K2 Crawley, which is run by leading not-for-profit leisure trust Freedom Leisure, has been awarded a 'Provisional Level' Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) Award.

The trust has worked closely with Crawley Wellbeing and Crawley Borough Council to increase the inclusion of disabled people, of all ages, at K2 Crawley. The presentation of the IFI Award verifies that the centre facilities, its staff and the equipment available, offer truly inclusive opportunities.

On a national basis, only 8.8%* of disabled people are regularly physically active and Freedom Leisure and its partners are actively working to encourage more local people with disabilities to participate in sport and exercise. In order for the centre to receive the award, Freedom Leisure has ensured that there is equipment in the gym to allow disabled members to enjoy a work out. There are sufficient and accessible parking bays and toilet and changing facilities.. There are further improvements planned between now and the end of the year, including £12,000 worth of new fitness equipment. To enable as many people as possible to be able to participate in exercise the centre offers a range of pricing options.

Having a disability should not be a barrier to keeping fit and being able to enjoy exercise. With easy disabled access, trained staff and the right equipment, Freedom Leisure aims to make using the gym a trouble-free and a fun experience. Freedom Leisure's friendly and fully trained staff can help to create exercise programmes that will increase physical activity at a level that suits the individual, they are also there to support, motivate and help people to achieve their personal goals. All this helps make the change to a more physically active lifestyle as easy as possible which can reduce the risk of some cancers, cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes and obesity.

Chris Lovelock Centre Manager at K2 Crawley commented, 'The increased investment in the centre has made a tangible difference to our disabled customers' experience here at K2 Crawley. It is important to the whole Freedom Leisure team that we provide accessible facilities and a wide variety of activities for all members of the local community. These improvements and those set for the future are great steps forward in providing more fitness activities for all who wish to use K2 Crawley.'

Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Cultural Services at Crawley Borough Council, said: "This is great news for Freedom Leisure, Crawley Wellbeing and the council. We try very hard to make our services accessible to all and K2 Crawley is no exception. The fact that it is the only approved 2012 Paralympic training camp in Sussex proves this."