Ability Sport & Active Lifestyle 2013
ASAAL 2013 would like to thank those organisations & individuals that helped to bring sport and activity into the lives of many people that visited the event over the 2 days at Loughborough University. Please check back on this site on a regular basis, when we will be sharing with you positive stories from both the people that helped make this possible and also people who took part in the great activities that took place
Take a look at some great pictures from the event
Here are just some of the positive & encouraging feedback we have received from both exhibitors & visitors
Exhibitor, Jane Pittaway-Hampson, British Blind Sport Archery
“Representing British Blind Sport Archery, our objective at ASAAL 2013 was to introduce archery as a sport for the visually impaired; what actually happened was we introduced it as a sport for all, a sport that adapts to your impairment, regardless of what it is, rather than the other way round. This expanded role was due to the marked absence of Archery GB.
We achieved this objective in spades. The footfall was incredible and we were busy both days. We had a healthy number of people (impaired and able bodied) say they intend to investigate taking the sport up, and have established a good contact with Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford, who have asked to run a number of events for them. We also met a number of coaches, teachers and course leaders who wanted to learn more about disabled archery and we were able to signpost them.
Aside from this, it was a great 2 days that gave our team the chance to meet new people and contacts, encourage (that should probably be 'interfere!') some of the exhibitors to think about adapting their product for the visually impaired world (such as the cardio wall) and work with a great bunch of people.
We'd certainly like to attend any future events, and given sufficient notice will contact the nearest archery club to see if they can loan us a decent target and stop curtains.“
Exhibitor, Patrick McGeough, WDSA UK
“The ASAAL event enabled us to reach grass roots individuals we may not have spoken to before“
Visitor, Gwynne Furlong, Regain Charity
“We found both the conference and the exhibition etc very useful.
I would certainly be interested in attending a further event and will consider taking a stand next year, if you decide to progress”
Visitor Sue Harris, Leisure Connection
“I would like to thank the ASAAL team for putting together this event, I can’t wait for the next ASAAL, so more people and more people can come and be inspired, motivated and given hope!
Exhibitor, Andrew Woodrow, Bishop Sport
“We meet some truly inspirational people at the ASAAL show, we spoke to people from up and down the country, we had conversations with people from Liverpool to Devon and beyond”
Visitor, Mark Richards, Disability Sports Wales
“Along with two colleagues I attended ASAAL 2013 & found it very beneficial. Having worked in disability sport for 5 years now, it was useful to meet with some of the exhibitors I already work with and network with potential future partners.
To summarise I thought the day was very useful and would definitely recommend it to other sport development officers, as a one stop shop”
Exhibitor, Ian Massington, AFC Masters—Bolton Shared Care
“I am general manager of AFC Masters and we attended the Ability Sport & Active Lifestyle, Loughborough. We held a stand as exhibitors and ran two sessions in the main sports arena—a demonstration of “come and try” football sessions involving the public.
We were made to feel very welcome at the event and the area and directions were clear and well signposted. The facility was fantastic. My lads were able to join in with some of the other sport sessions, such as dancing, archery & wheelchair rugby. The latter went down really well, fantastic session.
Our sessions went well too, the second we managed to get 5 children & 2 adults to join in who all said they the session. Overall it was a good experience for the lads to travel down together and talk to people about what we do.
Can I take this opportunity to thank you for allowing us to come and please let us know of any future events”
Visitor, Mr & Mrs Rankin
“Just to let you know my wife and I were quite impressed with the show. As this was the first one we didn’t know what to expect. Know now that we have been to one, we will be attending more in the future!”
Visitor, Paul Stratford
“Despite a prolonged search for parking, I found my time very informative and came away with a number of sport activities to pursue”
Visitor, Jane Lucox
“I pre-registered for tickets and attended on the Friday. I found some things useful as through this event I discovered freewheel. I purchased from Bromakin.
I found the wheelchair rugby very interesting. I am thrilled with my Freewheel so the show has certainly improved my life”
Exhibitor, Liz Disability Shooting Project:
“We found the event very useful”
Exhibitor / sports demonstrators Wheelchair Archery, Harriet & Helen Little:
“ Harriet & I would like to thank you for a wonderful few days. We thought the event was a success and it was great to introduce people to wheelchair archery and to so no matter how disabled you are you can take part.
We had plenty of interest on both days and lots of interest in having a go at archery. We also met some lovely people and learned a lot ourselves about what sports are out there and some adapted equipment. Harriet enjoyed getting involved in the wheelchair dancing and having a go at sitting volleyball and some of the other sports.
I hope all goes well and we would like to be involved at future events”
Exhibitor, Sue Cummings—Chair, WDSA(UK)
“We had a blast at the ASAAL event, we met so many different people and heard so may different stories, but it was nice to know that people that came to this great event, went away thinking I can rather than I may!