Council is top for disabled sports

Published by webmaster for Tower Hamlets Council in Communities

Tower Hamlets is the best council in the capital when it comes to providing sporting opportunities for disabled people.

The council’s Sports Development Team was awarded the prestigious title, Local Authority of the Year, at the London Sports Awards 2007 by the London Sports Forum for Disabled People (LSF).

The award, presented on Thursday 8 March at a special gala dinner at City Hall, recognised the council’s drive and determination to make sport assessable to disabled residents.

Councillor Lutfur Rahman, Lead Member Culture, Tower Hamlets Council, said: “We’re working hard with the local community to provide sports for all. As well as encouraging disabled people to take part in sports, we’re also ensuring that our leisure facilities are fully accessible.”

He added: “York Hall Leisure Centre is part way through a major refurbishment project which has seen a huge improvement in accessibility. And the fully accessible Mile End Park Leisure Centre, which is the borough’s latest sporting facility, runs disabled sports sessions every week and is home to a number of disabled sports clubs.”

One of the reasons that the council received the award was the work of new Community Sports Coach for Disabilities, Marianne Sharpe. Marianne is based in the Active Communities Section that promotes physical activity. She helps young disabled people realise their sporting potential. This work has made a positive impact on the lives of many disabled residents. 

The council also organises activity days and taster sessions throughout the year, at the borough’s leisure centres and schools, to help disabled people find out how to get involved in sport. The latest event was held at Mile End Park Leisure Centre, attended by more than 50 people. They tried out a whole host of activities including archery, trampolining, basketball and swimming.

Cllr Rahman continued; “It’s great that our efforts have been recognised and we’ll continue to build on this success.”

Marianne Shape collected the award on the Council’s behalf.

For more information about the sporting opportunities available to disabled people, contact Community Sports Coach for Disabilities, Marianne Sharpe, on 07984 815 760.

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Press release issued: March 16 2007