Limerick City and County Sports Partnerships have announced details of a one-stop-shop event next month showcasing the wide range of sport and physical activity opportunities for people with disabilities in Limerick.
Open to people of all ages, SportsAbility Day Limerick takes place in the University of Limerick Sports Arena on Saturday, December 1st from 1-5pm.
Local sports clubs, activity groups and disability organisations will offer demonstrations and workshops based around being active. The University Arena’s main sports hall also will see activities hosted on court alongside an information area with a variety of participating clubs and organisations.
The Sports Inclusion Disability Programme is an initiative developed by the Irish Sports Council and supported by the Get BACk Challenge.
“Sport and physical activity is a fundamental aspect of healthy living. Opportunities for people with disabilities to become and stay active have increased greatly in Limerick with the help of the Sports Inclusion Disability Programme,” stated Rosemary Ryan, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer, Limerick Sports Partnerships.
She continued: “Lack of access to sports clubs and venues might be one of many obstacles a person with a disability meets. Thankfully in Limerick we have made great progress and SportsAbility Day showcases what is available in our area”.
Ms. Ryan noted that UL Erasmus Mundus Masters students in Adapted Physical Activity will be supporting SportsAbility Day by “making this an interactive and informative event for participants, their families, potential volunteers and anyone interested in disability sport”.
She added: “Participation in sport by people with disabilities has similar positive physical, social and personal benefits as for able-bodied participants. Anyone interested in getting involved in volunteering will find a range of sports and activities to choose from on the day. Local clubs, including the Aisling Annacotty Football For All Team and recently crowned League of Ireland Division One soccer champions Limerick FC will also offer sessions on the day with plenty of help on hand to adapt activity and include people of all ages and abilities. Clubs such as Treaty Warriors Wheelchair Hurlers will also demonstrate sports and invite new players and their siblings to take part.”
For a timetable of activity and a full list of clubs and organisations involved in SportsAbility Day Limerick, see www.facebook.com/SportsAbilityDayLimerick, www.limerickcitysports.ie www.cllsp.ie, or contact Rosemary in LCSP office on 061333600.