Olympians, world champions, record holders and national stars from the world of bowls, athletics, sailing, water sports, fishing, shooting, archery, tennis and rugby turned up to give their encouragement and highlight what can be achieved whatever the disability.
Joan Medland, Occupational Therapist, said: " The day was a real success with so many of our patients keen to find out more about sport for the disabled and see how they could actively get involved. Sport is so important, as it not only boosts their confidence but also shows other spinal patients what can be achieved. "
Spinal patients at Salisbury District Hospital have had a long tradition of sporting success, with teams competing and succeeding regularly at the Inter Spinal Unit Games. The spinal unit has also produced international tennis, bowls and basketball players, and has two current world record holders, England paralympic shot putter Terry Hopkins and Mike Martin who has completed more wheelchair marathons than anybody else.
Ms Medland said "The enthusiasm and commitment was fantastic and I would just like to thank everyone for giving up their time for our patients. The interest from our patients has been tremendous and we hope that this will give them the opportunity to take part in competitive sport at different levels and enjoy being with others with similar abilities. For some it could be the starting point for international success and acclaim." Ends
Notes to Editors:
- Among the stars who attended were:
Terry Hopkins. Won gold in Seoul and Barcelona paralympics for shot putt. Has also won silver and bronze.
Di Coates. Won gold medals in paralympic rifle shooting in Seoul, Barcelona and Atlanta.
Peter Norfolk MBE. Won gold and silver medals in Athens paralympics in the Quad Division of wheelchair tennis.
Peter Jenkins. Great Britain paralympic wheelchair rugby star
Keith Jones. Great Britain paralympic wheelchair rugby star
Geoff Holt. Former Salisbury spinal patient. Only paralysed sailor to sail single-handed around the Isle of Wight. Now aiming to sail round Great Britain single- handed.
- The Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre at Salisbury District Hospital provides specialist care for patients across much of southern England from Cornwall in the west to Sussex in the east.
For further information please contact:
Patrick Butler, Public Relations Manager, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust. Tel: 01722 425170