WILTSHIRE Council is spearheading inclusive sport and physical activity initiatives, aiming to boost participation and wellbeing among residents of all abilities.
A series of weekly sessions, including dance, boccia, seated exercise and activity clubs for children and adults, are part of the council's Inclusive Activities programme.
These activities are specifically designed to be welcoming and accessible, encouraging people to move more and feel a sense of community.
The second Get Out, Get Active (GOGA) Games, hosted by the council in July, saw around 120 participants come together at Melksham Community Campus for a day filled with inclusive sport, social interaction and celebration.
The event, part of the national Get Out, Get Active programme, allowed disabled and non-disabled residents from across Wiltshire to enjoy a diverse range of activities, such as boccia, archery, dance, cricket and relay races.
Participants were also given the chance to relax, converse and form new friendships over coffee and cake.
The GOGA initiative, funded by the Activity Alliance, is focused on supporting the least active individuals in the community to become more physically active, while promoting inclusive participation and relationship building.
Sessions are regularly held in Melksham, Calne, Amesbury, Durrington, Salisbury, Redlynch, Tidworth, Ludgershall and Chippenham, and welcome both disabled and non-disabled participants.
Councillor Mel Jacob, cabinet member for public health, leisure, libraries and communities, said: "The GOGA Games and our wider Inclusive Activities programme show how inclusive sport can transform lives.
"It’s not just about physical activity—it’s about building confidence, having fun, making friends and building a sense of community.
"I encourage anyone, whether they're looking to try something new, meet people or simply get a bit more active, to take a look at what we have to offer and come along to a session."
In addition to these programmes, the council is also looking into a new pilot initiative in Westbury to make leisure facilities more inclusive and accessible for people with learning disabilities.
This joint effort between adult social care and leisure, culture and communities aims to better understand the needs of individuals with learning disabilities and how local leisure centres can adapt to meet them.
Councillor Gordon King, cabinet member for adult social care, said: "Inclusion and opportunity are at the heart of everything we do.
"Everyone deserves the chance to enjoy leisure and sport, regardless of ability or background.
"Our work in Westbury is a great example of how we’re listening to people with learning disabilities and working together to create spaces that are truly welcoming and accessible."
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