September 6, 2017

Sport and activities for people with disabilities are top of the agenda for the next meeting of the Eden Access Forum taking place at the Whelpdale Room in Eden District Council’s Mansion House offices in Penrith on Thursday 14 September 2017 from 2.30pm.

Members of the public are welcome to attend this open meeting, where Ray McBride, Chair of the Cumbria Wheelchair Sports Club will be the guest speaker.

Ray will be speaking about developing opportunities for disabled people to play and coach sport and physical activity across Cumbria and particularly in Eden. So anyone with an interest in developing or taking part in sport and physical activity for disabled people, whether individuals, organisations or groups is welcome to attend.

Ray McBride currently runs wheelchair basketball and power chair football sessions at Penrith Leisure Centre, but wants to extend the range of opportunity for disabled sport in Eden. Ray said: “I would like to introduce my work in disability sport in Cumbria, get a feel of what activities may already be available locally and discuss ideas for new activities and clubs from interested individuals, groups and organisations in Eden.”

Whilst Ray has the trained staff, his knowledge of Eden is limited and he is keen to meet with people who can help with spreading the word and sharing his clubs’ offer.

Sally Hemsley, Eden District Council’s Communities Officer who supports the Eden Access Forum, said: “We are really pleased to be welcoming Ray to the next meeting of the Eden Access Forum and are hoping that by making it an open meeting, people will come along to hear about Ray’s work and see how enthusiastic he is to develop opportunities for physical activity for disabled people in Eden. If you would like to take part in a particular activity but it isn’t currently available in Eden, then Ray would be pleased to chat to you about this.”

For more details about the Eden Access Forum contact Eden District Council telephone 01768 817817 or email:equality@eden.gov.uk For more information about sports for people with disabilities at Penrith Leisure Centre call 01768 863450.

For more information about the Cumbria Wheelchair Sports Club visit www.cumbria-wheelchair-sports.co.uk or email:cumbriawheelchairsports@hotmail.co.uk or find Cumbria Wheelchair Sports Club on Facebook.

The English Federation for Disability Sports (EDFS) have produced a new resource to support those who are new to sport or want to assist disabled people on how to get more active. http://www.efds.co.uk/news/3191-efds-resources-take-new-people-on-road-to-an-active-lifestyle