This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 27th, 2015at 1:07 pm by zoe.leahy@activenation.org.uk

ActiveAbility Discovery Day Supports Disabled People To Get Active!

More than 100 people got to take part in a range of sports at the first Discovery Day linked to an exciting new project for anyone aged 14+ living with a disability.

ActiveAbility Southampton is an action-packed programme that has been developed by Active Nation to ensure everyone taking part has the opportunity to try a range of sports and activities that might not have been accessible to them before.

It will utilise all of the resources, knowledge and enthusiasm that our Southampton venues and teams have to offer.

In the first year we will be running 7 weekly activities including sailing at the Southampton Water Activities Centre, to skiing at Alpine Snowsports, Southampton, kayaking at Woodmill Outdoor Activities Centre, as well as swimming, badminton, cricket and rugby at other Active Nation venues around the city.

During the recent Discovery Day at Chamberlayne Leisure Centre, people with a variety of different disabilities got to try everything from cricket, to rowing, canoeing, badminton, boccia and new age curling.

Richard Farley had a great time taking part in the session. He said: “I had so much fun, I loved the day, and I want to do it every week.”

The day was a huge success thanks to the support of Hampshire Cricket, British Rowing and British Canoeing. Students from The Military Preparation College based at Chamberlayne College for the Arts volunteered as group leaders to guide everyone around the activities and Solent University and SVS were also on hand to help.

Terri Hardcastle is from Way Ahead Support Services and has more than 20 years’ experience working with disabled people. She said: “This was the best attended taster session I have ever seen, very well organised. A fantastic day!”

Nicki Berry from Southampton Day Services added: “I was particularly impressed at the options available for the clients with complex needs and adaptions were made in order for the clients to take part.

“We have a number of clients who will be accessing the 6 week courses starting in February.”

ActiveAbility project co-ordinator Robert Pearce said: “Active Nation’s Discovery Days are always popular and a huge success as they give everyone the opportunity to come and have a go at all things active.

“Our ActiveAbility Discovery Day was brilliant and it was great to see so many people getting to try sports and activities that they may not have tried before.”

Do you know someone aged 14+ who has a disability and would be interested in ActiveAbility? Weekly activities start on 23^rd February. For more information please contact Robert by email: info.aps@activenation.org.uk or by calling 02380707802.