Day centre in Weymouth recognised for efforts during the Olympic and Paralympic Games (From Dorset Echo)

Day centre in Weymouth recognised for efforts during the Olympic and Paralympic Games

2:00pm Thursday 31st January 2013 in News By Emma Walker

A WEYMOUTH day centre has been recognised for its efforts during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Dorset County Council has awarded the Ridgeway Day Centre on Links Road an Olympic flag and it was presented by Dave Franks, sports and physical activity manager at the county council.

He said: “Staff and service users from the Ridgeway Day Centre were brilliant during the Olympics and Paralympics.

“They volunteered at the Sports Arena, took part in various sporting opportunities and staged inspirational artistic performances.”

More than 25 staff and users took part in a drama show staged at the ICCI Dome in Weymouth, many with severe physical and learning disabilities.

Mr Franks added: “Everyone’s enthusiasm received high praise, and we are all very proud of what was achieved. Hopefully more disabled people will have been inspired to try out sporting as well as cultural activities. “We are also grateful to the many disabled people who took part and helped out during the games, and five more day centres have received an Olympic flag in recognition of their hard work.”

Sally James, manager of the Ridgeway Services, said: “It was a great honour to take part, and the performers really enjoyed sharing their production at such an important event. “The flag will be a constant reminder of the Olympic and Paralympic events, and we look forward to taking part in activities this summer as well.

“Performing in front of an audience can be both challenging and inspiring, but it also builds confidence and helps develop personal skills.

“It also helps to break down barriers by challenging preconceptions about disabled people.”

Plans are now underway for a beach festival for both disabled children and adults this summer.