THE UNIVERSITY of Worcester has launched a campaign for a new indoor centre in the city as it continues its bid to make ‘sport accessible to all’.
The plans bring together the university’s work to provide training facilities for the elite level and recreational athletes, in order to make sport truly inclusive regardless of age, ability or income.
The university has been leading the way in learning about disability sport in the UK, with the first dedicated degree programme in Disability Sport Coaching and being the nation’s home of British Wheelchair Basketball at the University of Worcester Arena.
The campaign was supported by Justin Tomlinson, Minister of State for Disabled People, Baroness Sue Campbell, Chair of Youth Sport Trust and former chair of UK Sport and Prof David Green, vice chancellor and chief executive at the university on Friday (June 19).
The university plans to expand its existing indoor facilities at the Arena and Riverside buildings, with purpose designed space for blind football and blind cricket, among other sports.
The proposed centre will offer facilities and support to a diverse group of partners ranging from UK Sport Paralympic training for athletes through to workshops for special educational needs schools and senior citizens who are engaging or re-engaging in exercise and sport.
Prof Green said: “The centre will bring together the university’s passion, knowledge and commitment to inclusion through teaching, research, facilities and opportunities.
“The university has a proud tradition of producing graduates who have gone on to make a real impact all over the UK and internationally as coaches, teachers and volunteers within the field of disability and inclusive sport.”
Mick Donovan, head of the university’s Institute of Sport and Exercise Science said: “The concept of inclusive sport is underpinned by a belief that everyone should be able to find an opportunity for participating in physical activity, regardless of their circumstances.”
