A SPORTING event for all ages and abilities is taking place at the Harraby Cycle Circuit in Carlisle on Sunday, June 23.
The LDW Sports Day event, organised by Carlisle Mencap, is to mark the climax of national Learning Disability Week 2019 and aims to encourage mainstream and disabled people to enjoy sport together. Admission is free.
Funded by the Royal Mencap Society, the event – from 11am to 3pm at the cycle circuit off Edgehill Road – will feature a ‘Mile For Mencap’ challenge where people can run, walk or cycle round the recently-opened circuit, while other planned activities include a gym demonstration by members of the Border Cross-Fit gym in Denton Holme, Carlisle.
Phil Taylor, the events and fundraising officer for Carlisle Mencap, said: “It is a well-known fact that sport and physical activities can help reduce loneliness and isolation, and improve the health and well-being of people with a learning disability, giving them a sense of greater social importance and empowerment. The hope is that putting on events which see mainstream and people with a learning disability playing and competing side by side will improve attitudes in the community and dispel negative views towards people with a learning disability.”
Carlisle Mencap would like to hear from any sporting clubs or groups that would like to get involved with the event. They should get in touch with Phil on 01228 674393 or email him at [email protected]
Meanwhile, in conjunction with People First, Carlisle Mencap will be at the People First Conference Centre in Milbourne Street on Thursday, June 20 between midday and 3pm to showcase their award-winning in-house films based around mate crime, hate crime and sexual exploitation as part of Learning Disability Week. The films were made at their in-house Independence Studio, based at the Grace Little Centre for children. Admission is free and all are welcome to pop in during the three-hour event.
