People across Moray are being invited to try a range of inclusive sports as the new Moray Disability Sports Hub officially launches in Elgin later this month.
The free Moray Inclusion Games will take place at Moray Sports Centre on Linkwood Road on Saturday 22 August from 10am until 1.30pm, with opening speeches at 11am.
Visitors will be able to have a go at boccia, indoor curling, table cricket, taekwondo and swordseat fencing, with activity leaders available to introduce each sport and explain how people can continue participating locally.
The event will bring together sports clubs, community organisations and disabled people to showcase the opportunities already available across Moray while helping shape what comes next.
Information will also be available from organisations including Moray Active Schools and Community Sport, Moray Reach Out, UHI Moray, North East Sensory Services, Elgin Sports Community Trust, Active Recovery Moray and Police Scotland.
The Moray Disability Sports Hub has developed from work which began almost two years ago to improve access to sport and physical activity for disabled people.
Local sports clubs and voluntary organisations have worked alongside Moray Council, Moray Health and Social Care Partnership, sportscotland, Scottish Disability Sport and Grampian Disability Sport to develop the initiative.
The Hub aims to concentrate on people’s skills, abilities and potential while identifying and removing barriers which can prevent participation in sport and physical activity.
Moray Council Equalities Champion Cllr Bridget Mustard said:
“The launch of the Moray Disability Sports Hub is an important step towards creating more inclusive opportunities for people across Moray.
“Everyone should have the chance to enjoy the benefits of sport and physical activity, regardless of ability.
“The Hub will help bring organisations, clubs and communities together to remove barriers and create more opportunities for disabled people to participate, develop skills and build connections.
“I would encourage anyone with an interest in inclusive sport to head along to the Moray Inclusion Games, find out what’s available and help shape the future of disability sport in Moray.”
Moray Disability Sports Hub spokesperson Martin Mansell said:
“The launch of the Moray Disability Sports Hub is an exciting milestone for everyone involved.
“Over the past two years, partners from across Moray have worked together to improve access to sport and recreation for disabled people.
“The Moray Inclusion Games will provide a fantastic opportunity for people to try new activities, meet local clubs and organisations, and help shape the future priorities of the Hub.”
Visitors will also be able to meet local clubs and organisations and discover what inclusive sporting opportunities are available throughout Moray beyond the launch event.
There is no charge to attend the Moray Inclusion Games and everyone is welcome, making the morning an opportunity to discover a new sport, meet the people already involved and see what might be possible.
For more information about taking part, contact Robin Paterson at robin.paterson@moray.gov.uk or call 01343 974857.
