UK – People with learning disabilities took part in a free sports day last week to mark Learning Disability Awareness Week.
The event, held at Leicester Leys leisure centre on Thursday (20th), offered people with a learning disability the chance to try out a range of activities, including dance, table tennis, cycling and basketball. Families and carers were also invited to join in, and all got free access to the swimming pool and gym for the day.
The theme of this year’s Learning Disability Awareness Week (17-23 June) was sports and inclusion, helping people with a learning disability to overcome some of the barriers they could face when taking part in physical activity.
“Learning disabilities affect around 2,000 people in Leicester, and for each person, it affects them differently. said Deputy city mayor Cllr Sarah Russell, who leads on social care.
“We plan to launch a new learning disability strategy for Leicester in the coming months and as part of this, we will commit to ensuring that sports and leisure activities are inclusive for all. It’s important that we promote healthy lifestyles and provide varied opportunities for everyone.”
To find out more about support for people with learning disabilities in Leicester, visit www.leicester.gov.uk/adultsocialcare