Disabled adults and children encouraged to take up active sports participation

Wiltshire Council have announced an innovative new disability sports programme, looking to do their bit for continuing the legacy of the 2012 Olympics.

Inspired by how the Paralympics succeeded in connecting with the nation, the new activity programme, Ability Sports, has been launched with a view to breaking down barriers, providing disabled adults and young people with regular access to sport.

Jonathon Seed, cabinet member for leisure says: “Ability Sports is a great programme that allows both adults and children with disabilities to participate in sport. The benefits of sports participation are well documented and these are often felt more intensely by people with a disability. Benefits can include improved mobility and communication as well as enabling individuals to benefit from increased levels of confidence and self esteem.

“Wiltshire Council is committed to improving the lives of our residents with disabilities and the Ability Sports programme makes a major contribution to this work.”

The programme has been launched by Mat Gilbert, a deaf Rugby Union player who has inspired many by breaking into the ranks of a tough professional sport, in spite of his hearing loss.

Gilbert, who plays for Bath, comments, “Having a disability does not mean that you can’t play, enjoy and achieve your goals on a sports pitch. Sport has given me a level playing field on which to compete against my peers and I encourage anyone, no matter what their disability, to take up regular sports participation. The Ability Sports programme offered by Wiltshire Council is a fantastic starting point for those interested in getting involved in sport.”

Multi-sports clubs will provide access to a wide range of leisure that include wheelchair basketball, swimming, football, trampolining and boccia, made possible through working with a group of community partners who include South Wilts Mencap, the English Federation of Disability Sport and the Wiltshire Parent Carer Council.