"We hope to make this a regular feature in Bristol’s event calendar as Ignite Bristol continues to develop and improve opportunities for all."

The Ignite Bristol Multi-Sports Festival 2023 took place on the 30^th May. It is the biggest disability sports event in Bristol providing sporting taster sessions for children and young people who often don’t know what is available to them in the local community.

Badminton School generously offered their facilities for the day, which was filled with 21 different fun, new and enjoyable sports/activities, with an amazing turn out of over 125 participants. The sun was shining, there was a lovely atmosphere, with music, lots of smiles and many volunteers and staff to help out.

The Multi-Sport Festival offered the opportunity for lots of different organisations and providers to get together and showcase what disability inclusive sport and physical activity is available. They are all part of the Ignite Bristol Network which aims to give greater choice, quality and accessibility of opportunities for disabled Bristolians to be active.

The event showcased the fantastic local opportunities available in Bristol. There was something for everyone to try on the day ranging from yoga and bowls to frame running, wrestling, skateboarding, tennis, football, fencing, nerf gun activities and many more. Quiet sensory spaces and self-lead activities were offered to give young people the opportunity for some quiet, chilled time during the event.

The event was free for all d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent young people, adults and families got the unique opportunity to try new and inclusive sports activities while being in a fun and safe environment.

We are grateful to all volunteers and organisations who attended the event and we want to thank Volunteers from the University of Bristol who came and supported throughout the day as well as all the amazing coaches and organisations who volunteered their time to offer taster sessions.

Access Sport worked with, WECIL, Cerebral Palsy Plus and the University of Bristol to ensure the day was just what was needed by the local Bristol community. This festival has been made possible thanks to Badminton school offering there outstanding facilities and the funding provided from Slater and Gordon and the Out and About Consortium.

Lizzie Edgecombe, Senior Development Manager said:

"This event is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when working together. There are lots of wonderful groups out there offering inclusive opportunities, but we need to make it easier for disabled people to find these sessions and feel confident to take part. Whilst we’re sure all attendees will have an amazing day, what we’re really hoping for is for participants to find a sport they love so that they can experience the benefits of sport and physical activity for life."

 Matt Peall, Head of Children & Youth Services at WECIL and member of the Ignite Bristol Steering Group said:

"We’re really excited to be a part of this event. Through the Out and About Consortium we know there’s a huge demand for inclusive sport opportunities, so to give local disabled children and their families the chance to try so many on one day is amazing. We hope to make this a regular feature in Bristol’s event calendar as Ignite Bristol continues to develop and improve opportunities for all."

Watch the film below to find out more about our Ignite work in Bristol:

If you would like to find out about this event or future events like this, please contact:
[email protected]