Llantwit Major Karate Club have become the first Sport Club in the Vale of Glamorgan to achieve the Silver Insport Accreditation Level and the first Karate Club in Wales to achieve this high standard.
Insport is a Disability Sport Wales programme, designed to support Governing Bodies, Local Authorities and Clubs to provide inclusive, quality sessions for disabled people within their communities, and at a level of their choice and abilities.
Llantwit are now only one step away from achieving Gold which is the top award for inclusion in Wales.
Simon Dodd who is the club sensei commented “As an organisation run by volunteers, it is great that we can still offer one of the highest levels of inclusion in Wales. Karate can have a huge impact on people’s lives and I am proud we can serve the community in this way”
The Welsh Karate League has a disability category where people with a range of impairments can enter and take part in a competitive environment alongside the non-disabled participants. The next league meeting is in Penarth Leisure Centre on Sunday 28th September starting at 10am where everyone is welcome to attend, entry is free.
Simon Jones who is the Disability Sport Wales Development Officer for the Vale of Glamorgan Council added “ I think it’s brilliant that so many clubs in the Vale of Glamorgan are aiming to be inclusive and provide activities for disabled people, the aim is to have a wide range of sport and physical activity clubs in the Vale that will go through the insport process. This will give disabled people more choice in what activities they wish to take part in and hopefully get them hooked on sport”
Numerous clubs throughout the Vale of Glamorgan have already completed the accreditation scheme up to Ribbon and Bronze level including Vale Reds Football Club, Penarth Karate Jutsu Kai, Barry Beavers Swimming Club, LS Haven Air Target Club, Boccia Rollers, St Andrews Major Special Olympics Golf Club. More clubs are being encouraged to sign up so more disabled people can take part in sport, even if you don’t have any disabled participants in your club this process can help your club become disability friendly.
If you are interested in your physical activity or sport club becoming inclusive please contact Simon Jones, Disability Sport Wales Development Officer for the Vale of Glamorgan Council on 01446 704728 or sljones@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
