A sports club in Sunderland played host to a group of people with Parkinson's who wanted to give archery a go.
Cleadon Archers were approached last year by Parkinson’s UK to see if they would be willing to host a taster session for some of its members.
Paul Seccombe, the club's course administrator, said: "Like most who haven't had direct experience of Parkinson’s, the stereotype of someone shaking came to mind and doubts as to whether someone like that could or should hold a bow.
"We are not afraid of a challenge (otherwise we wouldn't be doing archery in the first place) so agreed to make suitable arrangements."
Members of the club completed Parkinson’s UK's "Knowing Parkinson’s in Sport" training course, to prepare for the event.
Paul added: "We were, however, adamant that we would run the taster like any other - we were giving people the experience of archery and the fact that they had Parkinson’s had to be a side consideration not the primary one."
Working with the Local and Area Development Manager (North East and Yorkshire) Parkinson's UK and the Sunderland Branch exercise coordinator, plans were drawn up and a site assessment performed.
On the day, after the usual inductions, eye dominance checks and fitting of bracers (arm guards) and finger tabs, the group started with warm-ups with the option to sit or stand.
The club asked attendees to only do what they could or what they were comfortable with.
After that, the club ran through a mandatory safety talk and demonstration.
The only concession that was needed was that coaches collected arrows as the ground was wet and foam bosses made arrows harder to pull.
Paul added: "Fortunately, the club had benefited from a Sport England grant several years ago, so we have a tarmac shooting line and paths which are suitable for wheelchair users. This meant that despite the changeable weather we had been having, the archers could stay on firm footing.
"With the exception of a few who needed two coaches' help to hold the bow and shoot, most others took to the shooting like anyone else new to the sport. The common theme was the enjoyment of the activity and of course a little competitive banter between the participants."
Paul added he hoped the event would be the first of many sessions the club holds with Parkinson's UK.
You can find out more about Parkinson’s by clicking the button below:
Support for Physical Activity Projects for People with Parkinson's
Parkinson's UK are offering grants to help people with Parkinson's to get and stay active. Grants of up to £3,000 are available to support physical activity projects for people with Parkinson's all over the UK. For more information and to apply click here.
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