Sports stars make DVD of their achievements

2nd August 2010

DISABLED sports stars at a Cumbrian school have been working with a professional film crew to document their achievements.

Published at 11:26, Tuesday, 27 July 2010

Meet the experts: The youngsters who were involved in the DVD were, middle row from left, Jason Elliot, Anna Nicholson, Gemma Leigh, Harry Sedgwick and Eden Oliver. Front row, Katie Armstrong, Daniel Reed, Joe Alecock, Nathaniel Pattinson and Harriet Tait

Ten pupils from William Howard School in Brampton spent two days working with the experts to produce a film about Boccia - a type of bowling specially adapted for people with handicaps.

It will now be used to promote the sport nationwide.

The opportunity arose following their success in the Carlisle and Eden sport partnership's Boccia League, which involved 12 teams from six schools in the area.

William Howard School 's A team retained last year's title while the B team also played well.

Lenny Miller, from William Howard, said the school is justifiably proud of all its Boccia participants and grateful for the commitment of its Boccia leader Tracey Croucher.

Boccia is a Paralympic Sport originating from an ancient Greek stone throwing game, from which bowls and tenpin bowling also evolved.

Pupils at William Howard have been playing for about three years now and were thrilled when they heard that Richard Evans from Boccia England wanted them to help make a DVD.

The organisation, in partnership with the Youth Sports Trust, is making films about seven targeted sports.

Finished DVDs will be sent out to 3,000 schools to provide them with inspirational ideas to set up new sports clubs.

The crew arrived at William Howard School and set up their equipment in the school gym.

Over two days they worked with 10 pupils from the school filming various games that can be played with Boccia balls to develop the skills required.

The pupils had a great time seeing how professional filmmakers operate and spreading the word about their favourite sport.

Harriet Tait, one of the pupils, said: "It was good because it was for other schools, to help other people to play Boccia."

Fellow pupil Gemma Leigh added: "We made a film to show other children.

"I liked the interviews best. They made me feel happy."

The students involved were Joe Alecock, Nathaniel Pattinson, Daniel Reed, Harry Sedgwick, Gemma Leigh, Anna Nicholson, Harriet Tait, Katie Armstrong, Jason Elliot and Eden Oliver.

Published By Pamela McGowan News & Star