The conference attracted over 250 delegates from across the fitness sector to see the range of high quality keynote and breakout speakers on offer at the landmark event focusing on what the industry has done, and needs to do to include disabled people. 

 

The day was a huge success being opened by the Minister for Disabled People Anne McGuire MP and the Minister for Sport Richard Caborn MP, who tried out the concept2 rowing machines along side Shaun Sewell member of the GB adaptive rowing team. 

 

Former Paralympian Chris Holmes chaired the event excellently, keeping the day to time.  The first Inclusive Fitness Awards were held, recognising accredited IFI Sites who have gone above and beyond IFI requirements. The awards were made in five categories and were presented by former powerlifter Gary Jelen. 

 

The IFI worked in partnership with Concept2 to deliver an adaptive rowing race with representatives of the GB adaptive rowing team going head to head across 3 different locations in England.

 

Alongside some excellent breakout and keynote speakers, Norman Croucher OBE, acclaimed mountaineer and double lower limb amputee, gave a light-hearted look at the impact inclusive physical activity provision can have on the lives of disabled people, recounting tales of expeditions up many of the world’s highest peaks. 

 

Professor James H Rimmer of the National Centre on Physical Activity and Disability at the University of Illinois provided an insight into the work that is being conducted across the Atlantic together with how the US and the UK will work together to advance the inclusion agenda on a global scale. 

 

Chris Easton, IFI Assistant Director and Conference Manager,

 

“For a conference such of this to have been possible provides a real indication of how far the fitness industry has come in providing a high quality provision for disabled people.  It also illustrates that there is still much work to be done.  Over 250 industry professionals left in no doubt that the inclusion agenda is not only here to stay in the fitness industry, but that it is driving forwards at a relentless pace.”