Should the information on this site be required in large print or brail, please ring the Sports Development Dept on Bridgend 302644

DISABILITY SPORT

Sports Horizons

Disability Sport Wales

The Disability Sport Wales National Development programme is a joint initiative between the Sports Council for Wales, the Federation of Disability Sport Wales and the 22 local authorities across Wales. The Scheme is aimed at developing quality community based sporting and recreational opportunities for disabled people throughout Wales.

Operation:

The programme is promoted and delivered through a network of Disability Sport Wales development officers located across every local authority in Wales. The Disability Sport Wales development officer post in Bridgend is a partnership between Disability Sport Wales, Education & Leisure and the Personal Services department.

Aim of the Scheme

* Create new clubs and give professional advice and support to improve existing clubs

* Increase the number of disabled people who actively participate in sports clubs, groups and sessions.

* Improve the quality and number of coaches and volunteers within disability sport through coach education and other systems
*Create and further develop existing opportunities for disabled people to compete in sport at local, regional and national level

* Work closely with the Federation’s National Performance Manager ensuring that individuals with potential are given the ...opportunity to train, and where appropriate, compete up to the highest standards.

Disability Sports Clubs

The inception of the Disability Sport Wales National Development programme in 2001 has led to the creation of opportunities for the likes of the Puma’s Multi-Sport Club, Bridgend Bouncers Multi-Sport for the Visually Impaired Club, Bridgend Sharks, Bridgend Kangaroo Club, Bridgend Schools Inclusive Football Team, Bridgend and District Angling Club and the Second Chances Riding Club. Mainstream clubs including Porthcawl School of Judo, Maesteg Judo Club and Tondu Target Shooting Club are also part of the scheme. A listing of all clubs can be found within the Disability Sport Directory within this site.

Volunteering

Any clubs or events including festivals or sports camps are reliant on volunteers. Bridgend has a large number of committed and capable volunteers to assist with the running of these groups. However, we are always in need of volunteers to assist with a wide range of activities from coaching to help with the day to day running of an organisation. Disability awareness training or sports specific courses will be provided. Why not get involved? Please contact: 01656 302645.

Research

The Disability Sports Cymru Development Officer is currently undertaking research which includes a club, leisure facility and participation questionnaire in relation to Bridgend County Borough. The aim is to produce a document that highlights the good practice and issues that are needed to make sport more accessible. It is important to hear the views of any people with a disability residing in the Bridgend county borough. Please contact: 01656 302645

Disability Sport in Bridgend Work in Partnership

The main focus for disability sports development now is to in partnership with already existing mainstream club, Leisure centre session, Youth clubs to insure the sports provided is inclusive.

Bridgend Disability Sports Forum

This is a new initiative formed by representatives from community clubs and athletes with a disability, led by the Disability Sport Cymru development officer.

The aim of the Disability Sports Forum is to provide clubs and participants with an opportunity to contribute to the local Disability Sport programme. Clubs are able to share good practice and identify coach education needs.

If your club would like to be part of the Disability Sports Forum please contact the Disability Sport Cymru Development Officer.
or look at their site: www.diability-sport-cymru

Another useful site being fdsw.org.uk

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