Sporting Challenge have been on their first weekend away, partially funded by grants from the Community Foundation for Lancashire and the Rank Foundation.

Sporting Challenge are a group of Parent/Carers who from 2008 have been providing sporting activities for around 45 people with learning disabilities in West Lancashire to keep them fit and healthy; these evening and weekend activities include Ten Pin Bowling, Aerobics, Swimming and Boccia/Kurling at local Sports Centres.

Many people with a learning disability don’t take part in any exercise activity because the family/carers who support them are not motivated or are unable to take them on such activities and they can’t go on their own. Sporting Challenge provide Sessional Workers who will collect them from where they live, support the people while they are at the sports centres and then return them home after the activities.

The weekend was at the Calvert Trust Activities Centre in the Lake District - the group left West Lancashire on Friday on a Charlton minibus.

The Friday night included an evening meal, night walk, and social time. On Saturday the group took part in canoeing, meals, a challenge course, swimming and a disco. On Sunday the group took part in climbing, abseiling and ropes before heading home.

Edward McCarthy Sporting Challenge Activities Co-ordinator said: “The weekend was a huge success. We all had a fantastic time. It was great to see the group taking part in new activities which we don't normally do. The Activities Centre was the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake near Keswick, in the heart of the Lake District National Park, the centre had accessible accommodation. They are accessible to people of all ages with sensory, learning or physical disabilities, including those with the most complex needs for which most outdoor centres cannot cater. "

"I was very proud of how the group worked as team and I would like to thank the Sporting Challenge Activities staff and the Centre staff for making the weekend a huge success. We will definitely be looking at having a break again. If amy organisation would like to help with our funding or if you are a interested parent please get in touch," he added.

*For more details visit www.sporting-challenge.org.uk or call 07971 299606 or email EdwardatEMSS@gmail.com