A WHEELCHAIR sports club has been set up in the Isle of Man thanks to funding from the Wooden Spoon charity.

The sports club will offer adults and children who have a range of disabilities the opportunity to play rugby and basketball.

It is part of a new joint initiative between Manx Sport and Recreation and the Wooden Spoon charity and is called the Wooden Spoon Wheelchair Sports Club.

The Wooden Spoon charity has provided the funding to purchase 12 adult and six junior wheelchairs which are specifically for use in sport.

Zoe Carney, disability sports development officer for Manx Sport and Recreation, said: "This is a fantastic new initiative that will increase the access to sport for all adults and children with disabilities.

"Not only does wheelchair sport offer a great rehabilitation from injury or illness it also provides everyone with an opportunity to participate at a level they wish.

"It can encourage individuals to meet new friends and have fun whilst improving health, confidence and self esteem."

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.

Several members of the Wooden Spoon Wheelchair Sports Club will be taking their grade one wheelchair basketball coaching courses in the near future.

Once these individuals are fully qualified they will then facilitate weekly sessions from Wednesday, November 2. The sessions will run between 6pm and 8pm at the National Sports Centre 

The Wooden Spoon Wheelchair Sports Club will be officially launched on Wednesday, October 26, from 7pm to 8pm at the NSC.

Anyone who would like to be involved in the club either as a player, official, volunteer, coach or mechanic is invited to contact Zoe on 01624 688575 or e-mail zoe.carney@gov.im.