Carmarthenshire County Council has been recognised for its inclusive sports and leisure activities for disabled people.
The insport Ribbon has been awarded to the council for its commitment in providing a range of sporting opportunities available to disabled residents across the county.
Swimming, golf, karate, table tennis, athletics and football are among those credited by the Disability Sport Wales programme.
All council leisure centres have full disabled access and disabled facilities as well a team dedicated to helping those get involved in all types of sporting activities.
Already Carmarthenshire has a number of sporting heroes who have represented Britain in the Paralympic and Commonwealth Games.
Powerlifter Lisa Pudner, discus thrower Claire Williams, Wheelchair racer Ritchie Powell and Boccia player Dean Thomas are among ambassadors of disabled sports in the county.
The council’s senior sport and leisure manager, Carl Daniels said: "Receiving insport Ribbon accreditation is a great achievement and reward for the sport and leisure Section. A lot of work has been done over a long period of time to ensure that an inclusive service is available to people with disabilities or specific needs. We will continue to ensure that more inclusive opportunities are made available throughout Carmarthenshire in the near future."
Insport is a four tiered identification and accreditation system, and the Ribbon standard is the first step. The Disability Sport Wales programme supports local authorities, national governing bodies of sport, along with clubs and organisations, to provide inclusive, quality sessions to disabled people within their own communities. These sessions are provided to the individual at a level of their choice, or their potential sport and leisure services team will now work toward achieving the bronze, silver and gold insport accreditation.
To find out more about the sporting opportunities for disabled people in the county borough contact Lisa Pudner, Disability Sport Development Officer on 01544 744345 or email LPudner@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
