Caitlyn’s Story

Caitlyn’s Story – July 2022

In July 2022 we were very fortunate to have Claire, from Ability consultants, visit us in school to introduce a group of students to Frame Running.

Frame Running (formerly known as RaceRunning) is an adapted sport for children, young people and adults who cannot functionally run and rely on sports aids for mobility and balance.

A Frame Runner is a three wheeled frame where the athlete is supported by a saddle and body plate. The athlete propels against the frame using their feet, and steers using the mobility in their hands and/or arms. People with cerebral palsy can take part in Frame Running as a recreational activity and Frame Running is a very effective way of improving overall fitness, strength and physical and emotional well-being.

Frame Running is an athletics discipline, governed by England Athletics and delivered by athletics clubs.

Caitlyn being fitted into a frame for the very first time – July 2022

Caitlyn being fitted into a frame for the very first time

Claire visited our school and brought along 6 frames for our students to try as a part of our all-inclusive Sensory and Physical curriculum. Caitlyn was one of the students selected to take part.

Caitlyn really enjoyed the day and loved being in the frame. Claire was so thrilled will Cait’s ability that she asked permission to take a video of Caitlyn running so as she could show it to the classification board.

In Claire’s words, she had never seen anyone take to it so and run so quickly on their first attempt!

This is the video which was sent to the Frame running classification committee.

Caitlyn’s Story – September 2022

In September 2022 on returning to school all students have 1;1 meetings with their form tutors to discuss their Preparation for Adulthood plan. In Caitlyn’s discussion she said ‘I want to become a Paralympic Frame runner’ WOW!!!

We immediately contacted Claire to see how we could try and facilitate this ambition of Cait’s!

Hi Claire, I hope you are well.

Each year form tutors sit with their students and discuss their Preparation for Adulthood, their targets, ambitions, hopes and dreams.

We just wanted to let you know, Mrs Jill Rawlinson, one of our form tutors has sat with Caitlyn today, Caitlyn is our speedy frame runner from your visit, if you can recall her, Caitlyn has today said that she wants to be a Paralympic frame runner and wished that it was stated in her plan.

Wow, after one session this is the mark it has made on her.

We really need to explore what help we can give her now to work towards her ambition and allow her the very best chance of going for it.

Please, when you can, get in touch to see what avenues we can explore to support Caitlyn

Kind regards
Andy

Caitlyn’s Story – November 2022

Caitlyn’s first session

Caitlyn’s Story – December 2022

Caitlyn’s awesome parents are keeping us updated with Cait’s progress and send us videos of how well she is doing, here are a couple from her latest visit on the 7th of December