Educational initiative: Downhill for the disabled
Using quad bikes and pilot training, this project creates the opportunity for EVERYONE to take part in the extreme sport that downhill actually is.
About the project
The project aimed to bring back knowledge about how disabled people can take part in the extreme sport of downhill. The knowledge did not exist in Sweden, not even north of the Alps – but in France. All said and done – in this project, seven people have therefore gone to the French organization ”Loisirs Assis Evasion” and completed their two-day training in how to ride as a co-rider/pilot. In order to be able to practice the activity at home, the project has also financed two ”Cimgos”, specially adapted bicycles that are made for downhill and are only manufactured in France.
7H ParaAlpint has set its sights on as many people as possible being able to ride downhill. So in addition to going through the training themselves, they also invested in developing a concept for a Swedish training. It wasn't easy, but with drive and stubborn commitment they were able to conclude a bit into the project that they had succeeded! After a visit from France, 7H ParaAlpint became the first association, outside the borders of France, with the right to train Cimgo fellow skiers.
Mathias Carlzon, chairman of 7H ParaAlpint
”"Downhill for those who can't walk, stand or understand is absolutely crazy. Many thought it was impossible but Leader Sjuhärad saw the possibilities. Downhill is an extreme sport and it's fantastic that we can help everyone be a part of it!"”
A project where many people contribute
The 7H ParaAlpint association was the project owner, but the project involved a lot of collaborations, including with Bollekollen Sportklubb, Vårgårda Downhill, Ulricehamn Ski Center, the Swedish Lift Facilities Organization (SLAO) and the Swedish Cycling Federation (SCF).
In addition to the above, the association, in collaboration with the special needs school in Ulricehamn and daily activities in Bollebygd, has designed AKK material (Alternative and Complementary Communication) that supports downhill. And in In collaboration with Svenljunga Naturbruksgymnasium and Realgymnasium in Borås, a number of trial days have also been carried out for daily activities and special schools in Sjuhärad.
The board's decision justification
After the application and presentation in the LAG, as well as an interview with the applicant, the scoring in the selection criteria has shown that the project is well in line with the strategy. The project contributes with skills enhancement and extensive collaboration across Sjuhärad in all three sectors, which creates new opportunities for disabled people to participate in a completely new leisure activity.
About the project
Project period
2020-2023
Project owner
7H Para Alpine
Project Manager
Mathias Carlzon, Chairman 7H ParaAlpint
mathias@paraalpint.se
The project in the media
SVT, Lilla sports mirror 2022-09-16: We test Downhill
Borås newspaper 2022-10-10 (only for subscribers): The first association with a certificate for downhill training
P4 Swedish Radio Sjuhärad 2021-09-30: Leader Sjuhärad supports 7H ParaAlpint
P4 Sweden's radio Sjuhärad 2021-09-30: Functionally varied downhill bikes on the ski slope
Borås Newspaper 2021-06-08 (Only for subscribers): With aids, everyone can cycle downhill
About the financing
Leader support paid out
299,726 SEK
Co-financing from another party:
–
Total financing
299,726 SEK
In addition to the above, the project has contributed with non-profit commitment worth SEK 400,960.
Granted support from Leader Sjuhärad consists of funds from the EU, Sjuhärad's municipalities and the state.
Incoming EU funds have been granted from:
Rural Development Fund
