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12 March, 2010
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Published: 03 July, 2008
A NEWLY established group is offering special needs youngsters in Sutherland the opportunity to get fit by playing a range of sports. CHOCS (Children Helping Other Children Through Sport) has been in existence for only a few weeks and is now seeking funding to purchase equipment and clothing as well as to undertake training. The new group is an offshoot of an already well established Sutherland youth group called CHOC (Children Helping Other Children) for children with learning and physical disabilities and also those youngsters who struggle in a social situation for whatever reason.As their name suggests, one of the aims behind the CHOC initiative is to encourage able-bodied young people to help out as volunteers and possibly gain a coaching qualification. The groups meet on alternate Monday evenings with the youth club located at Golspie Community Lounge while the sports group uses Dornoch Academy gym. Behind the new group are Academy PE teacher Ross Grainge, Brian Fraser, a volunteer with Highland Disability Sports, youth worker Sandra Conner and Highland Council families key worker Catherine Robb, who works with children with disabilities and who also runs the CHOC youth group. Mr Fraser explained: "Ross has been running various events through Highland Disability Sports and I became involved assisting with the transport. "Ross became aware of the CHOC group and offered his assistance. He went along to one or two meetings and from that the new group developed." Around 20 children aged between ten and 17 from Helmsdale, Brora, Golspie, Lairg, Dornoch and Tain are now attending CHOCS meetings. Transport is provided. They have so far played a range of ball sports including football, basketball and rounders. Organisers are now about to appoint a committee and formalise the group's constitution. Said Mr Fraser: "We want to develop the children's knowledge of sport and encourage teamwork as well promote their fitness and confidence. There is the added benefit of providing an evening's respite for their families. "So far we've just been playing ball sports, doing what we can with the facilities and the equipment available. "We're looking into playing games such as badminton, bowls and golf. We're just feeling our way at the moment. "We've already had some young people volunteering to help out and they are very enthusiastic." He pointed out that the new group was also providing an opportunity for young volunteers to gain a qualification, through the Government's Curriculum for Excellence programme, in coaching young people with disabilities. Curriculum for Excellence aims to improve the learning, attainment and achievement of children and young people in Scotland. Mr Fraser gave a presentation on the new group to last week's meeting of East Sutherland and Edderton Ward Forum. He is to make an application to the forum for £500 to help buy new equipment. The group have already received £200 from Moray Firth Radio's charity fund. For further information or to donate money to the new group contact Brian Fraser on 01862 810672. 
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