COMMUNITIES in Eden celebrated the Olympic Games and impending Paralympics when the district held its own event – with a twist.

In a bid to promote disability sports, everyone who took part in the events at the new sports hall in Kirkby Stephen and Penrith Leisure Centre had to participate in wheelchairs.

Organised by Eden Housing Association and Eden Community Homes and Organisations (ECHO), residents aged two to over 80 took part in the varied activities, which included biscuit decorating and a children’s assault course.

A wheelchair basketball session was run by Pete Longworth, coach of Carlisle Panthers’ wheelchair team.

Team member and Paral-mpian Paula Johnston, who carried the Olympic torch on its countrywide relay, was also on hand to help.

Marion Bruce, an ECHO member and wheelchair user, said: “We had a great couple of days. It was excellent to see the kids enjoying the sport, but especially nice for me being a wheelchair user myself was seeing everyone appreciating how difficult it can be in a chair.”

Marion said she wais even considering joining the Carlisle Panthers.

Mr Longworth said: “It was great to encourage able-bodied people of all ages to have a go and appreciate the restrictions and opportunities wheelchair users face.

“At the end of the day the kids didn’t want to get out of the chairs, but the reality is that they can walk away.”

Anyone interested in becoming an ECHO volunteer can call Jenny Arragon on 01768 861435.