Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA), Leitrim Sports Partnership, Sligo Sport & Recreational Partnership and the HSE will host a Sports Ability Day in Knocknarea Arena, IT Sligo on Saturday, 11th February 2017. The interactive and fun day of sporting opportunities will provide a coordinated programme of “Come & Try” sessions for adults and children with physical and sensory disabilities living in Leitrim and Sligo.
The day will be based on a ‘Come and Try’ basis with a range of sports on offer including; Archery, Hand-Cycling, Wheelchair Hurling, Wheelchair Basketball, Table Tennis, Wheelchair Tennis and Boccia. Along with information stands and demonstrations of all the sports and services on offer, the event will also include Q&A sessions and guest speakers.
Speaking about the Sports Ability Day, Jeanette Beirne, IWA Service Coordinator for Leitrim and Sligo explained:
“The Sports Ability Day promises to be a great opportunity to learn about the different wheelchair and para-sports available to people with disabilities living in Leitrim and Sligo. There will be a range of sports to try out on the day, all of which will be suited to adults and children with a physical disability.”
Event organisers hope the Sports Ability Day will encourage people with disabilities to get involved in sport regardless of age, ability or disability. Children and adults are encouraged to ‘have a try’ at all the sports available on the day and it is hoped they will find one or more for which they have a particular skill, talent or liking.
Speaking about the upcoming event, Shane Hayes, Sligo Sports and Recreational Partnership said:
“Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA), Leitrim Sports Partnership, Sligo Sports and Recreational Partnership and the HSE will be facilitating the event which aims to introduce people with disabilities to different sports and recreational activities. Local coaches, teams and clubs will also be joining us for the day to provide information about training sessions, membership and how to get involved”.
Children and parents are invited to attend from 10.00am – 12:00pm (Registration 9.30am) and adults are invited to attend the sporting showcase from 1:00pm – 3:00pm (Registration 12.30pm). Event organisers ask that all participants pre-register before Friday, 3rd February 2017, by contacting Jeanette Beirne on 0719155522 / Email Jeanette.beirne@iwa.ie or Shane Hayes, Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership on 071 9161511 / Email shane@sligosportandrecreation.ie
