A SPORTS organisation for people of all abilities has been able to expand its services - thanks to a grant of more than £160,000 from the National Lottery.

Bingley-based International Mixed Ability Sports and allows people with disabilities to train and play alongside able-bodied people.

The group started with rugby union and hosted the first international mixed ability rugby tournament last year.

Now, thanks to the £161,040 grant from National Lottery, the group has been able to expand its services to more sports in the Mixed Ability Sport Development Programme.

People who are not keen on the rough and tumble of rugby union will be able to try their hand at cricket, golf, tennis, rowing, dance, bowls and even boxing.

The organisation held a taster day yesterday at Heaton Tennis and Squash Club where people could go along and have a go at the various sports on offer.

Another taster event will be taking place at the same venue from 10.30am to 3pm on Sunday, October 30.

The new development programme will include more than 900 disabled and able-bodied people over the next two years.

It builds on the success of last year’s rugby tournament, which saw teams from nine countries, including Bradford’s own Bumble Bees, take part in the competition held at Bradford and Bingley rugby union club.

Seven mixed ability clubs have been set up across the country following the event.

The new programme aims to get more people of all abilities involved in sport, after it was revealed by Sport England that fewer than half of adults in Britain play any sport, and only 17 per cent of disabled people do so.

Lisa O’Keefe, director of insight at Sport England, said the project has its full backing.

She said: “Our vision in Sport England is that everyone, regardless of their age, background or level of ability, feels able to engage in sport and physical activity.

“We are therefore delighted to be investing in an organisation with a track record in breaking down barriers and stereotypes through sport.

“Mixed Ability Sport offers a fantastic opportunity for disabled and non-disabled people to play and enjoy sport and physical activity together.”

As part of the programme, teams of researchers from the University of Leeds and Loughborough University will be exploring the social impacts of the project.

Martino Corazza, director and project manager at IMAS, said the main aim of the programme is to improve people’s health and well-being.

He said: “Our priority is to improve the health and well-being of individuals, communities and society as a whole, and change perceptions, attitudes and behaviours towards disability.

“The interaction of people with all abilities helps the education and development of participants and wider society, leading to greater social cohesion and mutual understanding.”

For more information about IMAS, visit mixedabilitysports.org.

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