Sports Charity for Disabled People Celebrates 30th Anniversary

A sports charity that supports disabled people is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Bradford Disability Sports and Leisure (BDSL) has helped thousands of disabled people since it started in 1985.

BDSL’s membership has grown from 40 to more than 500, and they now run daily sports clubs and activities across Bradford. They have competed in regional, national and international competitions, with three members winning 11 medals between them at the recent Special Olympics in America.

Celebrations

The charity will mark its 30th year with a celebratory dinner next month.

BDSL chairman Hilary White said: “I am delighted that we are celebrating our 30th anniversary. Things have moved on tremendously in the last 30 years, from a small club at the Richard Dunn Sports Centre to multi-sports and hundreds of people taking part.

“Every competition we have been able to enter has been a great success. There have also been several receptions with Lord Mayors over the years to honour the athletes. I would like to thank all our volunteers, past and present. Without them we would not have succeeded.”

Growth

The charity has gone from strength to strength, with the most recent expansion – a cycling club – opened by Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy. Swimming, powerlifting, basketball and ten-pin bowling are just some of the activities now offered by BDSL.

Mr Thorne, whose autistic son Stephen has used the service provided by BDSL, said: “In 1985 I helped with a grant from the leisure committee in Bradford of £500, and I have been involved since then.

“Next year I will have been here 20 years, involved as a supporter and a parent as well as a member of staff.”