Inclusive Fitness Initiative commits to second education programme
Throughout 2009 and early 2010, the Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) will be delivering a programme of seminars and educational events, providing additional support to the fitness and leisure sector in ensuring that not only can facilities be made accessible to disabled people, but that the principles of inclusion impacts upon all business practices.
The IFI has long been regarded as a source of advice to the fitness industry in terms of inclusive provision and through its various projects and funding streams will have supported 400 facilities by the end of 2009 to achieve the IFI Mark Accreditation.
The demand for the development of a 2009/2010 IFI Education Programme has been overwhelming following the success of the 2008/2009 Programme which attracted just short of 400 delegates across 15 events. This, coupled with the on-going commitment from Cybex who have confirmed sponsorship of the programme for the 2nd year running, has made it possible to ensure that leisure and fitness professionals have an even greater opportunity to understand not only how they can make their buildings and facilities accessible, but also how inclusion can be incorporated into all business practices.
Simon Withey, Vice President of Business Development Europe, Cybex Inc, commented,
“Cybex is delighted to be continuing our support of the IFI’s Education
Programme for a second year. Via their comprehensive education package,
the IFI can assist owners and operators of health and fitness facilities to
embrace a truly inclusive offering for all their members and customers. At
Cybex, we also aim to assist operators with a comprehensive portfolio of
innovative and quality products developed to the IFI’s Stage 2 standards.”
Following consultation with last year’s delegates, the 2009/2010 Programme will adopt a slightly different structure with a commitment to delivering events within different geographical regions, thus maximising opportunities for leisure and fitness professionals from across the entire country to become involved.
The 2009/2010 series of seminar style events will cover a number of popular topics including inclusive marketing, creating an inclusive fitness environment, staff training and developing partnership networks. The events will highlight evidence of good practice and not only provide delegates with an opportunity to hear from key industry speakers but to also network with like-minded professionals and share their own experiences and ideas.
Venues and dates are confirmed as:
Access All Areas: Creating an inclusive fitness environment
4th June 2009, Bradford College, West Yorkshire
18th June 2009, Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre, Gloucestershire
Leaping into Action: An introduction to inclusive marketing
9th July 2009, Edge Hill University, Lancashire
16th July 2009, Farnborough Leisure Centre, Surrey
Quids In-clusive: Maximising the commercial development of an inclusive fitness facility
3rd September 2009, Gateshead International Stadium, County Durham
17th September 2009, Roehampton University, London
Inclusive Connections: Developing and sustaining effective partnerships
12th November 2009, Danes Camp Leisure Centre, Northamptonshire
26th November 2009, Woking Leisure Centre, Surrey
Setting the Tone: Sending out an inclusive marketing message
11th February 2010, University of Birmingham, Warwickshire
18th February 2010, Thomas Parmiter Sports Centre, Hertfordshire
The first round of seminars, ‘Access All Areas: Creating an Inclusive Fitness Environment’ are less than a month away, with the focus being on how to create a holistic approach to inclusive fitness. This is an ideal opportunity for both IFI Accredited Facilities and non-accredited leisure providers to explore how to create a truly inclusive environment.
The IFI and Cybex are committed to ensuring that there are maximum opportunities for facilities and organisations to attend these events and are therefore thrilled to announce that there will be no price increase to event fees for the 2009/2010 programme. The delegate rate will be offered at only £50.00 (+ VAT) per person and IFI Accredited Facilities will once again be able to take advantage of two free places at every event. As a consequence of this, places are strictly limited and will be offered on a first come first served basis.
In addition to this, the IFI Education Programme, sponsored by Cybex will continue to carry 25 CPD points per event for all ISRM members, providing extended support to leisure and fitness professionals.
For further information or to book places on any of the events please contact Claire Robson, 0114 2572060 or e-mail claire@inclusivefitness.org