Vote for IFI

The Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) has recently been shortlisted for the National Lottery Awards 2007.  To celebrate the difference that the project has made to the lives of disabled people, the IFI has been shortlisted in the Best Health Project category.

The IFI is a unique and pioneering project with a clear ambition. Every disabled person in England should have access to an inclusive fitness facility within reasonable distance of their home.  The IFI have been working to achieve this since 2001 and now boasts nearly 200 accredited facilities across England.

Inclusive fitness facilities operate around five key components:

• Accessible buildings and inclusive business practices
• Fitness equipment that can meet the needs of both disabled and non-disabled people
• Staff who have the necessary skills to offer a safe, effective and value for money workout for disabled people
• Organisations that change the way in which they promote themselves to become more attractive to all sectors of the community

The IFI are honoured to have been shortlisted as the National Lottery Awards aim to recognise the work carried out by projects funded by the National Lottery all across the UK.   The National Lottery Awards offer a fantastic opportunity not only to gain recognition for the work of facilities across the country but also to raise awareness of the importance of offering access for disabled people.  The voting is carried out by the public from 9th July - 3rd August and you can vote either by phoning 0845 386 8096 (calls cost no more than 1.5p).

There is no question that the IFI has made a substantial impact upon the lives of thousands of disabled people, by progressing to the final round of these awards the agenda for inclusion would be placed firmly in the mainstream, not only raising awareness of the opportunities that exist for disabled people, but raising awareness amongst the fitness industry that are not currently doing enough that now is the time to act and offer opportunities to all sectors of the community.

Thank you for your support.

For further information please contact:

Liz Hallett
National Manager - Inclusive Fitness Initiative
English Federation of Disability Sport
4th Floor, Minerva House
East Parade
LEEDS
LS1 5PS

Tel:   0113 245 0610