Free Moray Inclusion Games in Elgin on 22 August

Boccia, indoor curling and table cricket are among five sports visitors can try when the free Moray Inclusion Games come to Elgin on Saturday 22 August. The event runs from 10am to 1.30pm at Moray Sports Centre, Linkwood Road, with opening speeches scheduled for 11am.

Everyone is welcome. The programme is particularly relevant to disabled people interested in physical activity, families exploring local opportunities, sports clubs and community organisations. It will also mark the public launch of the Moray Disability Sports Hub.

Moray Council Newsroom confirmed the date, venue and programme in its event notice published on 14 August.

Five inclusive sports available to try

Visitors will be able to take part in free ‘come and try’ sessions covering boccia, indoor curling, table cricket, taekwondo and swordseat fencing. Activity leaders will be present during the event to introduce each sport and explain how participants can continue locally.

The format gives people an opportunity to explore several activities in one visit without committing to a club or programme in advance. It also brings the instructors, clubs and organisations involved in inclusive sport together at the same venue.

Information stalls will include representatives from Moray Active Schools and Community Sport, Moray Reach Out, Moray UHI, North East Sensory Services, Elgin Sports Community Trust, Active Recovery Moray and Police Scotland. Visitors can use the stalls to meet local organisations and learn about sporting opportunities available across Moray.

The partnership behind the new sports hub

The Moray Disability Sports Hub was established to improve access to physical activity and its associated benefits. Its partners have been working together since the first hub meeting almost two years ago to develop more inclusive opportunities in the area.

Those partners include local sports clubs, voluntary and third-sector organisations, Moray Council, Moray Health and Social Care Partnership, sportscotland, Scottish Disability Sport and Grampian Disability Sport.

The hub’s stated approach is to concentrate on the skills, abilities and potential of disabled people while addressing barriers that can restrict participation. It will also provide a shared point through which clubs, public bodies and community organisations can coordinate their work.

Moray Council Equalities Champion Bridget Mustard said the hub would help organisations, clubs and communities create more opportunities for disabled people to participate, develop skills and build connections. She encouraged people interested in inclusive sport to attend and contribute to its future direction.

Martin Mansell, a spokesperson for the Moray Disability Sports Hub, said the Games would allow visitors to try activities, meet local groups and help shape the hub’s priorities after nearly two years of partnership work.

What visitors need before attending

The Moray Inclusion Games take place at Moray Sports Centre on Linkwood Road in Elgin from 10am until 1.30pm on Saturday 22 August. Attendance and the listed activities are free, and the invitation is open to the general public as well as disabled participants, clubs and community groups.

The council notice does not specify transport or accessibility arrangements. Anyone seeking those details, or more information about taking part, can contact Robin Paterson at [email protected] or call 01343 974857.

Source: Moray Council Newsroom