Hayley, a true champ - I am not disabled, I am differently able | Tenant news

Wheelchair basketball player Hayley Cassin (14yrs old) – who lives on our Rotherham scheme in Dukes Place scheme with parents Steve and Sue - has been awarded New Player of the Year 2022 for Yorkshire Lions Wheelchair Rugby Club.

Hayley has won multiple awards and medals since starting out in basketball and her motto has always been, “I am not disabled, I am differently able because I can do what everyone does but in a different way.” She always encourages others to “just focus and don’t give up”.

Hayley’s journey to becoming a champion

We first spoke to Hayley in 2021 when we found out during lockdown that she was using our community centre facility to do some training via video link with the Wakefield Whirlwinds.

Since then, Hayley’s gone on to win multiple sports medals and awards.

Big leaps, medals & awards  

In July 2022, Hayley represented Yorkshire’s under-14s in the wheelchair basketball trials at the national championships. She secured a place on the team and Yorkshire won gold.

Next was the ‘3 x 3’ wheelchair basketball tournament for the National Children’s Games in Coventry that Hayley joined in August. Again, her team came back with gold.

The adventure was only just beginning for Hayley as she went on join the trials for the school games held at Leeds University in September. After securing a place on the England Green team, she won a silver medal in the games, which were played over four days.

Following the school games trials, Hayley was invited to join the England Pathway Regional Development Team that same month – September.

She went on to secure a place on the under-20s Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Development Squad and the Yorkshire Lions.

Hayley has received two awards for rugby in one tournament and was awarded best in class as voted for by all the other teams taking part in the tournament.

When we asked Hayley’s parents how they feel about their daughter’s achievements and adventures, they said, “We are very proud of Hayley, we cannot put it into words.”

Hayley’s mum, Sue, said, “Hayley was very pleased to receive her award but she’s a very humble girl who never blows her own trumpet about any of her achievements. She never gives up, always tries her best, meets every challenge head-on. She takes everything in her stride.

Everyone at Habinteg is so happy for Hayley and inspired to hear all about her achievements, and her tenacity in pursuing her talent in basketball.

“Upwards and onwards, Hayley”, we say. “And very well done!”