Local MP Supports Grange Leisure Centre's Disability Sport Programme

Justin Tomlinson paid a visit recently to the busy Grange Leisure Centre in Stratton where he spoke to the team of dedicated coaches who are going to extra lengths to provide disability sports at the facility.

The visit involved a general tour as well as a drop in to one of the weekly sessions put on for Uplands School, which caters for students with severe or profound and multiple learning difficulties, and the Educational Trust, which in partnership with the School will meet the needs of complex learners aged 19 - 25 years. The students were busily enjoying a game which involved throwing balls at a snooker table positioned on the wall in the leisure centre’s sports hall.

Volunteers from the Uplands Education Trust helped the students to take part in the game and it was clear that the interaction caused great joy for everybody who participated.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “I was thrilled to see first-hand how the partnership between Grange Leisure Centre and Uplands is developing and benefiting all involved. The fantastic coaches are extremely dedicated in providing an excellent facility for people with disabilities, something which they deserve a huge amount of praise for. As Minister for Disabled People, one of my main priorities is to open up sport and other activities to disabled people, and I am delighted that we have a fine example of this happening here in North Swindon. I will continue to work and support both the Grange Leisure Centre and Uplands to ensure that this fantastic relationship contines to flourish.”