The lockdown has made it difficult for many of us to remain active, but for people with disabilities, the challenges can be even greater.

This is why the charity that runs Macclesfield Leisure Centre has offered young people in the town with disabilities and impairments the chance to keep active.

Everybody Sport and Recreation asked its members if these free sessions would be of interest and after receiving "amazing positive feedback" the sessions started last month.

Those attending the small sessions are offered adapted bikes and trikes to enable them to have a go at cycling. The scheme is targeted at those aged 5 to 18 with a disability or impairment and cover a range of abilities.

Support staff are on hand to help beginners and anyone else who may need to overcome the issue of balance and to help build confidence. Tasks can be added to challenge those who may be more experienced.

The charity says the emphasis of the sessions, which have a maximum of four children, is to have fun and enjoy the fresh air.

Andy Molyneux, Disability & Inclusion Lead at Everybody Sport and Recreation, said: "It is so important to remain active and it's been great to be out at the sessions again, interacting with the young people and seeing them having some fun again.

"The sessions have small numbers with a maximum of 4 children per session and adapted to meet the latest government guidelines to ensure they are Covid safe and secure."

advertisement

The sessions run weekly at Macclesfield Leisure Centre on a Sunday with two time slots 10am and 11.20am.

Phil Robinson from Disley attended the Macclesfield session and said: "The session was great and the boys are really keen to come back.

"Doing this during lockdown has done them a world of good, both physical exercise and mental wellbeing. I think that the boys just enjoyed the freedom to try different bikes and work on their skills."

Places for these sessions need to be booked in advance, for more information, please contact [email protected] or call 07506 317055.