New weekly sports challenges through Activise scheme

Optalis’ Learning Disability Day Services, in partnership with Wokingham Borough Council’s Sports Development Team and Activise project, are delivering a series of twelve sports challenges at Loddon
Valley Sport Centre, Lower Earley. The course will be run weekly on Thursdays during October, November and December.

The sessions will include multi-sport team challenges, trampolining, swimming, and an opportunity to socialise afterwards. Those attending the course come from the Crescent Centre in Lower Earley,
Woodley Day Services and the Acorn Community Centre in Wokingham. The course is aimed at those with complex learning disabilities, and will help them in a number of ways; more than just increasing their levels of physical exercise.

Optalis’ senior support worker Patricia Sainsbury said, “Participants get a lot out of this course. It helps them increase their confidence and balance, and they mix with their peers and make new friends. They also mix with members of the public and, when we have lunch together here in the café, they get the chance to practice communication and money skills. But the most important thing of all is that they have a great time and it’s lots of fun.”

The course is run in partnership with and delivered by Wokingham Borough Council Sports Development Team and Activise group. Physical activity health mentor Adam Godwin, who organised the sessions, said: “This is a great opportunity for two partners to work together and use a local leisure facility. The clients have an option of what activity they would like to do and the leisure centre is very accommodating to their needs. I personally have great fun co-ordinating the project and enjoy the satisfaction of seeing so many people participate.”

Individuals and organisations interested in learning more about Learning Disability Day Services, please contact lead support worker Mirna Zestic at: mirna.zestic@optalis.org or call (0118) 987 2020.