MORE than 60 people attended the launch of a new wheelchair sports club in the Isle of Man last week.

The Wooden Spoon Wheelchair Sports Club was officially launched at the NSC on Wednesday (Oct 26) and attendees had a chance to take part in wheelchair basketball and rugby.

The club was set up in May as part of a joint initiative between Manx Sport and Recreation and the Wooden Spoon charity.

Wooden Spoon provided more than £23,000 in funding to the club to enable it to purchase 12 adult and six junior sport specific wheelchairs.

The club is designed to let players participate at a level they wish while having fun, making new friends and keeping fit.

Wheelchair sports are not solely directed at individuals who use a wheelchair. They are also suitable for people who suffer from a wide range of disabilities including paraplegics, amputees and people with a range of conditions including spina bifida, brittle bones, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. Able bodied players are also eligible to get involved and are welcome to attend.

The first training session for those people who would like to take part will take place tomorrow (Wednesday) from 6pm to 8pm at the NSC.

For more information on the Wooden Spoon Wheelchair Sports Club contact Zoe Carney the disability sports development officer, on 01624 688575 or e-mail zoe.carney@gov.im.

Also see: Wheelchair sports club set up after Wooden Spoon funding