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The national charity and leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity

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Accessible Sport for All

Following the hugely successful Paralympics in London 2012, hundreds of people came together in Yeovil on Sunday to celebrate this amazing sporting year.

With over eleven million people having a limiting long term illness, impairment or disability in Great Britain, the need for sporting facilities is clear. The event organisers wanted to not only raise awareness of the facilities and inclusive clubs available in the area but also to get both disabled and non-disabled people to watch and experience a variety of disability sports

Organised jointly by Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP), South Somerset Disability Forum, Shopmobility and Yarlington Housing Group, a day of sport and activity was had by all.

Following an opening by Yeovil Town Football Club Coach Darren Way, demonstrations were given of Wheelchair basketball, Seated Fencing, Wheelchair tennis, Table Tennis, Boccia, Judo and Bowls for the visually impaired, and Football from Somerset F.A.  Everyone was encouraged to take part and there was the opportunity for everyone to try the different sports.

Special guests on the day were Former Olympians Ian Channon, who won 3 gold and a silver medals in the Special Olympics in Conneticut in 1995 for Power Lifting, and Steve Shortland who competed for the GB Sledge Hockey team in the Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan in 1998.

Jen Slade, Disability Manager with SASP said

“It was amazing. It really brought people together, and introduced me to many new people who welcomed the opportunity to try all the different sports. It has also showed the fantastic facilities we have available.”

“To see so many organisations working together to make this happen was terrific” added Nathan Gardiner of the South Somerset Disability Forum.

“Without the generosity of Yarlington Housing Group, and Bucklers Mead School who provided the premises free of charge, today wouldn’t have happened.”

If you would like to find out how you can get involved then please contact Jen Slade - SASP Disability Manager