A SCHEME will come into force next month to encourage more people with a disability to use the National Sport Centre's facilities.

The Passport to Sport scheme will be available to any individual with a disability who requires the support of a carer to assist them in the swimming pool or gym.

The carer will be able to access the NSC facilities free of charge - ensuring that the person with a disability can use the pool and gym safely and effectively with the additional support.

The scheme will be rolled out from next month.

Community, Culture and Leisure Minister David Cretney MHK said: "Improving access and opportunities in sport and physical activity for people with disabilities is a key priority for my department.

"The Passport to Sport scheme is an excellent way of assisting these people and will help them become more active and increase their health and social well being."

On completing an application form, the person with a disability will receive a Passport to Sport card which will allow their carer/helper to access the NSC facilities at no charge.

Disability sports development officer Zoe Carney said: "Over the last 12 months I have held regular meetings and forums with disability groups on the Island and their feedback suggested that there are many people with disabilities who would struggle or indeed be unable to use the NSC on their own and without any help or support.

"This initiative will hopefully make this much more customer friendly to this user group and I am delighted that through the kind help of the NSC we have been able to launch the Passport to Sport scheme."

Application forms can be found at the National Sports Centre or downloaded from the sports development unit website: www.gov.im/sport/SportsDevelopment/Disabilities/opportunities.xml