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Aintree hosts 1st ever
disabled riding session for local kids
AINTREE Racecourse, working in
partnership with Everton in the Community and Riding for Disabled (RDA), has
today hosted its 1st ever disabled riding session as part of the newly formed
Aintree Community Programme. Over 20 children from the local area and Everton in
the Community's Disability Programme were invited, with their parents, to enjoy
a packed day at Aintree Racecourse. The children, some of whom have autism or
learning disabilities, were given the opportunity to try riding for the 1st
time, learn how to groom and look after a horse, enter the famous Weighing Room
and dress up in jockey's silks, enjoy panoramic views of Aintree at the top of
the Sefton Stand, and learn more about the world renowned Crabbie's Grand
National.
Grant Rowley, Regional Communications Manager
for Jockey Club Racecourses, said:- "We're delighted to have launched our
first disabled riding session at Aintree as part of the Aintree Community
Programme. Today was a fantastic day and by working with our partners, Everton
in the Community and the RDA, we hope to provide many more sessions in the
months and years for local people. Our relationship with the community is very
important to us and we can't wait to provide more opportunities to kids and
adults at the home of the Grand National."
Beechley Stables, based in Allerton and who are part of the RDA provided the
expertise required to undertake the session. British Horseracing Education and
Standards Trust (BHEST) provided tuition on the day as part of the Racing
Together programme of which Aintree has been selected as the Beacon Racecourse
out of 59 racecourses around the UK. Racing Together is an industry wide project
aimed at coordinating and communicating British Racing's community outreach and
making a real difference to local children. Everton FC's official charity,
Everton in the Community, is one of the UK's top sporting charities and has
joined forces with Aintree for this, and a number of other community projects.
Steve Johnson, Disability Development Manager for Everton in the Community,
said:- "Today has been a great success and it was clear to see by the
massive smiles on the faces of these children and their parents just how much
they have enjoyed this session and their behind the scenes tour of Aintree
Racecourse." |
