24th-30th April saw the IFI’s first ever Inclusive Fitness Week bringing together facilities from across the country to promote the availability of their inclusive facilities through open days, activities and events.
The week also provided the launch pad for the IFI’s strategy, ‘Inclusion Works Out’ which maps out the pathway to achieving 1000 accredited facilities across the United Kingdom by 2012, an ambitious target that will support the programme’s overall ambition of ensuring that disabled people irrespective of geography, impairment or experience can access an accredited facility.
The strategy focuses upon the key components critical to the long-term success of the initiative including expansion beyond England, the embedding of IFI Mark Standards within other strategies and policies and to sustain and evolve the Inclusive Activator Programme.
Endorsed by the former Minister of Sport Richard Caborn MP,
“Being positive about inclusion is not just about creating accessible buildings; it is about a way of operating, a culture that is intrinsic to every business practice, and an industry that is willing to meet head on the barriers that exist for some sections of our community. I congratulate the IFI on the major strides it has taken to support the development of an inclusive fitness industry to date. I look forward to seeing the increased impact throughout the home countries, creating an Olympic and Paralympic legacy of 1,000 IFI Mark facilities by 2012.”
The official launch of the strategy took place at Central Hall, Westminster with representatives from organisations involved in fitness, health, disability and physical activity. Former middleweight boxer, Michael Watson MBE and Great Britain adaptive rower, Karen Cromie supported the launch accompanied by Gary Jelen, the inspiration for the IFI.
There is little doubt that Inclusive Fitness Week 2008 represented a huge success with facilities participating the length and breadth of the country, and thousands of disabled people taking part in activities. Plans are already afoot for Inclusive Fitness Week 2009 with further details being announced soon.
Click here to download a copy of the IFI’s Strategy, Inclusion Works Out.
