Special education teachers, community youth mentors, and 25 coaches from across Saint Lucia recently attended a two-day workshop on how sport offers a wide range of benefits to amputees, people with congenital limb deficiencies, and those with restricted use of their limbs.

Facilitated by the Sacred Sports Foundation Inc (SSF), the workshop formed part of chAMPS, an active limbs saves lives program focusing on adaptive sports, recreation, and rehabilitation for people with disabilities in Saint Lucia.

Held in late April, the activity took place at  the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in partnership with the England Amputee Football Association (EAFA).

EAFA founder David Tweed, a professional amputee footballer, qualified coach, and British adaptive skier delivered the workshop alongside EAFA head coach Owen Colye Jr.

The workshop participants, who included a number of amputees from Saint Lucia, took part in sessions ranging from understanding amputee football, to developing and delivering amputee physical activity sessions of their own.

“Amputation of a limb affects almost all aspects of an individual's life, therefore rehabilitation after limb loss is a challenge on many levels,” Nova Alexander, SSF Executive Director said. “The physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and financial challenges may temporarily hinder one’s ability to think clearly and solve problems.”

The overriding objective of chAMPS is to enhance the quality of life, improve overall health, and provide opportunities to become re-engaged within communities through a variety of adaptive activities, including physical education and inclusive community interaction.