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Leisure centre wins disability award

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Active Ennis Leisure Complex has been presented with the prestigious White Flag Award for Disability Provision.

The White Flag, developed by the Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management (ILAM), is the only comprehensive quality award for leisure facilities in Ireland. The award recognises standards of excellence in health and leisure facilities and is aimed at sports halls, fitness studios, health suites, spas, gyms and swimming pools.

A disability access audit is conducted on each facility entered for the award, which was introduced in 2005 by the ILAM in partnership with The Irish Wheelchair Association and Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland.

ILAM complimented management at the Highfield Road facility for their efforts to deliver quality disability access.

Mayor of Ennis Councillor Peter Considine said the White Flag scheme has established itself as the quality mark that all leisure facilities must strive to achieve, and it is endorsed by Fáilte Ireland and the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF).

“By achieving the benchmark for highest standards within the health and leisure industry, the securing of this White Flag is a vote of confidence in the due consideration given to all visitors to and users of facilities at the Ennis complex,” he added.

Tim Forde, general manager Active Ennis Leisure Complex said they are delighted to have received this quality mark for disability access.

“Every effort has been made to ensure that our services and facilities are accessible to every member of the local community.

“Amongst the provisions at our facility for people with disabilities are designated lockers at wheelchair level, the provision of a wheelchair for disabled users, signage at disabled parking spaces encouraging users to contact reception for assistance on arrival, and wheelchair accessibility to all resistance gym equipment.

“We also are the only leisure facility in Clare with Motomed exercise bike for rehabilitation and disabled use, as well as being the only facility of its kind in the County to provide a hoist in the changing area,” Mr Forde outlined.

The White Flag Awards are judged by an independent jury made up of experts from a number of nationally recognised organisations including Fáilte Ireland, the HSE, the Irish Hotels Federation, Consumer Association, Swim Ireland and Irish Water Safety. Judging is thorough and rigorous ensuring fitness, gym instructors and lifeguards are fully qualified, facilities are safe, clean and hygienic and that equipment is maintained correctly.
Further information is available from 065 6821604 or www.activeennis.ie.

 

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