Hull in print : Kickin Off

"I'm going to talk about my sister. Like a lot of siblings we argue and we're great at annoying each other.
Despite this, she makes the best cookies in the world. She calls them 'Melting Moments'. They're made with coconut, oats and cherries. She learnt how to cook at school. She does all the work, uses the cooker, mixes the ingredients, all by herself.
It's amazing to watch her do it, especially considering she has a severe visual impairment.
This shocks people. They speak to her and treat her differently because she has a disability and it annoys me, because I can guarantee that she's just as smart, if not smarter, than many of the 'ordinary' people that she talks to.
She's got an amazing memory, better than mine! She can remember the smallest details of anything, and it makes me jealous!
A lot of people will be surprised at this. That's the trouble I have when telling people about my sister, they already have these ideas of people with lesser abilities and it's not always true.
My sister often gets treated like she's unable to understand even the simplest of things. I've lost count of the times that people have directed questions at me rather than my sister, even if she's stood next to me and it breaks my heart. She's blind, not stupid.
Don't get me wrong, my sister's just the same as any other person, she just needs a bit more help and support with anything she's doing."

Rosie Bell aged 15 years

If you would like to support Rosie's campaign on challenging stereotyping contact Hull Youth Council on 585297.

Give it your best shot

Kerryn Jackson, aged 13, writes about how much she loves playing football

"I love playing football, it is really enjoyable and you also make new friends.
Even if you are rubbish there is no stopping you joining in and giving it your best shot.
I was rubbish when I first joined but now I have got a lot better. I love kicking a ball around the pitch, running around and getting plenty of exercise, and I really enjoy playing the game.
My dad and my friends got me into football. I started in Year 5 when I was in primary school and now I am in Year 9 so I have been playing for about four years.
I play for Hessle Town Girls and I really love it.
A lot of boys say that girls can't play football and that we aren't meant to play but we are really good, we work as a team, and we love it.
I want to encourage other girls to join their own local all-girl teams. Football is not just for boys, it's for everyone."

For more information on sport and leisure in Hull visit www.hullcc.gov.uk


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