Pictured: L-R Francesca Snitjer, Ian Duncan, Finlay Menzies and Graeme Reid of Corstorphine AC
Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day falls on 25 March, and gives us a great reason to celebrate one of the most positive new developments in our sport in recent years – the growth of Frame Running.
The discipline sees athletes using a specially-designed wheeled frame to support them, making running accessible to those with disabilities who may not otherwise get to participate. It is particularly beneficial for those with cerebral palsy, or with other coordination or balance impairments.
The frames – also previously known as RaceRunners – feature a saddle, body support but no pedals, with athletes propelling themselves with their feet on the ground, and steering with their hands or arms.
We are delighted to see more and more athletics clubs now embracing Frame Running, with the purchase of equipment and coaches stepping forward to support athletes using them.
Corstorphine AC has become the first club in Edinburgh to venture into Frame Running, with coaches Graeme Reid, Francesca Snitjer and George Key delivering tailored training to athletes Finlay Menzies, 17, and Ian Duncan, 12.
They have enjoyed initial weekly sessions at Royal High School on Friday afternoons as part of the club’s joint venture with Active Schools Edinburgh.
The club now hopes to add a second offering on Tuesday evenings during the spring and summer track season at its base at the capital’s Saughton Sports Complex. Training is treated as a standard athletics session with a warm-up, two to three units of running, jumping or throwing, followed by a cool-down.
Ian, who has diplegic cerebral palsy affecting his balance and walking, has been training with Team East Lothian for three years, and still completes sessions with their All Abilities section once a week, as well as training at Corstorphine.
With Team East Lothian, he contributed to this great video showcasing the All Abilities section:
Ian represented Scotland at the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association International Cup in Denmark last year and hopes to one day compete in the Paralympics.
He said: ‘Fran and Graeme are so encouraging and happy to adapt any parts of the sessions to suit my abilities.’
His mum Sheena Boss, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, said: ‘As soon as Ian got on the…
CLICK HERE to Read the Full Original Article at Scottish Athletics…