CLICK HERE to read the BBC article about the misuse of blue badges.

In recent years the organisation has gone from strength to strength reacting positively to its changing role within the wider community of people with Spinal Cord Injury in Scotland.

For more infomation and how to apply please click here

If the answer is yes why not go along to the next training session on Saturday 17^th December 2011 and see what is involved.

This training session will be held in the following venue:

EASTERHOUSE SPORTS CENTRE,

Auchinlea Road,

Easterhouse,

Glasgow,

G34 9HQ

Training will start at 10am prompt also bring plenty of drinks and lunch for yourselves.

Adrian wants even more players to attend to gain an introduction and further experience of the game.

If you are able, bring along a sports wheelchair.

If there are any questions please contact Adrian on:                     07577 709 600

If you are going to go along can you please confirm with Adrian on the number above or by email: adrian.n.kennedy@hotmail.co.uk

CLICK HERE to read about previous training sessions

I had played, well turned up at wheelchair basketball a number of years ago and did so regularly for a number of years but I am not the fittest person by a long way.

I wasn’t able to be there at the start of the taster session but when I arrived there was a fairly large group of people taking part in different training drills. I have seen similar drills at basketball training but the main difference was that everyone had to be aware of passing the ball backwards and it was an actual rugby ball. This seemed somewhat alien to what I had seen before at basketball as the ball can be passed forward and it is obviously a basketball. Dropping the ball makes an interesting experience as you have no idea which direction it will bounce so careful passing is one skill required for this game.

I was offered a couple of times to swap into a sports chair and join in but I was happy to observe from the end of the court.

After watching for thirty minutes or so I was coaxed to try a sports chair and try some of the skills. Transferring from an everyday chair to a sports chair with a guard round the front is not an easy transfer so this was done with some difficulty, not a graceful transfer at all. Having not been in a sport chair for a number of years, pushing, turning and stopping was interesting but I soon got into the swing of it.

Scoring a try and kicking a conversion, yes a conversion was a new concept. There are goals just the same as on a rugby pitch, only smaller and you use what is called a tee to hold the ball which can be adjusted to the height to suit you. The aim is to hit the ball over the crossbar with a clenched fist or by your wrist. We all took numerous shots with some people more successful than others.

We then progressed to having a game. Oh what a difference this made because as soon as I seen someone with the ball I went shooting off up the court as quick as possible to quickly realise that I had to be behind the person with the ball. I then had to dash back to position to receive a pass. Now what do I do was the first thought and within a second of getting the ball I had been tackled.

Playing this game you wear a bib with two long strips (tags) attached via Velcro to the shoulders. If you have the ball, an opposing player will try to remove a tag, hold it in the air for the referee to see and this is classed as a tackle. Once tackled, the team gets back into position and play commences.

Overall I had a great time, I felt very welcome and it was good to get back in a sports chair and take part in some physical exercise.

I plan on attending the next taster session in Scotland, the dates and venue of which will be posed on this Blog.

More information about Wheelchair Rugby League can be found HERE

If you are interested in attending these taster sessions or want to know more about the sport you can contact Adrian Kennedy on: 07577 709 600 or by email: adrian.n.kennedy@hotmail.co.uk

The new venue for this training session is:

TOLLCROSS LIESURE CENTRE

350 WELLSHOT ROAD

GLASGOW

G32 7QR

If you own your own sports chair, please bring it along to assist for the moment.

Please bring plenty to drink and also bring something for your lunch.

If you require any more information, please contact Adrian by email on: adrian.n.kennedy@hotmail.co.uk or by phone on: 07577 709 600

Brian Grassie, Office Manager, and staff from the Spinal Unit are pictured with the TVs.

For More information contact: Craig Semple on: 0131 319 8147 or email: wdd@digbybrown.co.uk to find out more information and to reserve your table.

The venue for the AGM is the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injury Unit in the Stepdown Unit. If you have any special requirements or would like any further information please contact the office on: info@sisonline.org or 0141 427 7686.

The Spinal Injuries Scotland AGM will take place at 6pm on Monday 3^rd October. This is an ideal opportunity to get involved with the Organisation or to simply find out more about the year gone by. We are looking forward to hearing members’ views and suggestions

The Annual Report will be posted to all members in September giving a summary of the passed year at SIS, along with an overview of what lies ahead. Also within the annual report will be information on a prize give away for the day, because as well as discussing the business side of the charity it will be a great chance for members to engage with the board of directors, and the staff and volunteers. After the main meeting a small event with entertainment and refreshments will be provided.

The venue is the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injury Unit in the Stepdown Unit. If you would like any further information please contact the office on: info@sisonline.org or 0141 427 7686.

It is estimated that in Scotland there is a disabled person or person with a long-term illness living in just over one in three households. As Scotland’s only disability, rehabilitation and homecare show, Naidex Scotland caters for a widespread need by providing access to all the latest independent living solutions and services available on the disability market. It is the ideal place to see all the new and innovative independent living solutions, from wheelchairs and WAVs to adjustable furniture and bathing and showering equipment.

Visiting Naidex Scotland also provides an excellent opportunity to get free help and advice on a vast range of issues. Some of the UK’s leading organisations and charities will be at the show to offer information and guidance, including Enable, the chosen charity of the year for Naidex Scotland. The popular Meet the OT feature will be offering members of the public a chance to speak face-to-face with a qualified occupational therapist, who will give professional advice for free, and appointments can be booked in advance at www.naidex.co.uk/ot Another aspect of the show not to be missed is Spinal Injuries Scotland’s seminar in the Inspiration Theatre at 12pm on Wednesday 14th.

Visitors to Naidex Scotland can expect to see all the usual show features that make visiting so worthwhile such as the Communication & Learning Village, home to the latest communication aids and assistive technology. New features that have now been added to the show include the Car Zone, where many of the UK’s leading vehicle converters will be exhibiting the latest wheelchair assisted vehicle developments. Also making its Naidex Scotland debut is KideQuip, the must see zone dedicated to children with special needs, where visitors and healthcare professionals will be able to meet and discuss individual needs and products with exhibitors.

Naidex Scotland also presents a wealth of career benefits for all healthcare professionals. Not only will they have the opportunity to become acquainted with the latest products on offer; they can also enhance their professional development and add to their portfolio by attending the free CPD seminars supported The College of Occupational Therapists.

For more information on Naidex Scotland and to register for free entry please visit www.naidex.co.uk/scotland  or click on the logo below and quote priority code ESIS

Visit Spinal Injuries Scotland on stand G12 at Naidex Scotland