Barclays Wealth has been working in conjunction with the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure’s Sports Development Unit to help develop and increase the number of sporting opportunities available for all adults and children with disabilities. Through the work of the Disability Sports Development Officer and through the generous support from Barclays Wealth, exciting new opportunities have now been established for 2010-2011. As a result of this support, a new after school club has now been established in the North of the Island for all children with disabilities. This weekly club offers a variety of multi sports and activities facilitated by highly qualified coaches who cater for all ages and abilities. Children from various schools in the North of the island have been coming along to these sessions which are well attended and enjoyed by all ages. Zoe Carney, the Disability Sports Development Officer stated “physical activity can improve children’s self esteem, confidence and social interaction. Taking part in extra sport and recreation like this new after school sports club can enhance their well being, improve learning skills and develop coordination and movement control.” In addition to the after school club, the Disability Sports Development Officer has now developed a Disability School Sports Programme involving both Primary and Secondary Special Educational Need Units (SEN Units). The school sports programme allows children to take part in weekly sport sessions facilitated by qualified Community Coaches. Children will then have the opportunity to take part in a variety of sporting festivals throughout the school year. Through the support of the Isle of Man Football Association, primary school children have already taken part in weekly Football Sessions. Children have learnt various skills, techniques and activities in preparation for the Disability Football Festival which took place on Tuesday 23rd November at the National Sports Centre. Children had the opportunity to take part in a series of activities and events where schools competed and socialised with other children from all over the island. This football festival will be available for all secondary school units and for future years, the sports development unit hope to expand the school sports programme and include even more sports. Hon David Cretney, MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure commented “I’ m really pleased to see the development of this programme through the hard work of everyone involved. And the impact on the young people taking part is clear. The disability school sports programme is a great way to improve the quantity and quality of physical activity and sport within schools. All initiatives will develop and enhance the inclusion of individuals with disabilities to take part in physical activity.” The generous donation received from Barclays Wealth has allowed the Sports Development Unit to purchase specialised equipment to ensure all children of any ability can be included in a variety of sports and competitions within and outside of school time. Without the support of Barclay’s Wealth, many of these initiatives could not be developed. Furthermore, Barclays’ Wealth has supported additional projects such as the Disability Sports Directory. The directory provides information around sporting opportunities and initiatives, help and support that is available and useful contact lists that individuals with disabilities would benefit from. For further information or any of these initiatives please contact Zoe Carney, Disability Sports Development Officer on 688575, or email Zoe.Carney@gov.im -Ends-