Disability Sport Wales National Youth Board (NYB)
The National Youth Board is a group of individuals who are committed to the development of disability sport in Wales. The board wants to take advantage of all the skills of members by bringing them together to discuss their ideas on how to improve a variety of aspects of sport for disabled people in Wales. The board is an opportunity for the voices of young people to be heard by Disability Sport Wales and so that their ideas could be developed into real projects.
The aims for the Board
- To provide a voice and opportunities for all young Welsh people in sport
- To challenge societal perceptions in sport for all young Welsh people
- To advocate for clear access to information about disability sport in Wales
To empower young people by developing perspectives on disability sport in Wales
For further information on the DSW National Youth Board. Please contact james.ledger@disabilitysportwales.com
Listen to the Disability Sport Wales Podcast
PodBean: https://dswjustask.podbean.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2M0YpaZpJPzhoWWGRjmAgt
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/just-ask-disability-sport-wales-nyb-podcast/id1524929605
Get to know the Youth Board members:
Chair
Gareth Picken
Where are you from?
Cheltenham
Why did you want to join the youth board?
I wanted to join the youth board as I felt that this would be a fantastic opportunity to meet and work with range of young people who bring a diverse selection of experiences but all having a passion for sport. This was also an opportunity to work with Disability Sport Wales, influencing and supporting their work and objectives.
Who inspires you?
Ade Adepitan inspires me as he has shown that sport is not just about being the best, it is also about influencing others to be the best that they can be regardless of their disability.
Co-ordinator
James Ledger
Role
Hi, I’m James and I am the Disability Sport Wales National Youth Board Coordinator. My role is to oversee and facilitate the work of the National Youth Board, to support in their visions and to provide passionate young people the opportunity to have their voices heard.
I also, connect the youth-focused social media platforms with colleagues within and alongside DSW to enhance communications and PR for younger people.
Why did you want to join the youth board?
I have seen first-hand the power of sport, Disability Sport Wales has provided me the support I needed on my own personal journey. DSW has given me the confidence to be who I am today. So, of course I wanted to be involved and help others with disabilities realise their own potential. Now I am giving young people the opportunity to have their voices heard in a positive way and to help shape sport in Wales.
Who inspires you?
I have been fortunate enough to meet and speak to some incredibly inspiring people, individuals who have paved the way for disability spirt in wales and beyond. These people have shown me its ok to have a disability, we all have a purpose. I am extremely thankful for Disability Sport Wales for opening this world to me and showing me what is possible regardless of disability.
Katie Moore
Where are you from?
Newport.
Why did you want to join the youth board?
I have been involved in sports from a very young age, I am autistic and sport helped me in so many ways, not just physically but also becoming confident, wise and helping me build relationships. I was lucky I was able to take part in multiple different sports but so many other young people do not get the same chance whether it’s because there are no accessible facilities, lacking of inclusive clubs or miss conception of what disability inclusion sports and physical activity even is. I wanted to help others have a voice and make a difference.
Who inspires you?
Winnie the Pooh, I have always related better to characters then other people. I love his optimism and positivity and love for others, something that I try to shadow in my own life.
David Jack Wilson
Where are you from?
I'm originally from Llangollen, which is in the Wrexham District. I now live in Cardiff, where I train with Badminton Wales full-time.
Why did you want to join the youth board?
I joined the Disability Sport Wales National Youth Board, as I saw it as an opportunity to get involved with disability sport, give back to disability sport, but also meet other people with disabilities and effectively further my career as well.
Who inspires you?
I'm inspired by David Smith OBE, as he's defending Paralympic champion. He's obviously representing Wales on a world level, but also I just think he's really skilled.
