* Disability Sport in Kent
* Manual and Powered wheelchairs
* Lightweight Transportable Scooters

Disability Sport in Kent

I came into post with KCC Sports Development Unit in November 2002 as the County Sports Development Manager for Disabled People and feel that now is a good time to up-date you all with a few exciting new projects across Kent.
In the past the Unit has produced a Directory of Disability Sports clubs, giving details of specific sports clubs that we already know about, when and where they meet and how to can contact them. There are still a few copies of the 2002 directory left, so if you would like one please let me know. In the future, we will be working in partnership with Kent Information Federation to ensure that all our clubs are included on the KIF database. This should help people seeking a specific sport or local club by also being able to provide information on transport, access and other disability issues. KIF will also be able to ensure that the details are up-to-date and accurate.
Instead of producing a periodic newsletter with it's associated printing cost, a lot of work has been done to extend and develop the disability pages on the Sports Development Unit's website. This can be found at http://www.kentsport.org/disability.html . We now have details on latest news, access, information, contacts and links to other disability sports websites, and ever-growing Calendar Events, including local, country, regional, national and international events. Please visit the site for the latest on Disability Sports news and please let me know any disability sports events that you might be planning so we can help spread the news.
A " guide to planning disability sports discovery days " is now available to download through the publications section of the Unit's main website and we hope to shortly produce a fact sheet on the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and it's implications to sport and leisure providers.
Our Associate Officer scheme provides individual expert advice on wheelchair basketball, archery, powerlifting athletics, boccia, rugby, football and now cycling and contact details are again available through the website Disability Sports pages.
As County Disability Sports Development Manager my job is also to work with neighboring officers, as are currently in place in Essex, Hampshire and Surrey and hopefully soon Sussex, and with the Regional Officer of the English Federation of Disability Sport to make sure Kent is in-touch with and participating in national initiatives.

With an ever growing interest in disability sport and with events like the Athens Paralympics just over the horizon, this is an exciting time to be involved and i am looking forward to the years ahead and helping, along with many others, to put Disability Sport on the map. Michael Bishop Kent Sports Development Manager for Disabled People Tel:- 01732 525389. E-mail mikebishop@kent.gov.uk

Manual and Powered wheelchairs

Otto Block Avantgarde Ti8.9 Infinity Ultra-light wheels * Precisely adjustable drive wheel position thanks to optimised adapters * Anatomically adjustable backrest with new belt system * Breathable backrest cover * New aluminum side panels * New aluminum / titanium footrest adjustable for height and angle * Angle of bend of front frame selectable * Aluminum fastener's. Tel:- 01784 744900 UltraLite 750 Powerchair From Electric Mobility Euro, Compact, versatile and light weight. A revolution in powerchair technology, the UltraLite 750 features all the usual benefits of a standard powerchair including total maneuverability and easy positioning close to work surfaces. In addition, and what makes this model stand out from the rest is the 750's amazing compact and light weight design ( the heaviest part being only 43lb ), making it's two-step disassembling process a real winner for transportation. It can also be folded down for storage in small places. You can now take your powerchair with you wherever you go, in your car when visiting friends or on holiday abroad as it can easily be transported on buses, trains, planes or ferries. Local Supplier Cinqe Ports Mobility Tel:- 01303 850760

Meyra Runner from Sidhil Standard Features * Tilt in space * Reclining backrest * Rear wheel suspension * Pilot VSI Controller * 4 Year Guarantee. Additional features * Adjustable seat width * Adjustable seat depth * Adjustable height arm rests * Adjustable length foot rest * 40Ah gel batteries * Anti tippers * 4 mph * Adjustable rear suspension Optional equipment * Lighting kit * Kerb climber * Attendant control * Head rest * Puncture proof tyres. Tel:- 01422 331155 Balder Finesse with new stand up function Safe for driving in the standing position. * Tested and approved according to the required specification. * Easy to use single command button that controls the stand up function. * Standing position can be achieved from optional positions. * Returns automatically to the starting position. * Lights indicate correct use of the stand up function. * Clamping equipment available for use in cars * Does not compromise existing function. Brochure Tel:- 01256 767181

Lightweight Transportable Scooters

New lightweight scooters are becoming very popular and here we highlight a few of the models available. The emphasis placed on these scooters is the easy way in which they can be lifted and stored either in a cupboard or in a car boot.
The main features being: Easily broken down into lighter pieces, once the batteries and seat are removed. They can be lifted by a reasonably active person into a car boot lying across the boot without the need of closing up car seats. The batteries can be charged off the scooter, which means you do not have to unload the vehicle every time you come home. They are light enough for most coach drivers to happily put in the luggage compartments, without taking them apart just by folding them down is sufficient.
Here are a few illustrations and what there suppliers say of them.