Stoke Mandeville Institute of Sport and Education launched at home of British Wheelchair Sport
Bucks Sport, in partnership with Bucks New University, WheelPower - British Wheelchair Sport and Leisure Connection, launched the new Stoke Mandeville Institute of Sport and Education on 22nd April at Stoke Mandeville Stadium. The Institute unites education with disability sports and will provide a unique programme of sport education and training opportunities for disabled people and those working in disability sport. This new Institute, based at the home of British Wheelchair Sport, will contribute to the legacy of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
Prof Chris Kemp (title as above) pictured with two athletes taking part in the Inter Spinal Unit Games at Stoke Mandeville Stadium
L-R back row; Prof Chris Kemp, Executive Dean for the Faculty of Enterprise & Innovation at Bucks New University; Lee Mason, Director of the Bucks & Milton Keynes Sports Partnership; Blair MacGillivray, Leisure Connection. Front; Martin McElhatton, Chief Executive of WheelPower
A brand new facility which unites education with disability sports was launched today, 22 April 2009, at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, Aylesbury, the home of British Wheelchair Sport.
Stoke Mandeville Institute of Sport and Education will provide a unique programme of sports education and training opportunities for disabled people and those working in disability sport, which will contribute to the legacy of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
The Institute is a partnership between Bucks New University, Bucks & Milton Keynes Sports Partnership, Leisure Connection and WheelPower – British Wheelchair Sport, and it was launched during the Inter Spinal Unit Games in the company of distinguished guests from across the region’s sporting organisations.
The Institute is committed to enabling disabled people to become involved in sport as athletes, coaches, administrators or officials, and to increasing the number of qualified coaches, officials, volunteers and classifiers.
Educational courses will be delivered at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, some of which will be technology-based, enabling students to attend courses virtually. Prof Chris Kemp, Executive Dean for the Faculty of Enterprise & Innovation at Bucks New University, commented: “Bucks is one of the first universities to become directly involved with disability sport and this progressive pathway of sports education is unique. The partnership combines a ‘new’ university linked to Stoke Mandeville Stadium, and by working in partnership Bucks New University will be able to contribute to a more coordinated, effective delivery system for disability sports education.”
As the National Centre for Disability Sport, Stoke Mandeville Stadium is an inspiring venue which provides a high quality, fully accessible site incorporating numerous sports facilities alongside conferencing, training and accommodation capabilities, and as such is an ideal venue for education and training in disability sport. Martin McElhatton, Chief Executive of WheelPower, said: “Through the wonderful opportunities this new Institute will create, disabled people and those who want to get involved in disability sport will enhance their skills. The Institute will support sports bodies to develop their workforce and provide an educational pathway from NVQs up to degree level courses. Our unique partnership brings together experience from the educational, commercial and sports sectors and aims to leave a lasting legacy in sport and education.”
As one of the nationwide network of County Sports Partnerships, the Bucks & Milton Keynes Sports Partnership has a key role to play in supporting the new Institute by helping to link to a range of networks, identify needs and communicate the Institute's offer. Lee Mason, Director of the Partnership, who also works on behalf of the national CSP Network, commented: “This innovative proposal provides an opportunity to really use the power of the London 2012 Paralympic Games and the inspirational Stoke Mandeville stadium to create a step change in disability sport through a more comprehensive, coordinated and quality assured education programme, with an emphasis on practical training and the opportunity for hands on experience and mentoring support.”
Andrew Marshall, Managing Director of Leisure Connection, added:
“Leisure Connection is proud to be a partner in this project which promises to open many doors for those passionate about inclusive sports, and encourage newly disabled people that there are plenty of opportunities out there for them within disability sport. We as a company will continue to devote resources and help to ensure its success.”
Courses scheduled to be offered at the Institute this year include: An Introduction to Disability Sport; Running Sport: A Club For All; Certificate in Sports Leadership; and Wheelchair Basketball Grade 1 Coaching Assistant. If you are interested in arranging or undertaking disability sports education, please contact BDMStokeMandeville[at]leisureconnection.co.uk
ENDS
Editor’s notes:
Buckinghamshire New University is the only state-funded higher education institution in Buckinghamshire. It has enjoyed a long and successful history since it was founded in 1893 as the School of Science and Art.
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