A DISABLED teenager from Middlewich has made a film to encourage young people to get involved in para-sports.
Amy Hutchinson, 17, who has been paralysed from the waist down since birth and is wheelchair dependent, produced a short film to promote disabled sports to both disabled and able-bodied people.
Amy teamed up with Fixers, which is a charity that supports young people aged 16-25 to campaign on any issue that matters to them.
Amy said: “We made our film to show that disabled sport isn't just for disabled people, anyone can do it and it’s a great way to build confidence.”
Amy is a keen sportswoman and enjoys cycling in a specially adapted cycle wheelchair, as well as coaching basketball, sitting volleyball, and disabled bowls, when she is a regional champion in.
The inspiring Middlewich teenager says sport has given her a sense of purpose and hopes others can get involved and experience the same lift.
Amy now hopes to take the film into local secondary schools to spread her message among pupils.
Amy added: “The aim of our film is to show disabled sport in a positive, cool light, but also that it’s universal and anyone can have a go and I think it’s important for young people to see that disabled sport can be fun.
“Some able-bodied people might feel uncomfortable with the idea of taking part in para-sports, so part of the problem is getting past this stigma too.
“Maybe disabled sport will be just as popular as able-bodied activities one day, but until then we must carry on our campaign.”
Fixers works with young people across the UK to help them get their voices heard by providing the resources they need and has supported more than 12,000 youngsters campaign on issues such as cyber-bullying, self-harm, suicide and the need for random acts of kindness.
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