WindReach sports programme receives $5,000 from Health Ministry

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9: Minister of Health Zane DeSilva presented a cheque for $5,000 to WindReach Bermuda on Monday.

WindReach aims to enrich the quality of life for people with special needs and their programmes include: Therapeutic Riding, Work Experience, and Adaptive Sports – to name a few.

The $5,000 donation went towards funding their Adaptive Sports Programme.

This programme offers a unique opportunity for people with similar abilities to come together and participate in fun and competitive activities.

Executive director for WindReach Lance Furbert said:

“We are truly grateful for this donation from the Ministry of Health, through the National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged.  The Adaptive Sports Programme is essential to the wellbeing of our WindReach community, as we find participants experience a positive influence on their overall health, quality of life, self-confidence, general level of activity, feelings of empowerment and general satisfaction with life.”

Mr. Furbert added: “Health promotion activities are critical for people with disabilities who are prone to have a more inactive lifestyle and have more of a chance for under, over, or misuse of various muscle groups.  For many children and youth with special needs, being active is an important part of getting and staying healthy.”

The WindReach Adaptive Sports Programme began with the WindReach Slammers Basketball Team and the programme has grown remarkably in the last few years.  WindReach is currently working in partnership with many local agencies including the Bermuda Paralympics Association to create awareness and to increase participation in adaptive sports in Bermuda.

The Minister of Health said: “I am so pleased that my Ministry could contribute to such a deserving cause.  Sports provide tremendous benefits for those with special needs.  Adaptive sports help to promote increased activity, increase self-image and social skills, and increase motivation.  Being physically active is an effective way of preventing a decline in physical, cognitive, psychosocial functioning and to relieve stress and reduce depression.  In short, regular exercise increases our quality of life – whether we have a disability or not.”

Following the presentation ceremony, Minister De Silva was given a tour of the facilities in Warwick, which included the riding stables, a petting zoo, sensory room, camp/play ground and ‘environmental zone’.