AN organisation working to uphold the rights and entitlements of disabled people in Thurrock is aiming to improve the opportunities available to those wishing to get into sport.

Thurrock Coalition have launched a website with an activity database, letting people know what sports are on where and when. The organisation has also teamed up with Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions, which has a Sports Champion in place and has pledged transport support and assistance for residents.

The move by Thurrock Coalition comes after a “Sport For You” conference it hosted in the summer revealed there are not enough sporting options for people with disabilities in Thurrock.

Those who attended the conference also said that where there were opportunities to get involved in sport, were not widely advertised and transport was costly getting to and from venues.

Following the conference at the Beehive Centre, the Sports Council, together with representatives from sports clubs and associations worked out how best to improve opportunities.

Steve Liddiard, the council’s lead on sport, said: “Following the Olympic and Paralympic Games, disabled peoples participation in sport is increasing in the UK and it's vital that Thurrock plays its part on a local level to ensure that this trend doesn’t fizzle out - and this campaign is working to achieve exactly that.”

Ian Evans, programme co-ordinator at Thurrock Coalition, said: “In response to this campaign, we're already seeing individuals and groups pledging their support through skills, time and resources. We're excited to be at the forefront of making sports opportunities a reality for Thurrock's disabled people in 2014.”

For more information, visit: see www.thurrockcoalition.co.uk/sport