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Disability Access Transformed with new Poolpod

Disability Access Transformed with new Poolpod

17 December 2019

A state of the art Poolpod has revolutionised access to the competition pool at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex for customers with a disability and restricted mobility.

The Poolpod is a multi-award winning swimming pool lift, which provides a replacement of pool hoists in existing pools. The platform was developed for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to lift competitors in and out of the water and is now transforming pool access at the Lisburn facility since being installed earlier in the year.

Funded by the Department for Communities through Sport NI, the new equipment is delivered by Disability Sport NI in partnership with Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.

The Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee, Alderman James Tinsley said, “Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is committed to increasing accessibility across the City therefore the new Poolpod will provide a valuable asset at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex to ensure all customers have quick and safe access to the swimming pool.

“I would like to thank the Department for Communities, Sport NI and Disability Sport NI for their generous contribution towards the Poolpod and I look forward to seeing the new equipment being used by customers with a disability and restricted mobility over the coming months and years.”

Kevin O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer of Disability Sport NI welcomes the funding, “The facilities that have received the Poolpods have shown a great commitment to improving access and providing their staff with disability inclusion training. This project is part of the wider District Council Disability Sports Hub Project which recently saw a significant investment into disability sports equipment in every council area”

Sport NI Chief Executive Antoinette McKeown added, “These new Poolpods are the latest example of how the Active Living: No Limits Action Plan is enhancing the lives of local people with a disability through sport. The many benefits of an active lifestyle to our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing should be open to everyone here, and Sport NI is proud to be working with our partners to create more inclusive opportunities for local communities to enjoy, engage and excel in sport.”