Disabled sports get cash boost

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SPORTING opportunities for disabled people across the borough are set to be increased as part of efforts to lock in the benefits of last year’s London Paralympic Games.

The three councils across North Worcestershire have secured over £79,000 from Sport England to be spent over the next three years creating new disabled sports clubs and programmes as well as developing coaching and increasing the number of volunteers getting involved.

Key aims of the Make it like Mandeville project include ensuring activities are available for a variety of abilities within 15 minutes throughout North Worcestershire, creative activities for people who do not see themselves as disabled, supporting local inspirational athletes to become coaches and community role models and setting-up a special volunteering programme including a special package for carers.

Redditch Borough Council’s share of the money is close to £24,000 and will initially see a multi-sports club set-up at the Abbey Stadium for all abilities. Over the next three years the scheme will include a dance project involving Saltways care home in Webheath. The plan also includes providing trike and cycling lessons for people with physical disabilities, with a regular cycling club. Archery and table tennis opportunities will also be developed along with local sports clubs and the new pool at the Abbey Stadium will be used to create aqua fit sessions to help increase mobility and fitness.

Neighbouring Bromsgrove district has received over £22,000 and the money will be used to develop and adult club and purchase adult racing wheelchairs as well as developing power lifting to support existing athletes in clubs such as Bromsgrove Hotshots Wheelchair Basketball Club. Special clubs will also be created in Wythall and central Bromsgrove for indoor games and activities for residents who have acquired disabilities through age including indoor bowls, new age kurling and multi-sports.

In Wyre Forest close to £27,000 will be spent on creating a new Boccia club - a Paralympic sport similar to French Boules - as well as short mat bowls sessions and an inclusive angling project.

Coun Luke Stephens, responsible for leisure services on the council, said: “Securing these resources will not only enable us to create new and better opportunities for accessible sports in Redditch, but by working together locally a range of activities can also be developed across the wider area.”

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