The Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) and the Fitness Industry Association (FIA) are applying for a grant from the National Sports Foundation to expand the inclusive fitness concept to the private sector.

The £6m scheme would create a support system for up to 400 sites run by private operators, management companies and leisure trusts throughout England.

Since 2001, the IFI has launched more than 180 facilities offering fitness equipment accessible to both able-bodied and disabled users.

“The IFI has made huge strides in ensuring that disabled people have the opportunity to participate in gym-based physical activity in the public and voluntary sectors,” said Sue Catton, IFI national director. “However, it is fair to say that the private sector has some work to do to meet the needs of disabled customers and we are committed to helping them to achieve this whilst also maintaining our support to the public sector.”

Harm Tegelaars, chair of the FIA, added: “This presents an excellent opportunity for private sector operators and trusts to benefit commercially from a large market of more than six million people.

“They will be able to receive support to make this cultural change within the industry while also assisting our members in meeting their legal obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act.”

The IFI also announced earlier this month that it is investigating the potential delivery of the scheme in Europe.

“The success of the IFI to date provides a launch pad for developments on an international stage,” said Catton. “With the European Year of Equal Opportunities firmly on the horizon in 2007, we need to consider how disabled people throughout Europe can gain equitable access to physical activity and the subsequent benefits that brings – now evident in the UK.”

The National Sport Foundation is a new government funded initiative created to increase grassroots participation. Details: www.inclusivefitness.org