On Wednesday 13th October, Elliot and his family travelled to Lord’s where he received the Inspire Award during The Lord Taverners’ Award Ceremony. The family also enjoyed a tour of the famous Lords Cricket Ground.
Elliot joined the Frenchay Falcons Super 1s group in August 2020. During the autumn he enjoyed weekly coaching sessions and a match, and Elliot’s confidence and independence grew as he became part of the group.
Disability Development Officer Jeanette Tate, explained how the Super 1s Programme had to adapt during lockdown:
Speaking to Louise (Elliot’s mum) we were made aware of how vitally important exercise is to Elliot’s health and mental health and finding activities which Elliot enjoys are so important.
Having found Super 1s and a passion for cricket, the Government announced the 2020/2021 winter lockdown and unfortunately Elliot, like some of the other participants, found engaging with online group activities to be too difficult because it limits the visuals cues assciated with body language, which Elliot finds so important.
Throughout the lockdown I kept in contact with Louise and Elliot to ensure that when restrictions lifted and allowed us to meet face to face, Elliot was able to return to play the game he so enjoys.
Here is Elliot’s story:
To be awarded the Lord Taverners Award was a huge honour for Elliot, and an occasion he and his family will remember for a long time to come.
Louise explained:
“Elliot was really impressed with the tour of Lord’s Cricket Ground. He especially enjoyed going up high into the media/journalist room where he could look over the entire ground and he also thought the bowling machine firing cricket balls in the children academy was great fun!
He really loved going up on stage to collect his award and is so proud that he was chosen to receive it – he said he made him really happy.
He loves cricket club and helping others so to be awarded for things he loves doing has really boosted his self esteem and confidence.
On the night he also enjoyed seeing himself on the tv and was really happy when everyone came round to congratulate him – he is an extremely proud young cricketer and we are extremely proud parents.
We all want to say a big ‘thank you’ to the Lord Taverners for a wonderful once in a life time experience.”
For more information on how you can get involved in the Super 1s Programme, please contact Jeanette Tate Disability Development Officer.