A para-athlete who will be competing in one of the biggest multi-sports events in the UK
has spoken about the importance of encouraging people with disabilities to get involved
in sport.
Simran Kaur, who had her left arm amputated at four years old when she got cancer, will
be taking part in the British University and Colleges Sport (BUCS) championships this weekend.
The event is celebrating their 10th anniversary this year and will see participants
compete in sports from judo and tenpin bowling, to trampolining and karate.
Simran is a T46 athlete who will be running in the 60m ambulant race
tomorrow night has spoken about the inclusivity the championships promote.
The 20-year-old from Bristol said: “BUCS accommodate for us – which is really nice – and
they treat us pretty much the same. We get the same medals; we get the same points on
BUCS which is basically the equality we want from a big organisation like that.
“When you go into University anyway it’s a really hard time and I think getting into things
like sport can sometimes be very daunting for a disabled person. It needs to be encouraged
to get more people to have a go.
“It’s really nice meeting other para-athletes because they kind of understand what you’re
going through. My club especially are very inclusive in terms of getting me into their inter-
University competitions – it’s not like I’m put in a separate box because I’m a para-athlete.”
In athletics, BUCS offer ambulant, wheelchair and seated events on the track and the field.
This weekend will focus on swimming, athletics, badminton and climbing with female
entries edging closer to the number of male competitors.
Head of Events, Alice Robinson said: “As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of BUCS
Nationals, it’s important to recognise the steps we have made in improving sporting
opportunities for all.
“Our efforts to increase inclusivity over the last decade have seen large amounts of para
competitors in swimming and athletics, many of whom who have gone onto achieve medals
on the Paralympic, Commonwealth Games and international stage.
“Last year was the first year we included para badminton as part of BUCS Nationals, and we
look forward to working with universities, national governing bodies and athletes to
continue increasing the inclusivity of one of our flagship events.”
The competition runs from 24-26 February and there will be 3,191 students athletes taking
part.