Olympic seal of approval for inclusive sport event

The University of Nottingham’s sports for all initiative has received London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games backing for the second successive year, after being awarded the Inspire 2012 mark.

Any-Body Month, which breaks down barriers to participation while inspiring more people to become active, was recognised as an initiative which holds the seven core Olympic values at its heart: friendship, excellence, respect, inspiration, determination, courage and equality.

Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games explained: “Any-Body Month is encouraging students, staff and the local community to fulfil their potential.

“I am proud that with the help of partners such as The University of Nottingham, we are delivering our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost participation among people, no matter what their ability or past experience.”

After receiving the Inspire mark for the second year running, organisers hope to attract record numbers to the events held over three weekends this March. Those that attend will be able to have a go at wheelchair rugby, badminton and swimming at University Park on March 10^th, goalball and dance at Sutton Bonington on March 17^th and tennis, sitting volleyball and yoga at Jubilee on March 24^th.

To help participants to get the most out of the sessions, representatives from national governing bodies and regional sports groups have been signed up to deliver coaching, while a number of the University’s sports clubs and societies will help with the sessions and learn how to make their own clubs more inclusive.

Hannah Webber, Disability Sports Officer at the University and Any-Body Month organiser, added: “The aim of the event is to raise awareness of the barriers facing disabled people accessing sport, as well as inspiring more people to get active.

“The event has been awarded the Inspire 2012 Mark for the second consecutive year and we’re really keen to include and celebrate sports which feature in the Olympic and Paralympic programme. Any-body can take part, it’s free and it’s fun — why wouldn’t you want to join in?”

Daniel Griffin, Sitting Volleyball Development Manager at Volleyball England is one coach keen to get involved. Daniel said: “It’s fantastic for Volleyball England to be involved in Any-Body Month 2012. The event encapsulates the spirit of Sitting Volleyball, a sport that can be played by people with or without a disability.

“2012 is a crucial year in the development of Paralympic Sports in Britain so it’s great to see 2012 Inspire marked events giving people the opportunity to try these sports and develop a greater understanding of them. We hope that by giving people the opportunity to play Sitting Volleyball, they will decide to take up the sport in the future!”

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