CP Sport collected a range of profiles from people with CP that participate in sport, as well as profiles from coaches, physiotherapists and parents of players to use as promotional material during the #CPAwarenessMonth. We aim to encourage more people with CP to take part in sport by sharing positive stories and delivering opportunities.

Name: Nicola Fowler
Role: Athlete (Running)
Club: Bridlington Road Runners
About me: I’m 38 years old and I have mild Cerebral Palsy which affects my fine motor skills. I am sports-mad and have a degree in Sports and Leisure Management. I started to do this blog when I was 35 years old to prove to people anything is possible. After doing sports such as gymnastics and rugby, I took a step away. After a few months, I saw the Discover Your Gold Paralympic campaign and applied. I got a trial in Loughborough so decided to take up running to get fit. Although unsuccessful I started doing Parkrun and a friend suggested I joined Bridlington Road Runners, my local running club.That was in 2018 and I haven’t looked back and am quite good at 10K’s.
How I benefit from playing sport: I have benefitted both physical and mentally by doing sport, starting gymnastics at 3 certainly helped my balance and co-ordination. I have been fortunate to have club/team mates who took me as I am. I have always struggled with my mental health and being able to run has helped me especially during the COVID lockdowns. I was lucky the Road Runners went into overdrive during this period, setting us various virtual challenges.

The impact sport has had on my life: Sport has been a way of life and I can’t imagine life without it. Those few months stopping between sports you can tell the change in my mood and my balance isn’t as good.

My ambitions in sport: 1 To do a half marathon. I did one with just the club on our old course during 2020 but unfortunately the course changed due to road safety and is off road which I can’t do. 2. Support youngsters, especially those with disabilities, passing on my experiences.

What would you say to others with CP about playing sport: Just try it, and if the first sport isn’t for you try another one, you’ll find something eventually. Also expect trips and falls but that’s the worst that can happen and if you’re like me that’s normal anyway.

What other sports I would like to try given the opportunity: I can’t think of one at the moment but I didn’t think running would be me.

If you are interested in pursuing opportunities in CP Sport – please check out our events page, or message us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
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