City of York Council is hosting its first ever week-long celebration of sports for people with disabilities to meet the growing take-up of sport and opportunities for disabled people in York.

Celebrating Ability Week will be held from Monday 4 August until Sunday 10 August and, in keeping with its inclusive remit, provide a broad range of taster events, showcases and workshops at a number of accessible locations across the city.

From April 2013 to March 2014, 1,036 disabled people in York experienced a new sport or physical activity across all impairment groups. During the week this August, many clubs will be opening their doors to their fun activities so even more people can try them free, as well as meet and make new friends.

Among the sports available will be: wheelchair basketball, boccia, football, cycling, new age kurling, goalball, swimming, indoor climbing, athletics, tennis, dance, bowls, and sitting volleyball. This is a fantastic choice of sports and activities for residents, which is delivered through the Sport England’s Inclusive Sport Fund, which builds on the continued legacy of the Paralympics in 2012.”

During the week, there will be three key events: an open day at Energise on Tuesday 5 August where people can get a broad taste of the city’s inclusive sports offer, and at Joseph Rowntree School there will be: sports designed for hearing impaired and deaf people on Wednesday 6 August; and physical activity targeted at people with a visual impairment on Sunday 10 August.

As well as promoting the range of inclusive opportunities in York, the week aims to raise awareness and understanding about disability and giving everyone a chance to get involved by providing training workshops in disability awareness for anyone who works with disabled people or who would like to.

The full programme of events can be seen at www.york.gov.uk/celebratingability or contact Jason White or Glyn Newberry on 01904 553377 or by email jason.white@york.gov.uk or glyn.newberry@york.gov.uk to find out more.