The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure is pleased to announce that the popular ‘Passport to Sport’ initiative can now be used at each regional swimming pool in the Isle of Man.
 
Hon Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure commented: ‘As swimming has become accessible to all, it is hoped that the ‘Passport to Sport’ initiative will encourage more individuals with a disability to participate in regular swimming sessions. Taking part in regular swimming sessions will help to improve an individual’s health and social well being.’ 
 
Zoe Carney, Disability Sports Development Officer said: 'Over the last 12 months, discussions have taken place with ‘Passport to Sport’ members and a variety of disability organisations with regards to the success and benefits of the ‘Passport to Sport’ initiative. We have listened to feedback suggesting that many individuals with disabilities would like to register to the ‘Passport to Sport’ initiative but struggle to get to the NSC swimming pool. Instead, they would prefer to use the regional pool that is within their catchment area. Therefore, we have extended the ‘Passport to Sport’ initiative to include each regional swimming pool in the Island.”
 
Carers will be able to access swimming sessions free of charge in Ramsey, Castletown, Peel and the NSC - ensuring that the person with a disability can use the pool safely and effectively with the additional support. This will only apply when the carer is supervising the individual in need. All carers are fully responsible for the individual and their needs.
 
To become a member of the ‘Passport to Sport’, an application form must be completed and returned to the Sports Development Unit. On completing an application form, the individual will receive a 'Passport to Sport' membership card, which will allow their carer/helper to access the pool facilities at no charge.
 
Application forms can be found at the National Sports Centre / Regional Pools or downloaded from the Sports Development Unit website: www.gov.im/sport/SportsDevelopment/Disabilities/opportunities.xml
 
The 'Passport to Sport' initiative was launched by the Sports Development Unit in conjunction with the National Sports Centre (NSC) in August 2010. It offers FREE access to NSC Facilities for carers of individuals with a learning, physical and/or sensory disability who requires support to participate in physical activity. Over the past 2 years, over 450 attendees have used their ‘Passport to Sport’ membership to allow their carers free access the NSC facilities. 
 
- Ends -