Mickela's Story

“When I was younger, the biggest barriers were time and access. Many of the activities I wanted to try simply weren’t available locally, or the timings clashed with other commitments. Another challenge was confidence, I was nervous about turning up to something on my own if my friends weren’t going.

But overall, the biggest barriers were time constraints, lack of local opportunities, and the fear of stepping out of my comfort zone.

I stayed active by being open to new opportunities and making the most of what was available. When basketball wasn’t accessible, I joined netball, it wasn’t the same, but it kept me moving. I also found ways to create my own opportunities: setting up games, and later even starting my own organisation to provide more local sports opportunities.

Support from my parents played a huge role too, encouraging me to stay involved and keep active. Over time, I built networks, asked questions, and found out where sessions were happening. That willingness to adapt, explore new sports, and create opportunities when they weren’t there is what kept me active through barriers.

I remember being scouted to attend basketball trials in 2000. At first, I nearly didn’t go because a friend backed out. Thankfully, I had people around me who encouraged me, and going turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. That experience taught me not to let fear hold me back.

I first took part in basketball at the London Youth Games in 2000. It was an incredible experience, and we won! That victory kicked off a 10-year winning streak for the Haringey girls’ basketball team, and I’m proud to say I was part of fout of those wins between the ages of 13 and 17.

The Games gave me so much more than sport. They provided me with an outlet during difficult times, kept me healthy and confident, and surrounded me with a community of positive people. Training for the Games pushed me to be at my best physically and gave me pride in my health and fitness.

Socially, it expanded my world. I gained a whole new “basketball family” that became just as important as my school friends. We trained multiple times a week, competed together, and supported each other. Many of those friendships have lasted to this day.

Later, I became Haringey basketball team coach/manager for the Mini Games, and then Haringey girls basketball team coach/manager for the main Games, where I lead the team to achieved silver and bronze. Eventually, I served as Chair of the London Youth Games, so I’ve experienced the Games as a participant, a coach, a manager, and a leader.

Even later in life, when I became Chair, LYG was a lifeline. I took on that role during one of the most difficult periods of my life, and being part of something so meaningful helped keep my spirits high and gave me focus. LYG has supported my mental, physical, and social wellbeing at every stage of my journey.

Now, as a parent, I’m looking forward to supporting my son to take part and continue the cycle. For me, it feels like completing a journey: I won medals as a player, celebrated success as a coach and a chair, and now I hope to see him achieve his own medal.

I recently became a mum, and balancing everything is still an adjustment. I now fit exercise into family life – playing at the park with my son, doing home workouts in the mornings or evenings, and cycling or walking instead of driving when I can.

I’ve also found ways to stay connected to the sport I love. I play in a basketball league once a month, which is manageable alongside work and family. Even if I can’t commit weekly, I make sure to get some court time in, even if I have to casually train at the park.

It’s not about a strict routine anymore, but about being intentional: staying active in everyday ways, making time for the sport I love, and keeping myself mentally and physically strong.”