InstructAbility graduates represent shortlisted project
InstructAbility is a finalist in the 2016 ukactive Matrix Flame Award for ‘Healthy Partnerships’. On the night (29 June) Matrix Fitness and the employers of five InstructAbility programme graduates' will sponsor their attendance. They will represent the partnerships that have developed since the spinal injury charity, Aspire and YMCAfit launched the scheme onto the fitness industry scene five years ago.
With Sport England’s support, the project has enabled more than 250 disabled people to enter the sector workforce and engaged other disabled people in over 30,000 fitness activities too.
Hilary Farmiloe, Manager of the national InstructAbility programme at Aspire says:
“We are proud that the programme has been shortlisted for an award in this category, as our valuable partnerships are the absolute foundation of the project’s success. Partnerships between Aspire, YMCAfit, the disabled fitness professionals and leisure operators, have shown that working together can lead to getting more disabled people, more active, more often.”
The InstructAbility scheme is about enhancing inclusive activities by positioning disabled people at the forefront of the industry. Now, a number of graduates have been invited to attend the event to represent the project and the employer partnerships.
Those due to attend are:
- Craig Thompson, The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Centre, GLL.
- Lizzy Manvell-Pavlitski, Fusion Lifestyle.
- Marc Pitman, Felixstowe Leisure Centre, Places for People.
- Rick Long, Bourne Leisure Centre, 1Life.
- Lee Patmore, Brentwood Leisure Centre, BLT.
- Gary Puddifoot, Stratford Leisure Centre, Everyone Active.
- Stephen Birkby, DAWS Community Gym in partnership with SIV.
- Wendy Hall, Portway Lifestyle Centre, Sandwell Leisure Trust.
InstructAbility won the Flame Matrix Award ‘Spark of Innovation’ back in 2012 when the project was first developed and the scheme has since grown into a national programme. Instructor Lee Patmore from Brentwood Leisure Centre, who took part in the award panel presentation, says:
“I am really looking forward to attending the event and representing InstructAbility, because the programme really does change lives. I was discharged from the Navy due to a worsening back condition which resulted in me using a wheelchair. I spent many subsequent years unable to find work and feeling low. InstructAbility and its partnership with Help for Heroes changed all that.
"Now, I am not only more active than I have ever been in my life, but in my professional role as Inclusive Co-ordinator at Brentwood Leisure, I am able to encourage others to overcome their own personal hurdles to enjoy fitness - you just can't beat it!”
Sponsors Matrix Fitness conclude:
“At Matrix Fitness, we understand that inclusivity is fundamental to individuals exceeding their expectations and challenges both personal and professional. InstructAbility is a fantastic programme that gives disabled people access to the training required to work in the fitness industry; and Matrix is keen to champion this. Everyone should be able to deliver excellence"
“We are delighted to sponsor the graduates and support the InstructAbility scheme. We wish all of the award finalists the best of luck.”
