New disabled swimming facilities at GL1

News – Gloucestershire’s GL1 leisure centre has unveiled its £30,000 investment into improving recreational swimming facilities for disabled residents across the county.

An impressive £30,000 worth of disabled facilities has just been installed at the GL1 Leisure Centre in Gloucester, coinciding with the launch of a new programme which intends to enhance the abilities of young disabled swimmers and raise the profile of disadvantaged athletes.

The sophisticated suite of facilities was opened by 15 disabled swimmers at the beginning of May 2010 and comprises of new changing facilities and a poolside hoist, as well as a special electronic ceiling lift that allows for a comfortable and dignified transition into the water – promising to also reduce a lot of the manual work for carers and disability workers.

The council’s commissioning manager Philip Douch revealed that the work at the GL1 leisure centre was one of several planned facility investments around the country, and operations manager Sally Barnes expressed her excitement at having overseen the first facility enabling severely disabled people to enjoy the pool.

The investment marks the start of a new initiative at the centre to support talented disabled athletes. Bridging the Gap will provide a course of customised swimming lessons for young disabled swimmers from age 7 to 14 and aims to inspire children to achieve county level swimming abilities – and, of course, to enjoy swimming.

Julie Shepherd, swimming development officer, invites local residents, schools and clubs interested in the Bridging the Gap programme to contact the leisure centre team on (01452) 396658.

SoGlos.com
18 May 2010