Disabled Conwy kids master Ropes and Ladders

Sep 11 2008 by Michelle Coyle, North Wales Weekly News

CONWY youngsters pushed their bravery to the limit at a sponsored abseil in Llanberis last week.

The children, along with their nervous parents, put their abseiling skills to the test at Ropes and Ladders, the impressive high ropes course in the heart of Snowdonia.

While many may flinch at the thought of lowering themselves off a platform many metres above the ground, due to the group members’ various disabilities the adventurers from the No Limits outdoor activities club faced a tougher challenge than most.

Despite their apprehension, all the youngsters, and perhaps more surprisingly their mums and dads, successfully completed the abseil to raise funds for the No Limits group.

Organiser Dan Jackson said: “We’re very grateful to Ropes and Ladders for letting us use their amazing course for free and have had a fantastic time here. I’m delighted to say we had a 100% success rate.

“Events like this go to show that outdoor activities are for everyone, regardless of ability.”

The club’s young members managed to raise over £400 in sponsorship which will go towards costly outdoor equipment, training of volunteer instructors and centre hire.

The group is more used to hanging off the ropes at the Llandudno Junction leisure centre’s climbing wall, so getting down to Ropes and Ladders in Llanberis proved to be an exciting challenge.

Debbie Strevens, chair of No Limits, said: “It was great to raise so much for the club and to see that nobody chickened out! No Limits provides a great support network for disabled children and their families and focuses on what they can do, not what they can’t. Everyone thinks disabled kids can’t be adventurous, but this day showed they can!”

Mark Richards, disability sports officer for Conwy, was delighted with the group’s success: “We hope to set up more activities soon for these young people and welcome new members. I am also seeking volunteers with an interest in outdoor pursuits who can help train our young members in sports like kayaking and climbing.

“Tennis, football and swimming coaches are also sought for other disabled groups across Conwy.”

michelle.coyle

For further information contact Mark on 01492 575593.