More opportunities in Southampton thanks to ActiveAbility programme
Sailing, skiing, swimming, and kayaking are just some of the sports that will be available as part of Active Nation’s exciting new activity programme for disabled people aged fourteen and over.
The ActiveAbility programme in Southampton is a £212,000 three year project that has been developed 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 Active Nation venues and teams have to offer in Southampton.
In the first year it will run seven weekly activities including sailing at the Southampton Water Activities Centre, 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.
An outreach programme will also be offered as part of the project – meaning all of the fun and action can come to schools, community rooms, churches and other local venues.
ActiveAbility project co-ordinator Robert Pearce said:
“We are really excited about the project’s launch to help people with disabilities to get active. A lot of thought has gone into what activities we offer and how we can access as many of the Active Nation venues in Southampton as possible. There will be everything from sailing, to skiing, swimming, badminton, cricket, canoeing, kayaking and so much more. All of the activities will be tailored to meet the needs of those taking part. We must thank Sport England who awarded us £160,000 to help deliver this brilliant project.”
During a recent Discovery Day at Active Nation’s Chamberlayne Leisure Centre in Southampton more than 100 people with a variety of impairments got to try some of the activities that will be on offer as part of the programme.
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.
Nicki Berry from Southampton Day Services said:
"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."
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."
