August 14 2014.


Last Sunday, (August the 10th), the Downs Leisure Centre in Seaford played host to the fourth annual Seahaven Para Games, with participants coming from across East Sussex. Fully accessible, door-to-door coach transport was available to all entrants via ESDA Coach Services and the CTLA, Community Transport for the Lewes Area.

The slightly unpleasant weather didn’t dampen spirits and the day saw 30 participants and their supporters take part in a fun-filled day of sporting activities in which everyone got to have a go at something they hadn’t tried before.

With a total of six different activities there was a huge amount of fun and a good dose of friendly rivalry. Participants were joined on the day by local para-athlete Adam Field, who plays wheelchair tennis.

The morning started with a brisk and lively Zumba warm up, followed by New Age Kurling led by Seaford Kurlers.

After a buffet lunch, during which supporters of the games – Active Sussex, Blind Veterans UK, the Bowls Development Alliance, Community Games, Community Transport for the Lewes Area (CTLA), ESDA Coaches, the Rotary Club of Seaford, Sainsbury’s Newhaven, Seaford Head Table Tennis Club and Wave Leisure Trust – chatted with participants and gained an insight into the kinds of activities that they would like to see in future years; the participants returned to complete a four further sports.

The Bowls Development Alliance provided a session of indoor bowls, Seaford Head Table Tennis club provided table tennis and table top ping pong, and Blind Veterans UK led a session in archery.

The activity programme for the day ended with the hotly anticipated and contested annual wheelchair slalom.

The day ended with a presentation of certificates, medals and t-shirts from the President of the Rotary Club of Seaford, Ray Hazan; Mayor of Seaford Cllr. Mark Brown; Angus Murray, Manager of Sainsbury’s Newhaven Harbour, Adam Field and Sarah Pearce, Marketing Manager of Wave Leisure.

Graham Amy, Friends of Searchlight said: “It is really pleasing to see the games happening again for a fourth year. The residents and friends of Searchlight really look forward to this event every year and it is top of list in conversations weeks before the event. Being able to participate in a day that ensures that everyone gets to have a go at exactly what they want to do, when they want to do it is simply fantastic.”

Ray Hazan, OBE, President of the Rotary Club of Seaford said: “We are delighted that these games are able to go ahead with the support of the Rotary Club again. Being able to contribute to the Seahaven Para Games means that not only are we able to offer our community the opportunity to compete in a variety of events, but we are also able to invite local teams and individuals to challenge themselves.”

Duncan Kerr, Chief Executive of Wave Leisure said: “We are honoured to be able to host the Seahaven Para Games for a fourth year at the Downs Leisure Centre. This is a continuing commitment to inspiring active lifestyles and brings physical activity to all corners of our community ensuring that participation happens in a fun and enjoyable way.”

The partners have already committed to holding the games again in 2015, with a date yet to be confirmed. Anyone wishing to participate, volunteer on the day or sponsor the games should contact Wave Leisure on info@waveleisure.co.uk or call 01323 490011.