Llysfaen Pétanque Club Expands Accessibility Efforts

Llysfaen Pétanque Club is an inclusive club aiming to expand its accessibility to welcome players of all abilities.

Creating a new path to the playing area.

Llysfaen has made significant strides in ensuring that its pétanque area is accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability. During the February half-term holiday, club members took on the ambitious project of building a wheelchair ramp into the terrain. They also installed lift-up frame parts to allow direct access to the lanes, making it easier for wheelchair users and people with mobility challenges to participate. The club is working on creating a smooth wheel path from the car park to the ramp, further improving accessibility.

The club’s efforts have attracted interest from various local community members, including individuals with disabilities. They’ve also received a visit from the local disability sports coordinator from Conwy Council, who is actively involved in wheelchair basketball.

Since filling out an online accessibility survey, the club has contacted the survey organiser, who is expected to visit and review the club’s accessible facilities in person.

However, the club faces one significant challenge: accessible toilets. “Unfortunately, accessible toilets are our stumbling block to inviting more wheelchair users,” said one club member. Despite this, they are optimistic about their progress and plans for further development.

Trying out petanque.

The club has also embraced the concept of a “progressive pathway,” allowing able-bodied players to compete alongside those with disabilities, fostering inclusivity and integration. Drawing inspiration from French pétanque players like Tibo Handi, the club hopes to replicate the success seen in France, where pétanque enjoys immense popularity, including within the adaptive sports community.

While the club is eager to grow its appeal to players with disabilities, one area of debate remains the use of adaptive equipment, particularly ramps or other tools for throwing the boules. Some members have raised concerns about the practicality of using such equipment on the uneven surfaces of most pétanque lanes. As one member explained, “Pétanque is a sport that requires at least one arm to function to some degree. Perhaps a person could flick a boule with their foot, but that might require a higher-level rule change.”

Despite these challenges, the club is determined to create a welcoming space for all. They believe pétanque can be an attractive option for children with disabilities or those who prefer a quiet, non-contact sport away from the noise and chaos of more high-intensity games.

With continued community support and a commitment to inclusivity, the club hopes to show that pétanque is truly a sport for everyone.