We are responsible for the development and coordination of sports opportunities for disabled people in the borough, particularly where this involves accessing existing community sports opportunities. Ashford borough has a number of specialist sports clubs and initiatives aimed at those with a wide range of disabilities.  These include both learning and physical disabilities.

The following clubs offer sports for the disabled:

• Actionnaires (Action for Blind People) - A multi sport club run at the Stour Centre on Saturday lunch times for visually impaired young people.
• Ashford AC Alligators  - Athletics club for children with learning and physical disabilities held at the Julie Rose Stadium.
• Dolphins of Ashford - A swimming club for people with disabilities and learning difficulties.
• Invicta Valiants Junior FC - A football club for young children with physical disabilities.

If you would like further information please contact Simon Harris on 01233 330232.

County-wide Disability Team

Kent County Council Sports Development Unit has a specialist officer and team that provide a range of services to people with disabilities. The following sports have associated officers providing support, training and programmes.

• Archery
• Athletics
• Badminton
• Boccia
• Cycling
• Football
• Goalball
• Judo
• New Age Kurling
• Outdoor pursuits
• Rowing
• Sitting Volleyball
• Swimming
• Skiing
• Sailing
• Table Tennis
• Wheelchair Basketball

For further information please visit the Kent County Council Sports Development Unit Disability webpage or contact Mike Bishop on 01732 525389.

Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI)

The IFI has been in operation since 2001, receiving in total £6million from the Sport England Lottery Fund.  The IFI operates around five key principles:

• Accessible facilities
• Inclusive fitness equipment
• Staff with appropriate training and skills
• Appropriate, inclusive marketing strategies
• The development of alternative inclusive sporting opportunities

Ashford has two facilities with IFI equipment the Tenterden and Stour Leisure Centres, for further information visit the IFI website.

Other links

Parasport - A website run by the British Paralympic Association (BPA)