Sport is as important to people with disabilities as it is to the able-bodied. In fact, it could be argued that it is even more important because of the way it strengthens joints and muscles and improves co-ordination.

But aside from the physical benefits and the fun, the ability to compete fulfils a psychological human need. Although some disabled sportsmen and sportswomen are able to compete in mainstream sport, others have handicaps which make that impossible.

For them, new and inventive games have been devised such as boccia (which is similar to French boules), a type of table tennis called polybat, and goalball (where the aim is to roll a goal blindfolded into the net).

Many Bradford youngsters have yet to be given a chance to try these sports. However, that looks likely to change thanks to the £56,000 grant secured from Sport England by Bradford Sport and Recreation for People with Disabilities. It will enable youngsters in some of the most deprived areas of Bradford to learn new sporting skills.

There is no reason why Bradford should not be able to produce national athletes as a result. Nicholas Killen would be a good role model for them to follow. The Saltaire teenager who lost his sight to cancer is a member of the national goalball team. He currently has to go to Leeds to train.

In future, though, people who want to pursue that sport and others will be able to do so in Bradford and with a bit of luck and a lot of hard work will go on - as Nicholas has done - to make a national name for themselves as a result.