A CLUB for disabled sportspeople which boasts two world champions is reaching out to the next generation of superhumans.
Rugby Sport for the Disabled Association (RSDA) chairperson Bernard Purdy has seen the charity have an ‘immeasurable’ impact during his 36 years at the charity – and wants to reach more people than ever before.
RDSA has been promoting and providing access to sport, recreation and leisure activities for disabled people in the town for over 40 years.
Based at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Centre, the charity’s experienced tutors cater for all types of disability including physical, sensory and learning, and all levels from beginner to world championship.
Members include World Crossbow Shooting Association Assisted World Champions Iris Bingham and Graeme Mooney, while other sports include swimming, table tennis, bowls and darts.
And having been involved with RSDA since joining as a swimming helper in 1982, Bernard said it was hard to describe the effect the charity has had on the lives of disabled people in Rugby.
He said: “For some of them, it’s their only opportunity to get out and do something, it breaks that isolation and improves their self-esteem.
“It’s also great exercise and activities like swimming and archery have good health and psychological benefits, as well as allowing those who come along a chance to socialise and meet new people.
“The aim is to help disabled people and encourage them to take up sport and improve their wellbeing, including their physical and mental health and tackling depression.
“Some people have said it has been life-saving.”
Support from sport development charity Sported and TSB bank, as part of its #TSBLocalPride initiative, means the charity is looking to welcome more members from Warwickshire and further afield.
And Bernard is looking forward to seeing the club transform the lives of more people in the coming years.
“We encourage more youngsters to get involved,” he said.
“We are also keen to build up the number of activities we have for younger members, with things like frisbee throwing and trampolining.
“The more members we have, the more people we are helping, which is exactly what we want.
“It is very rewarding being involved in such a great charity. Every time a child swims their first length or someone says it has given them a reason to get out of bed, it makes it worth it.”
Visit www.rugbysda.org.uk for more information.
