PEOPLE with disabilities in and around Salisbury enjoyed a ‘disability sports takeover’ at Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre on December 6.

The event served as an opportunity for people to try their hand at a mix of high energy and more relaxed activities – including adapted cycling, wheelchair basketball, inclusive dance, boccia, kurling, seated exercise, swimming and sports hall games.

In addition, an inclusive gym session was delivered by staff members at Five Rivers, promoting the recently refurbished gym and highlighting the accessibility and inclusivity of the equipment and facility.

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The event, organised by the Wiltshire Council’s sport and physical activity team, saw 82 people with disabilities take part in the fun.

The event was open to disabled and non-disabled people of all ages, individuals with long-term health conditions, those with mobility impairments, people looking to be more active and those who simply wanted to have a go.

82 people attended the free event Picture: Wiltshire Council

One parent said: “Friday was a brilliant showcase of what you guys provide to our community.

“I hope Salisbury Leisure Centre (sic) are open to this happening on a regular basis.

“As a result, our son would like to join the gym. Being able to meet gym staff on Friday gave him a lot of confidence to want to join a new sports activity alongside his martial arts. A huge thank you to you and your team”

Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling, cabinet member for leisure, said: “I’m delighted that the disability sport takeover event was such a huge success with so many people attending.

“I’m even more delighted that as a result, people now have the confidence to engage in more activities or join the gym.

“One of our key business plan priorities is to help people in Wiltshire increase their activity levels and improve their health, and this event provided a safe space for people to come along and have a go, engage in new activities and meet new people.”

Cllr Jane Davies, cabinet member for adult social care, SEND and inclusion, said: “The event helped to bring people together, and raise awareness of the community sport and physical activity opportunities available to disabled people in Wiltshire.

“Accessing these types of activities will really enable people to maximise their independence and hopefully help us to break down some of the barriers stopping them from participating.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to the sport and physical activity team and also to Wiltshire Inclusive Dance who helped plan and deliver the event, and also provided a range of inclusive, person-centred activities for individuals with complex needs, including sensory soft play and inclusive movement workshops for all.

“We look forward to the next event!”

To find out the full list of activities on offer in Wiltshire, people should visit the Ability Sports website or email sportsdevelopment@wiltshire.gov.uk.