Ministers launch £5m Inclusive Fitness Initiative

Government ministers headed for the gym yesterday to launch the Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI).

Home Secretary, David Blunkett, Sports Minister, Richard Caborn, and Minister for Disabled People, Maria Eagle, were all working out at Westminster Gym to promote the £5m Sport England lottery-funded scheme designed to address the health and fitness needs of disabled people.

The IFI programme is run by the English Federation of Disability Sport Operating Company (EFDS) and follows a £1m lottery-funded pilot scheme which involved around 30 public sector health and fitness facilities.

Now the scheme has been launched nationwide, 150 facilities will benefit from grant funding to support inclusive solutions in four key areas – equipment, staff training, marketing and sports development programmes.

Richard Caborn said: “"With improving the health of the nation and the importance of physical activity at the forefront of Government Agendas, it is fundamental that disabled people are not disenfranchised from sport and fitness opportunities.

“The Inclusive Fitness Initiative represents a positive culture shift in the industry, dramatically improving provision for disabled people.”