Local MP and Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson, has joined the Swindon Vixens for one of their weekly training sessions.
The Vixens are a netball club set up to support people with learning disabilities. In the winter of 2014, Swindon District Netball Association Netball Development Officer, Mo Squires, and Swindon Advocacy Movement (SAM) project coordinator, Annie Baker, teamed up to support people with learning disabilities to be actively involved in netball. Thanks to a successful bid for a Netball South West Community Grant and match-funding from Wiltshire Netball, together with discounted court hire from “Better”, they have been able to provide netball sessions at a minimal cost.
The sessions are run by coach Kelly Morgan at the Dorcan Dome who does a fantastic job of engaging with the new and apprehensive members. Every session is made up of challenging yet achievable tasks, improving skills and fitness but most of all confidence. The session is not only an opportunity for members to stay physically active, but also to create friendships and social networks.
Justin Tomlinson MP: "I was thrilled to see that the netball club offers a fantastic opportunity for people with learning disabilities to feel part of a social group and develop real friendships. As the Minister for Disabled People, I am hugely passionate about opening up sporting opportunities to disabled people, and Kelly's natural coaching style makes every session fun and I was thrilled to be a part of the team for an evening."
