Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre has hosted a free sports event, specifically aimed at promoting disability sport and inclusive opportunities across Merthyr Tydfil.
The event was organised by Active Merthyr Tydfil, MTCBC’s Sport Development Department, supported by Disability Sport Wales as part of their ‘Insport series’, an event programme that aims to support disabled people across Wales to access inclusive opportunities.
The event is also being supported by the Jonathan Williams Disability Sport Fund. This fund was set up in memory of Jon, who was a volunteer with Active Merthyr Tydfil and Disability Sport Merthyr for over 12 years. The fund was set up in his name to support disabled people in Merthyr to access sport and physical activity opportunities.
The activities were provided by local Merthyr Tydfil clubs and groups as well as Disability Sport Merthyr, a local forum that supports the development of inclusive provision in the borough.
Ten different sports were on offer, ranging from Martial Arts through to Cycling and participants and their families were able to give them a go and find out how they can access these opportunities in the community.
Sport Development Manager Dan Bufton commented, “We work closely with our community clubs and it’s fantastic to see the inclusive opportunities that they offer. We accept referrals of disabled people from a range of partners and we are then able to signpost and support them into local inclusive provisions such as these, with the confidence that they will have a positive experience.”
The event was used to raise awareness of the fact there are inclusive opportunities available across Merthyr Tydfil, as well as promoting how residents can find out information and support to access them.
Cllr Geraint Thomas, MTCBC Leader added, “At Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council we are passionate about sport and the positive impact it has on our community. We want to ensure that sport is for all and events like this are a starting point to make sure people can find out what is available and more importantly ensure they have the support they need to be active on a regular basis.
“It’s been fantastic to host this event and a huge thank you to our local community clubs for volunteering their time today.”
