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SEND group enjoy Tigers virtual fitness

Leicester Tigers community team have been working with Voluntary Action Leicester and MENCAP to help deliver a number of fitness programmes for adults with special educational needs and disabilities. 

Voluntary Action Leicester provides advice, support and training to charities and community groups across Leicester and Leicestershire. The VALUES project has provided people with learning disabilities in Leicester and Leicestershire the opportunity to learn new skills, make friends and have fun.

In a new campaign, Leicester Tigers sports development officer Charlie Hurley has been leading a number of virtual fitness sessions to groups from his living room. 

Originally, the sessions were run at Aylestone Leisure Centre and gave the group a chance to try out the multi-sports programme. 

However, following the Covid-19 pandemic, Charlie has created new virtual fitness sessions so that the group can still meet and enjoy physical activity.

Mikaela Paterson, who leads the group and works for the VALUES project, said: ““I am thrilled that we are now able to deliver the Tiger’s sessions to the clients with learning disabilities in a COVID-secure way through the use of virtual video sessions.

“The lockdown really diminished the ability for people with a learning disability to keep fit and healthy, and now these sessions are helping to get fitness levels back up which is so important.

“I think of Charlie as our very own Joe Wicks!”

Charlie added: “We’ve got to work out new ways to reach people across the region as unfortunately there are some in the community that are vulnerable and are missing out because of the pandemic.

“It’s been great being active in the community in whatever way we can, and we are looking to get back into schools and groups in the coming months as restrictions allow. 

If you’d like to get involved, or are interested in seeing how Charlie and the Tigers community team can support in your school, group or club, simply email [email protected] or visit the link below.