There are a wide range of sports which a person with dwarfism can do, including swimming, football, badminton and boccia, to name a few.
A great source of information for the sports which can be undertaken is the Dwarf Sports Association UK. Visit their website or contact them to find out more.
Dwarf Sports Assocation UK was first created in 1993 by Arthur and Penny Dean. After a trip to the 1st World Dwarf Games in Chicago, hosted by Dwarf Athletic Asscoation of America, which was first time that people with dwarfism were competing in sport on an equal level. In doing so their self-esteem was lifted and the people taking part gained a great sense of achievement. DSAuk was registered as a Charity, initially in the name of the Dwarf Athletics Association, the following year.
Fatima Whitbread kindly agreed to be the Patron for the Association at that time. And now the Patrons are Paralympic swimmers Ellie Simmonds O.B.E and Matt Whorwood, who both started their swimming careers with the DAAUK.
In 1995 the Association invited people from overseas to take part in the UK's first International event as a prequel to hosting the 2nd World Dwarf Games in 1997. Ten Countries from around the world attended this event.
The Association has grown from strength to strength holding a national games each year. At those games athletes from 2 to 70 years old take part and each year the number of people taking part has grown and grown.
The Association is recognised nationally by prominent disability sporting groups all over England, and we are the recognised National Disability Sporting Organisation for people with dwarf conditions. In 2011 the Association changed its name from the Dwarf Athletic Association to the Dwarf Sports Association to encompass all sports including lifestyle and leisure activities. We work with health professionals and schools to ensure the correct information is passed on to families, regarding a child with dwarfism.
The DSAuk promotes grass roots participation starting young athletes from the age of two. We use sport as a tool to break down the barriers of difference within society and to encourage confidence and empower our members. It is so important that the our members feel valued and that they can do anything in life. We empower people to go on to enjoy all kinds of sport, in which they can compete equally and should they wish to go further we guide them on to the correct pathway to world class performance within the National Governing Bodies of Sport as with our most successful Paralympians, Ellie Simmonds and Matt Whorwood have done.
But it's not about being the best, it's about feeling good with who you are and knowing that you can achieve anything you want to do in life as well as in sport.
Office contact:
Contact name:
Tim Shephard
Address:
DSAUK
Polaris Building
Velocity Point
Wreakes Lane
Dronfield
S18 1PN
Phone:
01246 296 485
Mobile:
07889 922 736