28-May-09
Leisure Connection has announced that the Vale Farm Sports Centre has qualified for Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) accreditation following an extensive inspection by the IFI.
The Inclusive Fitness Initiative works in support of the fitness industry to ensure that fitness facilities cater for the needs of disabled and non-disabled people. The IFI programme is built around developments in four key areas of fitness provision: accessible facilities, inclusive fitness equipment, staff training and inclusive marketing strategies.
Following a vigorous inspection process the centre passed with flying colours. To build upon this accreditation the centre’s fitness staff will also be benefitting from disability sports training through The Stoke Mandeville Institute of Sport and Education a partnership between Leisure Connection, WheelPower, Bucks New University and Bucks and Milton Keynes Sports Partnership and will provide a unique programme of sports, education and training opportunities for disabled people and those working in disability sport.
The aim of the institute is to enable disabled people to become involved in sport as athletes, coaches, administrators or officials and to increase the number of qualified coaches, officials, volunteers and classifiers available within sport. It is hoped the new facility will contribute to the legacy of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
Vale Farm Sports Centre staff have undergone IFI training, teaching them the necessary skills to provide a safe, effective and fun workout for people with disabilities.
