Sunlight breaking through the trees in the New Forest
A two-day sporting event for children and adults with additional needs is to be held in the Winchester area in August.
The event, known as ‘Paralympic Personal Bests’ has been organised by Winchester City Council in partnership with Winchester Go LD, Hampshire Horse Riding Therapy Centre, Places for People Leisure and Cycles4all.
The aim is to give participants – children aged five and over and adults with additional needs – the chance to take part in a range of sports and enjoy an experience that they will never forget.
On Tuesday 25 August people will have the opportunity to take part in a nature trail, arts and crafts, horse riding and grooming, boccia and cycling. This will take place at Hampshire Horse Riding Therapy Centre at Fisher’s Pond, 10am-3pm. These activities will help those taking part to grow confidence and self-esteem as well as giving them the chance to explore the outdoors and natural wildlife.
This will be followed by a further sports activity day on Wednesday 26 August at River Park Leisure Centre in Winchester, 11am-3.30pm. Children and adults will have the chance to take part in table tennis, badminton, squash, rugby, cricket, boccia and athletics. Adult swimming is also on offer from 9.30am-10.30am.
People are welcome just to turn up on either day, but to ensure a place please book in advance. The cost is just £3 for one day or £5 for both days.
The event is also supported by the Sport & Physical Activity Alliance (SPAA), a group of local partners driving sports opportunities forward. Part of their current plan focuses specifically on disability sport.
Cllr Frank Pearson, Winchester City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment, Health & Wellbeing, said: “This event is a great opportunity for those with additional needs to access sport and physical activity at two fantastic venues. Disability sport is heavily linked to the SPAA action plan and with opportunities like these, it will help raise awareness and drive participation.”
Whether people have played sport or not, this two-day event will allow them to join in, improve their skills and have some fun. Everyone will receive a free T-shirt and medals with certificates given to the winners.
For more information or to download a booking form please visit Winchester City Council event’s website; http://www.winchester.gov.uk/events/details/13183 or for further enquiries, contact Calum Drummond, Sports Development Manager on 01962 848329.
