Why It Matters
Bethany Hamilton - Surfing
The Amputee Games presented by LimbPower, 2009
Last year's Amputee Games presented by LimbPower, 22/23rd August 2009 at Stoke Mandeville Stadium.
Recent estimates from the organisers of the National Amputee Statistical database (NASDAB) indicate that there are over 100,000 amputees living in the United Kingdom. Each year an average of 5,000 new amputees are referred to Limb Fitting Centres (Disablement Service Centres) for the provision of artificial limbs. An amputees basic rehabilitation needs are provided through these Limb Fitting Centres. These services include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and the provision of prosthetics and other rehabilitation equipment. However, our long-term physical, social and psychological health needs are not provided through this service.
New amputees often feel isolated and alone, unable to carry out the everyday tasks that used to be second nature to them. A loss of self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth often follows. Losing one or more limbs follows a similar grieving process to losing a loved one and can be incredibility difficult to come to terms with. Currently there is a lack of joined-up thinking and services for new amputees and their psychological and social well-being can be overlooked.
There is a plethora of research, starting with Sir Guttmann which indicated that engaging newly disabled people in sports, fitness and other social activities not only increases the speed of their rehabilitation, but improves their long-term prognosis, and their social, psychological and physical well-being. Meeting other amputees who are further down the rehabilitation process or who have achieved greatness is an incredible boost to morale. Research also shows that improved social, psychological and physical well-being leads to greater independence and less dependency on other people and the state.
“Each year I have taken part in sports I never thought I would be able to do. The Games gives you the opportunity to talk over and share your experiences and problems with other amputees” – Stephen Crooks
“What a fantastic games. The team of nine amputees from Portsmouth had a wonderful time – for many it was the first time they had done any active sports since the amputation. It helped to raise their aspirations about what they could achieve” – Mike Stoneman, Chair Moving Forward – User Group
“I really enjoyed the games this year, it is a unique way to try out new activities and sports that I thought couldn’t do or would never have tried. It is great fun playing team sports like volleyball and basketball with other people. I made several new friends who share common experiences and frustrations. It nice to know you are not the only one and to find out new tips or things to try that you would not usually hear about.” – Gary Stephens
“Thank you SO much for organising the games, it was such a lot of fun. I had one of the best weekends since becoming an amputee – it was such a supportive atmosphere, lots of great things to try, no pressure, and a real surprise to pick up medals!” – Diane Mulligan
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved with the 2009 Amputee games a fantastic job and well done everyone. I met some great people and I am looking forward to the next event. Next week I am hoping to start training with the Lincoln sitting volleyball team & a local shooting & archery club, 2012 who knows?” – Paul McLean Bentley
“Really enjoyed the game myself and had a great time and achieved more that I thought I could do. Met loads of nice people and became friends with them and the games have game a bigger drive to get up and push myself on to get on with life”. – Lenny Blakely
“I wanted to congratulate you & all your team for organising such a wonderful event. Everyone was so helpful & encouraging & having the top coaches there was fantastic. As a result I have a completely different attitude to what I can still do with only one leg. I now plan to take up table tennis, bowls & perhaps archery, apart from my golf. You, your team & of course the sponsors, proved to me that my sporting activities need not be over because of my leg amputation. Well done to you all.” – Catherine Cairnie
