Trying to change the mindset

As Games fever sweeps over the island, four different events – covering badminton, boccia and a talk with Guernsey’s Sophie Veron and Jersey’s Paralympic equestrian rider Simon Laurens – will take place at various venues with the aim of raising awareness of inclusive sporting options.

Sports and Recreation Active 8 inclusion officer Caroline Barby said the intention is to ‘start a conversation’ on the subject.

‘The eyes of Guernsey are all on the Island Games, so it seems like an opportune moment to use it as a platform,’ she said.

‘The Island Games team are happy to support, make it part of the legacy of the Games.

‘The idea is not to make the Island Games fully inclusive, because we know it’s not viable to have more athletes competing.’

Instead, she hopes competitions can follow after more people become involved with para-sport.

Veron, who joins Laurens to speak at 12.30pm next Thursday at the Chamber of Commerce, has plenty of her own experience in para-sport.

She has not let scoliosis surgery and numerous health struggles related to hydrocephalus – an abnormal build-up of fluid in the brain – stop her from getting involved with climbing, coxing a row boat, wheelchair running and badminton, cycling on a trike, or para-triathlon.

The 31-year-old is currently training with British Cycling’s Para Talent Academy, targeting the Paralympics as a major aspiration. But she admits getting into para-sport is not easy.

‘We are trying to change the mindset,’ she said.

‘You have to go out and ask and be like, “this is me, can you fit me into your club?” and we are trying to change it so clubs are like, “we are going to run a para-sport event, come down and have a look”.

‘It’s hard unless you’ve got that drive or determination to make that first phone call or e-mail.’

She will be speaking about other local para-sport inspirations, like Michael Ellis, Andre Reece-Sheerin and Sarah Whitchurch, together with various other aspects of inclusive activity.

Veron feels that there is still a stigma around para-sport and admits that Guernsey is behind the UK for accessibility. But she knows just how important it is to be active.

‘Sport is awesome. It’s such an important part of your health – social skills, mental health, physical health.’

Before then, two separate sessions will take place in the popular para-sport of boccia.

The first is at Market Square tomorrow afternoon, before the opening ceremony, and shows off a sport that is similar to bowls and petanque but has been designed with para-athletes in mind and is played with soft leather balls.

It is one of just two Paralympic sports with no Olympic equivalent and already has some presence in Guernsey, thanks to sessions run by Paul Wheatley.

The second session takes place at the Aztech Centre on Wednesday.

Next Friday, as the Games come to a conclusion, spectators will be able to watch a badminton exhibition match featuring Guernsey para-athlete Jay Webber.

Webber competed at a Special Olympics GB Summer Series of Sport tournament last year and won a singles title, together with joining Clint Gardner to take the mixed doubles. That led to them sharing the Guernsey Commission’s Febrache & Farrell LLP Trophy for 2022.

Saturday 8 July

2-4pm: Boccia at Market Square

Wednesday 12 July

3-4pm: Boccia at Aztech Centre

Thursday 13 July

12.30pm: Sophie Veron and Simon Laurens talk para-sport at Chamber of Commerce (tickets available at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/RdiEJKhzXNnT)

Friday 14 July

9.15am: badminton exhibition match at Rohais