Get Out Get Active celebrates International Day for Disabled People
Get Out Get Active (GOGA) is celebrating the International Day for Disabled People and the importance of inclusive activity. Two years since GOGA began, we have supported over 13,000 unique participants to take part in various activities across the country. Funded by Spirit of 2012, all partners are focused on getting some of the UK's least active people moving more through fun and inclusive activities.
Since 1992, people from across the globe have celebrated the United Nation's International Day for Disabled People on 3rd December. The annual celebration adopts a theme every year. In 2018, the theme is empowering disabled people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality.
The Day aims to promote the rights and well-being of disabled people in all areas of society and development. It also aims to increase awareness of the situation of disabled people in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
We are so proud of the programme’s success. It includes stories like Rob who has gone from being completely inactive to now taking part in half marathons and regular 5km runs. Neil who felt extremely isolated following the death of his partner, now supporting GOGA cycling in Rochdale. Shirley, recovering from cancer, joined GOGA Wrexham to become fitter and now enjoying running, walking and swimming. And, Stephen and Dean in Fife becoming athletes and committed GOGA leaders.
Activities range from Swim 4 Health in Nottingham to Walk this Way in Bradford. All activities ensure that inclusion for disabled people is at the heart of delivery. Everyone talks about the fun and friendship they gain from being part of the GOGA community.
Today activities include Fitsteps, a dance workshop in Thanet, Fun Fitness in Fife, Ladies night in Wrexham, tennis taster sessions in Nottingham. Plus, there are bowls and chair sessions in Stoke in Trent- activities for everyone!
We want to celebrate inclusion every day, not just on 3rd December, because it’s what everyone involved in GOGA ensures from the moment they start an activity. With the right resources and confidence, more activity providers can feel as proud as we are since we started GOGA. Thank you to all the leaders, volunteers, participants and funders, Spirit of 2012, for making inclusive activity possible across the UK.
Kat Southwell, GOGA Programme Manager
Take a look at our feature video on GOGA
Purple light up
Go purple this 3 December! This year Purple Space is inviting everyone to join in - to go purple for 3 December 2018. #PurpleLightUp is a new movement. Find out more on their website - https://www.purplespace.org/purple-light-up
For more information, please contact Helen Derby, GOGA programme officer on helend@activityalliance.org.uk