Name: Lily Mckay (athlete)

Role: Athlete

Region: Gloucestershire

Club: Patchwork RDA, Unicorn Equestrian Centre, Bristol City Cerebral Palsy Football Club

Which sports did you participate in during 2023: In 2023, I participated in horse-riding where I competed in Dressage and Vaulting (gymnastics / dancing on a horse). I also play football every week for Bristol City Cerebral Palsy Football Club.

What was your biggest achievement in physical activity in 2023: Horse-riding: In 2023 I competed for the first time ever at the RDA Nationals at Hartbury College in the Summer. I entered a Dressage Test on a horse called Bruno and I won my class and became the National Champion. My medal was presented to me by a Paralympian. I also entered the Vaulting competition at the Nationals on a barrel. My vaulting coach Issy choreographed a routine to ‘The Nutcracker’. Again this was the first time I had competed at the Nationals and I entered the pre-novice compulsories. I was competing against experienced vaulters and I came second and got a second place rosette. Both events were on the same day. In November I also entered the Virtual RDA Nationals. I competed in a walk / trot dressage test on a horse called Blackberry and scored 70% and achieved 3rd place. I also entered the Barrel vaulting competition again and I entered a higher class – Novice Compulsories. I came first this time and was so pleased to be a National Champion twice in a year.

Football I play for Bristol City Cerebral Palsy Football Club every week and last year was my first season. In May 2023 at the end of the season, I was awarded Coach’s Player of the Season and Most Improved Player of the Season. I got two trophies and felt very proud going up to collect them – they are on display in my room. In the Summer of 2023, I also participated in an international football tournament in Copenhagen representing England for Bristol City CPFC and played against other international teams. I was one of 3 girls at the tournament and loved it. To raise money for this I also ran the Bristol family fun run.

How did you benefit from participating in physical activity throughout 2023: I participate in sports most days, although have a couple of rest days but I don’t really rest. I love playing sports, horse-riding is a big passion and helps me with my core strength and balance. I love being around horses, it makes me so happy being at the stables in the fresh air. Vaulting is a great sport for me as helps me with my strength, my left hand side is getting so much stronger since I started. Each session starts off with lots of stretches which is what I need to do to keep flexible. I have a vaulting barrel in my garden and the house so I can train during the week which keeps me strong. I also love playing football and I am so happy to be part of a team with other children who also have CP. I have made some really good friends there and we have so much fun. Football helps me to stay fit but it also makes me really happy. I love it when we play a competitive game. I play in defence/midfield and I also score the occasional goal.

What would you like to achieve in sport in 2024: In 2024, I would love to try show jumping, I have just started and I really enjoy it and I am learning a lot. I would love to show jump at the RDA Nationals. I am also working on a new vaulting routine for 2024 which has some very challenging moves involving going upside down. Ideally, I would like to compete on an actual horse, as well as a barrel. I am trying to find a vaulting horse so I can do this. In football I just want to keep playing. In 2024 Bristol City CP FC are hosting an international festival and we will play teams from across Europe which I am really looking forward to. I want to continue to improve my skills.

Which other sports would you like to try in 2024: In 2024, I would like to try more swimming. I have recently attended a swimming training camp which really helped me with my stroke, breath control and symmetry, but I do not have a club or local pool to practice regularly. I want to continue with my show jumping too.  

What would you say to other people with CP that are thinking of trying physical activity in 2024: Try as many sports as you can. I have tried everything – gymnastics, climbing, swimming, riding, football, rugby, dance, horse-riding. The more you try, eventually you will find sports that you love. I don’t really do that much physio apart from stretches at home as sport is my physio. Every sport that I do offers something different in terms of helping my condition and sport is so much more fun than physio.

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