Wheelchair basketball player, Hayley Cassin, 12, stayed motivated in lockdown by training at her scheme’s community centre. Hayley has lived with her family at our Herringthorpe scheme, Rotherham, for five years. She trains with the Wakefield Whirlwinds and Sheffield Steelers, and also plays for Yorkshire under 14s.
Hayley has raised a significant amount of money for charity as a young Ambassador for Variety the Children’s Charity. She’s also an Ambassador for Max wheelchairs demonstrating their wheelchairs and helping out at events.
Wheelchair basketball
“I started playing wheelchair basketball about five years ago. I was bullied in primary school because of my disability, and wheelchair basketball allowed me to compete equally with both disabled and able-bodied players.
“But my motto is ‘I am not disabled. I’m differently able’. I’m also very competitive. I love winning and wheelchair basketball has done lots to improve my confidence and self-esteem. One day I hope to play in the Paralympic games.
“As a young ambassador for Variety, I really want to raise awareness of the needs of disabled children and young people like myself. It was amazing to meet David Walliams and listen to Jimmy Tarbuck’s jokes at a Buckingham Palace celebration for Variety’s 70th birthday.
Training during lockdown
“When lockdown happened, I went from three training sessions a week to none. I found not being able to do something I enjoyed so much really hard. But during winter, I was allowed to train in the scheme’s community centre with Wakefield Whirlwinds coach via a video link.
“I’m really grateful to Cleo Charles, our Neighbourhood Co-ordinator, for arranging this. It helped me to stay fit and strong and in good shape for when the games re-start.”
Proud parents
Hayley’s parents Steven & Susan, who are Habinteg tenants, were grateful for Habinteg’s support too.
“We’re extremely proud of Hayley and Cleo has been instrumental in helping her to keep her training on track. Allowing Hayley to use the community centre during lockdown really helped her to remain motivated,” they said.
Neighbourhood Co-ordinator of Rotherham, Chesterfield & Barnsley, Cleo Charles said: “Hayley is an outstanding young sports woman and a shining example of the big role sports can play in the life of young people, particularly at this time.
There’s so much out there for young people of all abilities to get involved in and Hayley’s motto ‘I am not disabled I am differently able’, shows her winning spirit
Manual Rigid Fixed Frame, Manual Rigid Adjustable or Manual Folding Wheelchair... Which do I need? Here is a little information to help you browse the products right for you:
What is a Rigid Fixed Frame Wheelchair?
A rigid fixed frame wheelchair is a fixed frame wheelchairs that are solid and generally made from aluminium or carbon fibre and have very little adjustment available once the chair has been produced
Is a Rigid fixed Frame wheelchair right for me?
Suitable for experienced wheelchair users who may have had adjustable wheelchairs in the past and know what they need from their char set up. Rigid fixed chairs tend to be lighter, stronger and have fewer moving parts enabling maximum performance.
What is a Rigid Adjustable Wheelchair?
A rigid adjustable wheelchair is a non folding frame but allows adjustments in seat height, seat angle and centre of gravity position.
Is a rigid adjustable wheelchair right for me?
A rigid adjustable wheelchair is lighter and easier to push than a folding wheelchair, generally more compact than a folding wheelchair and suitable for people new to active lightweight wheelchairs. They may also be suitable for persons with progressive health conditions that may need changes to chair set up in the future.
Browse below our superb range of Folding Wheelchairs
What is a folding Wheelchair?
A wheelchair is simply a chair that folds in the middle allowing for easier transportation and storage.
Is a folding Wheelchair right for me?
Folding wheelchairs are usually used to assist in travel and storage in small cars. They are easier for helpers or carers to put in a car for you. They tend to be a little heavier and more cumbersome to manoeuvre. These chairs are also popular with semi ambulant walkers who may need a wheelchair from time to time.
If you are in anyway unsure as to which type of frame or style wheelchair you require, do not hesitate to contact us straight away and one of our expert staff will guide you through the process. We offer free home demonstrations and assessments for complete piece of mind. All of our staff are full time wheelchair users and are sympathetic to your needs.
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