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Cotswold Leisure to receive prestigious IFI award

Cotswold Leisure Cirencester is due to receive a prestigious Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) award, which recognises the high standard of sports and leisure facilities the centre provides for disabled people. Staff at the centre will also be commended for their strenuous efforts to raise participation levels in sports across all ages and abilities.

A ceremony is due to take place at Cotswold Leisure Cirencester at 3 pm on Monday 18 June to recognise its high quality inclusive service which accommodates the needs of all users.

The IFI Mark is awarded to facilities following an assessment by Direct Enquiries, the accreditation agents authorised by the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS). The team at Direct Enquiries recently reported that Cotswold Leisure Cirencester had met all the relevant criteria and also said they are pleased to be involved in the presentation ceremony.

Chairman of EFDS, Charles Reed, will present an official plaque to officials at the sports centre as it joins the list of establishments which are listed as IFI Mark inclusive gyms.

Speaking ahead of the ceremony Charles Reed said:

“The EFDS has been very impressed by what we have seen at Cotswold Leisure Cirencester. The staff have gone to great lengths to encourage disabled people – and others of all age and ability levels - to get the most out of their visits. They provide a wide range of exercise classes, state-of-the-art equipment and facilities which have a great deal of appeal to an all-inclusive clientele.”

Cotswold District Council’s Cabinet lead for Customer Services, Cllr Barry Gibbs, echoed these views:

“It is a great honour to receive the IFI Mark seal of approval at Cotswold Leisure Cirencester, and this reflects a great deal of hard work on the part of staff and managers to meet the IFI’s high standards.  They really do ensure that opportunities to engage in sport are available to everyone, and it is good to see the number of disabled customers who have been encouraged as a result.  Hopefully, with the UK-hosted Paralympics on the horizon, even more disabled people will be inspired to take up the all-inclusive sporting activities on offer.”

Press and media are invited to attend the award ceremony at Cotswold Leisure Cirencester. It takes place at 3 pm on 18 June.