VOLUNTEERS who run a disability cycling club in Conwy are among the selfless heroes being thanked by Sport Wales for their efforts in helping to get people back in the game and with the activities they love.
The Conwy Freewheelers Adapted Cycling Club, in Colwyn Bay, is the only adapted cycling club aimed at giving disabled people the opportunity to ride and learn to ride that is run solely by volunteers.
As part of volunteers week (Tuesday, June 1 until Monday, June 7), the group is being recognised for their contribution.
Conwy Freewheelers Adapted Cycling Club is run entirely by volunteers is helping people return to sport
Lennon Hatton, of Colwyn Bay, is one of 30 members who currently attends the club.
Describing how much the club has helped, Lennon’s mum, Kerry Hatton Jones said: “When Lennon first attended the cycling club he was reliant on using his wheelchair all the time and found it very difficult to leave the house to socialise. A lack of opportunities for him meant he felt very isolated and unable to do anything, and lockdown just exacerbated that.
“Freewheelers has massively improved Lennon’s confidence, self-worth and mobility. The opportunities that Lennon now has is all down to the volunteers here, and it wouldn’t have been made possible without them.
“These volunteers really have improved his life.”
There are 30 members at the club
The inclusive club, formed from a partnership between Disability Sport Wales, Conwy’s Leisure Development Team and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), offers cycling opportunities for people of all abilities, particularly those with learning, sensory and physical impairments.
The organisation relies on the group of 10 volunteers that offer up both their time and knowledge to help support the members.
Ben Lightowler, physiotherapist and the Conwy Freewheelers Adapted Cycling Club chairman, said: “There was a real need to develop more inclusive opportunities for people in the local area. Both children and adults with disabilities were really struggling to get out and join in any kind of activities because there was nothing available. I used to volunteer for a wheelchair basketball club, so I agreed to come on board with what just started out as a pilot scheme.
Volunteers running a disability cycling club are being thanked by Sport Wales for their efforts in helping to get people back in the game
“Through funding supplied by Sport Wales, Conwy’s Intermediate Care Fund, Gwynt y Mor Fund and Rhyl Flats Fund, we now have a fleet of more than 20 adapted bikes for people of all abilities. Most people who come here have never been on a bike before, and some of them leave us having bought their own adapted bike and being able to join their family on an active bike ride.
“Everyone should have the opportunity to develop skills like cycling, it’s just about giving people the right support to do this.”
The cycling club particular helps those with learning, sensory and physical impairments
Sport Wales has launched a brand-new campaign, #BackintheGame, to help people across Wales to reconnect with sport and exercise.
Sarah Powell, CEO of Sport Wales, said: “We’re thrilled that it’s time for everyone to get back in the game and enjoy the huge benefits of sport and physical activity. We’re proud to be supporting clubs like the Conwy Freewheelers Adapted Cycling Club and want to thank volunteers across Wales for providing these inclusive opportunities.”
Visit www.sport.wales/back-in-the-game or use the hashtag #BackintheGame on social media.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here