Last year, I had the honour of writing on the Paralympics. However, it also opened my eyes to the number of opportunities for individuals with disabilities to get involved in sports.

Being a wheelchair user, I have often been told that there is no space for me in certain aspects of life.

I grew up on the ice rink as an ice dancer, followed by a performer on the big stage, but when I swapped my legs for my wheels, my whole world changed, and I found myself having to leave that life behind. Trying to get involved in something where I felt I ‘fitted’ never worked, especially when I was in a powerchair.

Paralympic gold medallist Jonnie Peacock plays football with people with disabilities taking part in the launch event of Every Body Moves campaign in March 2023. ( Sam Mellish) (Image: Sam Mellish)

There are many disabilities out there that are catered for in the sporting world.

Still, every time I looked, I had the opinion that as I wasn’t a manual wheelchair user, I had no upper body strength, lower body strength, or middle body strength, for that matter, I wouldn’t be catered for.

Until last year.

© Herald Scotland