Curler cuts ribbon

Wednesday 4 September 2002

Olympic gold medallist, Rhona Martin, will join the community of Kilmarnock today to perform a ribbon cutting to launch the opening of the Fitness Suite Extension and Disabled Access Improvements at the Galleon Leisure Centre.

Supported by an award of £90,157 from the sportscotland Lottery Fund, the modifications to the facility include a fitness suite gym extension and changing facilities that will increase equality of access, widening the opportunities for people with disabilities or special needs to participate in sport.

Rhona Martin, who trains at the Leisure Centre, has become increasingly aware of the need for modifications for disabled participants due to the popularity of wheelchair curling which is played at the Galleon's ice rink and has recently made a donation towards the ongoing development of the sport.

Rhona Martin said: "The new gym facilities are wonderful, there is much more space, plenty of equipment and improved accessibility for all abilities. I hope that the community of Kilmarnock will enjoy coming to the Galleon Leisure to use this fabulous equipment."

David Carey, Acting General Manager, said: "The Kilmarnock Leisure Centre Trust in partnership with East Ayrshire Council and sportscotland are proud to improve accessibility to the Galleon Leisure Centre's fitness suite, changing accommodation and ice rink. This will assist to ensure equality of access, widen opportunities and foster participation in sport for all the residents in East Ayrshire and beyond."

Alastair Dempster, Chairman of sportscotland, said: "Increasing the participation in sport amongst disabled people is a concern of sportscotland. The right for everyone in the community to have access to quality facilities is something that all authorities are trying to address and with help from the Lottery Fund, the extension to the Galleon Centre is a prime example of this goal in action."