Dorset Demons

Terry Dennis – Dorset Demons Chairman and head coach:
“I played wheelchair basketball about 20 years ago and have now returned to discover there is no wheelchair basketball in Dorset, so I’ve set up the Dorset Demons Wheelchair Basketball Club. I’m a Chairman and Head Coach and we train twice a week, 2 hours. We have multiple disabilities and even non disabilities taking part.”

Sophie – Dorset Demons participant:
“I initially started playing with the club because my boyfriend plays, and he said that it would be something I could get into because I can’t really access running sports or anything because of my joints and my breathing. I was reluctant to come initially but when I did, and I had a panic attack in the car park before one of the taster sessions. I eventually made it into the Sports hall and then I got into a chair, and I haven’t looked back since. It’s been fantastic! It’s been amazing. I’ve loved every second of it.

I’m a very anxious person. I’ve got a lot of anxiety issues, and it’s improved that no ends. I’m much more confident both inside and outside of the club. Before I started, I wouldn’t have done anything on my own, but if my boyfriend couldn’t come to a session, I would still come myself. Which for me is totally unheard of! I’m so much less anxious about things and have much more confidence, especially in social situations.

Dorset Demons has been a fantastic opportunity. It’s a place to do something new and everybody’s so kind and welcoming and in it for the same sort of reasons. It just makes you feel so at ease and so much more confident. You just feel like I’m a part of a team and it’s just lovely.”