Special Needs

Special Needs

At Chariots of Fire we specialise in offering driving to people with special needs or who are disadvantaged. Carriage driving is one of the few sports where disabled individuals can compete against their able bodied peers - and often beat them! Giving a huge boost to confidence and self esteem! The activity improves motor skills and the ability to articulate. It helps with communication and motivation both vital in helping challenged individuals cope with everyday life. It is widely documented that interaction with ponies has huge therapeutic benefits, helps build relationships, friendships and strong personal bonds with everyone concerned. Our use of Equine Assisted Growth and Learning and Transactional Analysis enhances these benefits.
We currently work with a number of care organisations and charities and hope to extend these activities through 2011. If you are interested in finding out more about the programmes and individual sessions that we run, please get in touch. We have a close association with the charity Sports Driving Unlimited which specialises in bringing the joys of the sport of driving to disabled, disadvantaged and terminally ill young people. Check out their website at:
www.sportsdrivingunlimited.org.uk

Click here to see a short videoclip from a recent programme for youngsters with disabilities from the James Rennie School in Carlisle. More information on the programme and others that we run can be found on Sports Driving Unlimited.

Click here to see a short videoclip of one of our disabled lads competing in an outdoor driving event. As you can see being in a wheelchair doesn’t slow him down one bit!!

Feedback on a recent school’s programme:

James Rennie School teacher Liz Davison said “This four week programme has been an exciting and rewarding project which all the children have thoroughly enjoyed. It has provided them with a unique opportunity and has improved their confidence in trying new experiences. The final session was a real celebration of their achievements and gave them the opportunity to show off their new abilities and skills.” The children from our school had such a positive experience taking part in your driving programme. Thanks to you and for the professionalism of your staff. You have boosted their confidence considerably.

Chris & Ruby competing at the National Indoor Champs in April 2010

Go to the News page for results and photos of our small team of drivers with disabilities competing in indoor and outdoor events during the 2011 season

SDU has received a grant from The People's Postcode Lottery which launched in 2005 to support local charities while giving players the opportunity to win fantastic weekly prizes. With the grant we are running a Small Groups Project for disabled and disadvantaged young people in collaboration with Quarriers, Lockerbie Learning Centre and Langlands School.