How to stay fit and active in Birmingham in 2020

There are over 11 million people living with a physical disability in the UK alone and less than 8% of physical disabilities require the use of a wheelchair. As you can imagine, this makes it twice more difficult for individuals with a disability to be active and take part in sports activities. Seven in ten people with a physical disability/impairment would like to be more active and so therefore, there is a huge demand for adapted sports and activities here in the UK. Over the recent years, Birmingham has seen the rise of adapted sports such as wheelchair basketball and inclusive activities like archery. 

 

From wheelchair dancing to powerchair football, there is certainly something for everyone to try regardless of age and ability. One of the most popular adaptive sports around the world is wheelchair basketball which people can also take part in here in Birmingham by visiting any of the following clubs; Birmingham Phoenix Wheelchair Basketball Club, Warwickshire Bears Wheelchair Basketball Club or recently launched Birmingham Wheelchair Basketball Club for a non-competitive experience. Birmingham is also home to the Freewheelin Wheelchair Dance group based in Rubery and they currently run classes every Friday evening from 18:30 to 19:30. 

 

For those looking to just stay in shape and improve their fitness, there are several wheelchair-accessible and inclusive gyms around Birmingham such as Harborne Pool and Fitness Centre in Harborne which offers a diverse and inclusive gym for the public to use. This gym is equipped with an extensive range of accessible exercise equipment that can easily be used by wheelchair users and there is always friendly staff available if any assistance is needed. This is not the only accessible gym in Birmingham so why not visit the nearest accessible gym to you and kick start your 2020 with not only a healthy physical form but a strong and positive mindset. 

 

Sail Birmingham is a recently launched initiative that aims to make sailing accessible and available for everyone in and around Birmingham regardless of their age or disability. Another great initiative that provides a fun family day out for individuals with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities is Parkride which is a fun, free and inclusive family cycling project that enables families to enjoy a day out together through cycling. 

 

If you would like to find out more about the opportunities available through adaptive sports and activities then why not come along to the Birmingham Inclusive Sports Festival taking place on Sunday 28th June 2020 at University of Birmingham from 11:00 am to 15:00 am. This is an exciting opportunity to try a range of inclusive sports and activities, meet some new people and hear some inspirational stories. 

 

If you would like any further information regarding the Birmingham Inclusive Sports Festival then please click on the following link Birmingham Incusive Sports Festival  

 

Written and published by Ahmed Hassan  

Work experience student (Digital Marketing) 

University College Birmingham