ENGLISH SPORTS ASSOCIATION FOR PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITY
EXTEND
BRITISH BLIND SPORT

ENGLISH SPORTS ASSOCIATION FOR PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITY

Background and Aims
The aim of the English Sports Association for People with Learning Disability is to campaign for, initiate and provide, opportunities for sport and physical recreation in England for some of the one million people who have a learning disability.

Benefits of participation
Sport and active recreation play a significant role in the lives of people with learning disabilities (formerly referred to as having a mental handicap).

In addition to the challenge of training and competition that sports provides, the other benefits to all our sports people are immense.  Both the physical and intellectual exercise, the interacting with others, playing by rules and respecting colleagues and friends, all contribute to the sportsman or woman gaining in confidence and finding their rightful place in society.

Key objectives/areas of work
To raise awareness of policy makers, statutory and voluntary sports providers/communities and the general public on the needs and aspirations of sportsmen and women and learning disability; to support Governing Bodies of Sports, Local Government, Sports Providers, Schools and Clubs; to take responsibility for the promotion and development of sport and physical recreation for people with learning disability.

To increase participation in all areas of sport and physical recreational activity by people with learning disability.

To improve access to a wider range of sport and physical recreation activities and, by doing so, create a range of opportunities for choice.

To work towards the integration of people with learning disability/mainstream community recreation provision at a level of their choice.

Contact Details
English Sports Association for People with Learning Disabilities
Unit 9
Milner Way
Ossett
WF5 9JN
Telephone:
Fax:
Email:
Website:
01924 267555
01924 267666
roger@esapld.co.uk
http://www.esapld.co.uk/

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EXTEND EXERCISE TRAINING

Background
Charitable organisation offering speciality recreative exercise and movement classes concentrating on maintenance and independence through posture, mobility, agility, and stamina in a relaxed social environment with the emphasis on fun and enjoyment.

History
Parent body was the Women's League of Health and Beauty, 1930, now known as the Fitness League. EXTEND was created in 1976, to offer facilities to the over 60s and disabled people of all ages.  We now have over 1000 teachers in the UK and overseas.

Facilities
Space with a good floor, warm well ventilated, easy access to toilets, facilities for refreshments, parking for disabled people, equipment teacher provides but mats, wall bars and mirrors most helpful, stable chairs for seated clients.

Benefits
All teachers hold the EXTEND Diploma, and must attend at least one Continuing Education Day each year to ensure their teaching includes all the updates on current research and up to date methods of training.  We offer specialised recreational exercise and movement to music incorporating prevention of falls, cardiovascular improvement, rehabilitation after strokes, balance and co-ordination for Parkinsons, etc.  Classes are graded to suit clients, doctors referrals and hospitals covered.

Variations
Wide range of classes from very mobile to nursing homes, stroke clubs and hospitals.

Contact Details
Email: admin@extend.org.uk

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BRITISH BLIND SPORT

Background
British Blind Sport is a registered charity and the co-ordinating body of sport for the blind and partially sighted in the UK. Initiated in 1975 by blind people to enable them to have a controlling interest in their various sports, BBS is affiliated to the world governing body, the International Blind Sports Association and represents IBSA in the United Kingdom. BBS is also a membership organisation for individuals and sports clubs and produces a bi-monthly newsletter, which is also available to those interested in the work of charity.

Objectives/Events
BBS Objective is to encourage blind and partially sighted people of all ages to participate in sports at all levels, ranging from 'grassroots' up to Paralympic representation.

National Championships are staged for all BBS sporting disciplines and additionally there are National Sports Championships for athletics, swimming, goalball and five-a-side football. A knockout cricket competiton is held during the smmer and the final staged at Lords Cricket Ground.

Contact Details
British Blind Sport
4-6 Victoria Terrace
Leamington Spa
Warwicks
CV31 3AB
Telephone:
Fax:
Email:
Website:
01926 424247
01926 427775
info@britishblindsport.org.uk
http://www.britishblindsport.org.uk/

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