Witney News - Olympic legacy continues to inspire in West Oxfordshire

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Olympic legacy continues to inspire in West Oxfordshire

Free taster sessions are being run to inspire more disabled people to get involved in sports and leisure activities as part of the continuing Olympics legacy in West Oxfordshire.

The ‘Inclusion Inspire Day’ is being organised by West Oxfordshire District Council and leisure contractor Better to offer people the chance to take part in various activities, from football, swimming and dance to archery and karate.

It will take place at the Windrush Leisure Centre, Witan Way, Witney, on Tuesday 10 February from 10am-5pm.

Cllr Richard Langridge, the District Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for and leisure, said: “This is part of the ongoing legacy of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics here in West Oxfordshire, showcasing just some of the sports and leisure activities that are available to people of all abilities.

“A lot of hard work has gone into improving inclusion within our District, including a fully inclusive programme on offer at the Council’s leisure facilities, and many people have already started taking part in more sports and physical activity as a result of this.

“It is fantastic to see the real difference these sessions make to peoples’ lives and we hope the day will inspire others to try something new and reap the benefits.”

Nick Ashton, of Long Hanborough, (pictured left) has been attending Boccia classes since November and is looking forward to the Inclusion Inspire Day. He said: “I’m recovering from a stroke and I needed something to get me out of the house. Coming to Boccia is perfect. Before my stroke I used to enjoy curling and I’m looking forward to having a go at this again on the Inspire Day. There may be other sports on the day that I’ll have a go at too.”
The Council has been successful in securing Sport England and Lottery funds in recognition of its Olympic and Paralympic legacy work, which has helped to run various schemes and activities including an ‘In it Together’ sports initiative which was awarded the London 2012 Inspire Mark, weekly sports programmes at local leisure centres and facilities, and a ‘Wheels for All’ club to give young disabled people the chance to cycle using specially-adapted bikes.

An Inclusive Symbol was launched last year for clubs to be recognised as being inclusive for all. A three-year project, Inclusive Sports Opportunities (ISO), was also launched in 2013 after the Council secured a £70,000 Sport England grant to develop its work, targeting 14 to 25-year-olds in particular.

For further information, see www.westoxon.gov.uk/leisure

Posted : 29/01/2015 16:42:46

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