News / Access Sport
Inclusive sports festival ‘highlights the power of collaboration’
Disabled and disadvantaged young people were given the chance to experience a range of sports for the first time at a special inclusive festival in Bristol.
Ignite Bristol, organised by Access Sport, took place on Friday at Coombe Dingle Sports Complex in Westbury-on-Trym.
The event featured activities including climbing, wheelchair basketball, tennis and hockey, providing participants with opportunities to discover new sports in a supportive environment.
The festival is designed to help children explore multiple activities in a single day and encourage them to pursue sports they enjoy over the long term.
The event was Access Sport’s second-largest multi-sport festival to date.
Ignite Bristol is run by the charity Access Sport – photo: Zoe Lambe
Holly Anstey, a tennis assistant and coach at David Lloyd Bristol Long Ashton, said she had found the event’s inclusive community and positive atmosphere particularly rewarding.
Corporate volunteer Kirsten Davis described Ignite Bristol as “really well run” and praised Access Sport for “bringing value to the community”.
Among the participants was Isla Rickards, who already plays football every fortnight. She said the festival had inspired her to try cycling again.
Speaking about her experience, Isla said: “There are so many amazing and supportive coaches, and there are so many different sports, which is amazing for everyone.”
Isla’s mum added that her daughter had previously attended an Access Sport event for women and girls, “which she loved”.
Access Sport is a national charity working to make sports more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
Main photo: Stella Phipps
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