is in town.

“On Saturday we will have a demonstration of the sport.

“And if anyone is interested they can speak to the team.”

Julie Naylor from Ridgewood Community High School said: “The club will provide an exciting opportunity for young disabled people to play sport in their local community.

“Currently some players who have been talent spotted through the Youth Sport Trust 'Playground to Podium' initiative have to travel long distances to get coaching at a higher level.

“Linking in with Burnley Basketball Club will also bring an inclusive element to basketball.

“Where all young people can play and train together regardless of ability breaking down barriers of disability.”

For more information about Burnley Basketball Club visit the club website which you can access at www.burnley.basketball.co.uk

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