News Release 16 April 2008
Access 2 Exercise event for people living with a disability
On Monday 28 April, Access 2 Exercise will be holding a FREE event which encourages disabled people to take part in sports and exercise groups.
Anyone in Southampton, Eastleigh and the New Forest areas can come along and find out more.
The event will be launched by Geoff Holt, BBC South Sports Personality of the Year for 2007 and the first disabled sailor to achieve a solo navigation of the British Isles, at Fleming Park Leisure Centre, Passfield Avenue , Eastleigh .
Geoff Holt said "I am really proud to be launching the Access 2 Exercise event which offers a great starting point for people with physical, sensory and learning difficulties to get involved with sport and physical activity. This is a great opportunity and anyone who is interested should come along and learn from the day."
The Access 2 Exercise event is open to everyone. It was set-up by Southampton City Primary Care Trust's (PCT) Community Neurological Rehabilitation Team, working with local sports development services.
Making exercise a part of our daily lifestyles brings about lots of health benefits. Unfortunately a high percentage of people living with long term physical disabilities do not know the variety of exercise opportunities available in the region.
Visitors to the Access 2 Exercise event will get an opportunity to:
* visit information stands and talk to local sports and exercise groups
* listen to talks on topics relevant to disability, sport and exercise
* see practical demonstrations of equipment and activities available.
Zillah Whitehouse, Senior Physiotherapist at Southampton City PCT said: "Last year's Access 2 Exercise event was very successful and we hope we can introduce more people to the sporting activities available across the area. Various forms of swimming, football, gardening, group exercise classes and sailing are just some examples of the sporting activities that people will be able to find out about on the day. There really is something to suit everyone's different abilities and interests."
For more information on Access 2 Exercise please visit www.access2exercise.org.uk, contact Zillah Whitehouse, Senior Physiotherapist on 023 8029 6222 or via email info@access2exercise.org.uk
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Photo/filming opportunity
Any media wishing to visit the event on Monday 28 April 2008 at Fleming Park Leisure Centre, Passfield Avenue , Southampton should contact Matthew Butler on 023 8029 6930.
Notes for Editors:
For more information please contact Matthew Butler, Communications Officer, at Southampton City Primary Care Trust on 023 8029 6930.
