Supported running club finds its feet
A club which encourages disabled people to take part in exercise has landed on its feet three months after it kicked off.
The Campbeltown branch of Achilles International – the only one in Scotland – is run by volunteers Jake Sanders and Lauren Milstead.
Achilles is a New York-based organisation whose mission statement is: ‘To empower people with all types of disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics in order to promote personal achievement, enhance self esteem, and lower barriers to living a fulfilled life.’
The Campbeltown group was launched at the start of August after a conversation between Jake, a fitness instructor at Aqualibrium, and Lauren, a development manager for the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association, at this year’s Great Carradale Canter in June.
Jake said: ‘I wanted to come up with something for people with different abilities and Lauren had worked with Achilles while living in New Zealand, so she suggested starting our own branch.
‘I think there are preconceptions about people with disabilities and exercise. Exercise is any kind of movement as long as you are challenging yourself.’
Lauren said: ‘It’s about getting people out and active, people who want a little bit more support to get out running or those who want to achieve a specific running goal.’
‘And there are social benefits too,’ added Jake.
The group’s sessions usually take place outside, around North Shore Street, and typically involve 20 seconds of jogging, followed by 10 seconds of walking, as well as laps, tabata, sprints and high knees.
Jake and Lauren have built up a small group of regular attendees but are keen for more people to join them. They meet every Friday at 11am at Campbeltown War Memorial.
They added: ‘There are so many different ways to achieve your goals that we’re sure you’ll feel right at home. Even if you just want to come along and walk for the company, feel free.
‘If you have other goals in mind or you’re considering joining then give us a message. There is no charge for Achilles and we’re all super friendly so what’s stopping you?’
See the group’s Facebook page, Achilles International - Kintyre, for more information or to get in touch.