Inclusion Festival at Braywick Leisure Centre, Maidenhead - celebrating IDPD 2024 - International Day of People with Disabilities

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) event at Braywick Leisure Centre, held on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, was a remarkable initiative organised and run by the London Irish Foundation, with continued support from Pump Technology Ltd. This collaboration brought to life an inspiring celebration of inclusion, community, and the transformative power of sport.

The Inclusion Festival was designed to bridge the gap between sports and individuals with disabilities. Just short of 100 participants enjoyed a variety of activities and games tailored to different abilities, including Rugby Netball, Walking Football, Boccia, Target Games, Cornhole, Disk Throwing, New Age Bowls, Quoits, and more.

The presence of British Paralympians Ben Pritchard and Jeanette Chippington added an inspiring element to the day, as their stories of perseverance and success left a lasting impression on all attendees.

A heartfelt thanks to all the supporting partners and volunteers, including Conscious Create Ltd, Gold Finch, Leisure Focus, Heathrow, Gallagher Insurance, Maidenhead United Charitable Trust, and pupils from Bishop Wand, Chertsey, and Sunbury Manor Schools. Events like this showcase the power of inclusivity and community, using sport as a vehicle to bring people together. Congratulations to everyone involved!

This year, Leisure Focus Sports partnered with Stand Out For Autism to bring along their incredible Sensory Bus, providing a vital resource for meaningful engagement.

Leisure Focus Inclusion and Partnership Manager Jatinder Singh Rakhra summed it up beautifully:
“It is fantastic to see the London Irish Foundation Inclusion Festival continue to evolve at Braywick Leisure Centre, bringing together people of all abilities to celebrate community and sport.”

Andy Keast, Chief Executive of the London Irish Foundation, expressed his gratitude, saying:

"I would like to thank my team, Rhys Mynott (Inclusion Lead) and Wayne Wedgbury (Head of Operations), for the months of effort and hard work in organising this event. Also, a special thank you to Pump Technology Ltd for their financial support. Without this, events like this would simply not be possible.

Gallagher Volunteers

Maidenhead United Charitable Trust

Bishop Wand Students

VRU Summer Programme Girls from Sunbury Manor, Chertsey & Bishop Wand Schools