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Wigan Harriers are no strangers to disability athletics. Bob Halliwell, throws coach at Wigan, already has one athlete who has competed in the Deaflympics and has now started coaching Millie Forrest who was identified at the Lancashire Playground to Podium day last year.

Millie was recently classified by UKA and has gone from strength to strength in competitions this year. She recently threw 16m 98cm to record a new PB. She competed in the Knowsley Disability Athletics Grand Prix against Bev Jones who is the current number one F37 Discus thrower in Great Britain. 

Through their good work, and inclusive approach, the club was chosen as one of three clubs to receive funding from the Department for Education funding that Greater Sport received. With this money the club has bought equipment that will enable them to continue the good work and ensure that further competitions can take place at the club and young disabled athletes are catered for.

Many clubs are unable to cater for young disabled athletes especially seated throwers so with this equipment there will now be three clubs in Greater Manchester that will be able to assist young athletes and their desire to throw.

Wigan Harriers have also completed the England Athletics Inclusive Club Health Check which is an important tool for clubs. The Health Check helps clubs to identify areas that they need assistance and also allows them to assess their facility and the requirements when becoming inclusive. The club is also one of three focus clubs in Greater Manchester.  Coaches from the club will be invited to the UKA and England Athletics Talent Identification Days which will incorporate further opportunities of learning for coaches.

You can read more about Disability Athletics in the North of England in the latest newsletter News From The North.

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