The housing and care provider representatives were trained by Lothian Phoenix – for whom they are the official sponsor - and Dundee Dragons, as part of a four hour event at the Lynch Sports Centre in Dundee which showcased the various wheelchair sporting opportunities available to people across Scotland.

Several employees from the innovative firm took part in the event alongside Gowrie Care, part of the Hillcrest Group, with both care providers trying their hand at wheelchair basketball, rugby and badminton, before splitting into teams and going head to head for a friendly match.

Mark Thompson, administration officer for Blackwood, took part in the activities on offer and is now counting the cuts and bruises after finding out first-hand how tough wheelchair sports can be.

Mark said: “I tried both wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby, which were really good fun and everyone was very patient and took the time out to introduce the beginners to the sport.

“Both sports are definitely very hard work for those who aren’t used to them. I cut my thumb on the wheel at one point and my chest was aching for almost three days after.

“I think these events are really worthwhile as they decrease segregation of disabled sports and increase the appreciation of the abilities of disabled people amongst the general population.”

Jenny Gardner, regional manager (East) for Blackwood, believes events such as this are especially effective in raising awareness of the wide range of sporting pursuits that are on offer in Scotland for those with disabilities.

Jenny said: “The training day was great fun and had a fantastic turnout; everyone from Blackwood and Gowrie care really got stuck in and gave it their all – though it wasn’t easy.

“The players from both Lothian Phoenix and Dundee Dragons are incredibly talented – the level of skill that was on display was just unbelievable.

“What always strikes me with this kind of event is that it really opens your eyes to how liberating these sports can be; the players refuse to let their disabilities be limiting and just get out there and really enjoy it.

“The day was tough but definitely worth it – some of our staff have the blisters on their hands to prove it.”

Tina Gordon, coach of Lothian Phoenix, said: “The day was such good fun and it was great to get to know some more of the Blackwood team and give them a taster of what wheelchair basketball and rugby are like.

“There were a few sore hands by the end of the day through all the hard work, but plenty of smiles on everyone’s faces.”

Blackwood is the official sponsor of Lothian Phoenix Wheelchair Basketball Club, which plays in Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Association (GBWBA) Division 1 North. Formed in 2006, the club enables individuals with physical disabilities the opportunity to participate in a competitive sport. The team is coached by Tina Gordon who has been involved in the sport for more than 35 years.

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