Students from BA and BSc Sport and Physical Education teamed up with 'Get Into Sport' to develop their academic project proposals and incorporate them into the recreational programme.

This successful bid was led by Jake Hetherington:

"We looked at what Get into Sport offered and we noticed a gap. We chose to apply for Wheelchair Basketball as it was an inclusive and different sport that interested us. We met up with Katie Quinlan (Sports Project Officer) and discussed the idea further to identify realistic goals. The first session was fantastic with a great group, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and I'm expecting it to get busier and busier."

The aim of the sessions are to:

• Provide inclusive sporting provision for all students; including rehabilitation
• Increase awareness of disability sport through integration and education
• Work with the County Sport Partnership and local partners to provide exit routes

Following three consecutive weeks of provision there are now on average 20 students participating each week. Stuart Tite (Wheelchair Basketball coach) has been impressed with the turnout to the initial sessions, "We have enjoyed the company of one student who has Cerebral Palsy and as a full-time wheelchair user has not had the opportunity to participate in a team sport at the University before.

"In addition to Inclusive Access, Students have learnt how to adjust behaviours to suit the varying physical limitations of team mates. This may prove a valuable assessment skill in the future when careers demand this ability to understand differentiation and adaptability."

As a BUCS sport that encompasses inclusivity - welcoming students of varying abilities, it is the desired outcome that with continued support and engagement levels, a team can be formed. The participants will be looking to take on some friendly matches in the near future. Another result of the increased commitment to inclusive sport is the current search for new University of Bedfordshire owned wheelchairs.

Why not come down and see what its all about every Tuesday 6.30-8pm at Polhill Arena and please, if you see anyone who would benefit from these sessions, then please don't be shy, let them know we are here.