The Ripple Effect of Inclusive Sports
A teenager from Wiltshire who feared she may never enjoy sport again is now taking on a demanding three-day challenge for BBC Children in Need.
Sixteen-year-old Ana Aldridge was born with Perthes disease, a condition that affects the hip joint, which eventually left her unable to walk independently. As her mobility changed, activities she once loved suddenly felt out of reach, affecting both her wellbeing and sense of identity.
However, everything changed when Ana discovered wheelchair basketball through Nova Sports, an organisation dedicated to creating opportunities for disabled people to be active, build friendships and reach their potential.
What began as a chance to try something new at the Bath Romans Wheelchair Basketball Club and later on at Cyncoed Campus with the Cardiff Met Archers, quickly became much more. Ana not only rediscovered her love of sport but also found a community where she felt she belonged. Her progression on court helped her flourish personally and athletically, and her hard work ultimately earned her a place in the England wheelchair basketball pathway.
The gifted para-athlete has since been selected as one of four young people in The One Show's Challenge Squad, where she is currently in the midst of a gruelling three-day kayaking expedition to raise money for BBC Children in Need.
The challenge is designed to push participants beyond their comfort zones, something Ana is embracing with the same determination that has defined her storyso far. She is very committed to highlight the impact that charitable organisations canhave on young lives.
Founded in 2017 by Alex and Jenny Johnson, Nova Sports works across Bath, Bristol, Somerset and Wiltshire to ensure disabled individuals can access meaningful sporting opportunities. From wheelchair basketball and powerchair football to hydrotherapy and school-based programmes, the aim is to encourage participants develop independence, connections, and a sense of belonging.
Ana's rise from a young person struggling to stay active to an England wheelchair basketball player perfectly demonstrates exactly what support can achieve. As she paddles through challenging conditions, her latest test is about more than fundraising, it is an opportunity to inspire other disabled people, emphasise the value of inclusive sports, and raise awareness about the work supported by BBC Children in Need.
For the talented Archer, the journey from an unsure teenager to representing her nation has already been extraordinary. The kayaking challenge is simply the latest chapter in a story, which continues to prove that with the right support and opportunity, barriers can become stepping stones to something far greater.
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