PEOPLE with disabilities got the chance to shine at an event staged in Huddersfield.
One of the town’s Special Olympics stars and a group of musicians with learning disabilities were among those in attendance at the International Day of Disabled People.
Groups, schools and individuals of all abilities from all over Kirklees flocked to the day-long event at Huddersfield Sports Centre yesterday.
The fun day aimed to promote understanding of the issues around disabilities as well as celebrating people with disabilities.
The event had been eagerly anticipated after its original date in December was postponed due to poor weather.
Event manager Lucy Bye said it had been a bit hit and hoped that similar events would be organised in the future.
She said: “We’ve had some really positive responses from people.
“It’s important to promote understanding but this has been more about celebrating people than anything else.
“There are not many events for disabled people around and this is a great way of showing the positive things that different groups in the area are doing.”
Children from schools all over the district attended and enjoyed sports including climbing, rugby and badminton – as well as a game of football led by Huddersfield Town legend Andy Booth.
Special Olympics’ European Games star Howard Tomlinson, from Mirfield, was there to show off his impressive sports skills.
Howard, who has Down’s syndrome, is a member of the Great Britain Table Tennis Squad and played a match with children.
Youngsters got the chance to take part in a variety of arts activities and competitions.
There were also a number of stalls for visitors to browse, including information on council services and other community organisations.
The entertainment was provided by Xylosound– a group made up of people with disabilities.
Chol Theatre put on performances during the afternoon. The theatre group made an impression with their giant inflatable ‘Extraordinary Pod’ which was included in a performance featuring actor Dan Edge, who is also the UK’s only disabled pro-wrestler.
David Bundy was one of the 30 volunteers responsible for running the event, organised by Kirklees Council.
David, a policy officer for the council who was born disabled, said: “It’s gone really well and we’ve lots of different schools getting involved as well as people from all over the area.
“It’s been an exciting, vibrant day and a really good celebration of people with disabilities and their achievements.
“It’s great to see so many people involved with something like this and there’s been a real mix of people who are both disabled and non-disabled.
“It has been good to see this integration and hopefully these relationships will continue in the future.”
