What to try at Elgin’s free Moray Inclusion Games

Five inclusive sports will be open for people to try at a free event in Elgin on Saturday 22 August, when the Moray Inclusion Games launch the Moray Disability Sports Hub. 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 brings disabled people together with local sports clubs, community organisations and activity leaders, giving visitors a direct way to explore sporting opportunities available across Moray. Moray Council Newsroom confirmed that attendance and all “come and try” activities are free.

Five sports to try during the morning

Visitors can take part in boccia, indoor curling, table cricket, taekwondo and swordseat fencing. Activity leaders will be available throughout the event to introduce each sport and explain how people can become involved locally.

The activities are intended to provide a practical introduction rather than simply presenting information about inclusive sport. Visitors will be able to meet the people delivering the sessions, ask questions and identify clubs or opportunities that may suit their interests.

Information stalls will add another route into local support and activity. Participating organisations include 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.

The partnership behind the new sports hub

The Moray Disability Sports Hub was established to improve access to physical activity and the benefits associated with taking part. Its partners have been working together since the group’s first meeting almost two years ago to develop more inclusive opportunities across the area.

The partnership includes local sports clubs, voluntary and third-sector organisations, Moray Council, Moray Health and Social Care Partnership, sportscotland, Scottish Disability Sport and Grampian Disability Sport. Its stated aim is to focus on the skills, abilities and potential of disabled people while helping remove barriers to participation in sport and physical activity.

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

Hub spokesperson Martin Mansell said the Games would allow people to try activities, meet local organisations and help shape the hub’s priorities. Visitors can also use the event to network with clubs and learn about inclusive sporting opportunities elsewhere in Moray.

Planning a visit to Moray Sports Centre

The Moray Inclusion Games take place from 10am until 1.30pm, with the formal opening speeches beginning at 11am. Entry is free, and the invitation extends to disabled people, families, clubs, organisations and other members of the public interested in inclusive sport.

The council announcement does not provide transport or accessibility arrangements. Anyone seeking further practical information before attending can contact Robin Paterson at [email protected] or call 01343 974857.

Source: Moray Council Newsroom