Comment: Sport - it's a way of life!

Thursday 11 January 2018

For some, it’s simply a way to keep fit, but for one young blogger and disability activist, it’s so much more.

What started as a brush with an inspirational Paralympic athlete soon saw sport placed at the centre of 23-year-old Melissa Alves’ world.

She’s now a dedicated wheelchair basketballer and has taken part in the Jersey Marathon.

In her latest Express column, Melissa explains what she loves about sport and how one very special charity has helped her fulfil her sporting ambitions…

"At around the age of 10 or 11, I met Tanni Grey-Thompson, a gold medal-winning British wheelchair athlete. She inspired me to start sport and to get involved as much as I could with disability awareness and sport.

Pictured: Melissa taking part in the most recent Jersey Marathon.

"After attending the talk Tanni gave at my secondary school, Les Quennevais, I really wanted to get involved in sport, so I started to research different things I could do.

"That’s when I came across Jersey Sports Association for the Disabled (JSAD).

"I was invited to a wheelchair basketball training session to watch what the team do – and as soon as I started watching, I knew I wanted to take part.

"I was invited to try it out at that session and I have loved it ever since.

"Around 13 years later, I am still a wheelchair basketball player. What’s more, I’ve taken part in the Jersey marathon/half marathon with JSAD for a number of years too.

Pictured: Melissa taking part in wheelchair basketball, which she says JSAD inspired her to do.

"If someone asked me if I would do it all over again, I certainly wouldn’t say no.

"Jersey Sports Association for the Disabled has been one of the best things in my life. Not only has it enabled me to play sports like everyone else, it has given me the competitiveness, adrenaline and confidence that you get in any sport.

"Wheelchair basketball is inclusive to all, it enables people of all abilities to sit in a wheelchair and play alongside each other - that is another part of why I love to play.

"JSAD also offer many other sports, and I would recommend people check out their website. 

"They are always on the lookout for volunteers to help us deliver sport to our members, so if you are interested please get in contact with JSAD on 872855."