Many athletes go beyond the normal powers of human endurance and suffering in search of the perfect performance.
All too often, participants in disability sports have to go even further as they fight to overcome physical barriers to their access to training facilities.
Those barriers apply at all levels, from grassroots to the Paralympic Games - and that is why the designers of sportscotland National Sports Training Centre Inverclyde have set out to provide a facility that will be accessible to all when it opens in 2017.
In fact, in the wake of ParalympicsGB winning a record-breaking 147 medals at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games in September, Inverclyde is about to make history of its own as the first UK residential sports facility of its kind, designed for inclusivity.
John Kent, Principal, says: "When we set out to design the centre, we didn’t only think about sports. We thought about the people taking part in sports, too.
"We considered every aspect of comfort, well-being, safety and access.
"And now we are building a training facility that works for all our customers at every level and ability."
The new National Centre Inverclyde has been designed and built for ease of access, to meet the needs of all users whether participating in sport, spectating or using the centre's facilities.
From corridors, lifts and guardrails to floors, level without lips, the centre will offer a seamless transition from accommodation and ancillary areas to indoor sports facilities. Fixtures and finishing have also been selected to enhance use by all.
From corridors, lifts and guardrails to floors, level without lips, the centre will offer a seamless transition from accommodation and ancillary areas to indoor sports facilities. Fixtures and finishing have also been selected to enhance use by all.
The centre has been designed as an inspirational facility, to enhance sports training and motivation. It is a highly accessible and inclusive venue where 120 disabled participants can come together to train, play and stay in a performance environment.
Inverclyde is equally accessible and available to schools, colleges, and athletes as well as the local community, with an ethos of inclusivity and accessibility running through the centre's philosophy.
Room for everyone
The new centre combines world class sports facilities and associated services, meeting rooms, and catering provision, meaning it can host events, all serviced by sophisticated audio visual and digital resources including high speed Wi-Fi connectivity, together with event management facilitation services
The venue is suitable for sports events, conferences, award ceremonies, business meetings, coach education and development workshops and community events.
The centre will be many things to many people:
- For elite athletes, a performance training venue
- For schoolchildren, a place to participate or progress in a sport
- For Scottish Governing Bodies of sport (SGBs) and clubs, a venue for training courses, development camps, championships or competition heats
Inverclyde will maintain its reputation for building long-term relationships with governing bodies, clubs, schools and the local community, delivering and facilitating sports and activity programmes which are accessible to all.
John Kent adds: "By helping to break down the barriers to accessing sport Inverclyde is playing its part in contributing to the national agenda of a more active Scotland and championing inequalities in the way we access sport.
"Delivering and facilitating sport services and programmes of the highest calibre, customised to individual needs, will be our number one priority, with exceptional customer service at the heart of the Inverclyde offering."
No barriers to training
Access between residential and indoor sports facilities at Inverclyde will be seamless. Each level is flat with no steps or awkward doors. Four lifts will operate throughout the building to ensure access is easy, and athletes can focus on performance. All four lifts will remain active, even in the event of an emergency situation, enabling the evacuation of up to 120 wheelchair users within an hour.
Wheelchair access is enhanced by a spacious reception area, bigger corridors, doorways, bedrooms and communal areas, all of which assist access and are equally helpful when manoeuvring and transporting kit bags, equipment, luggage and athletes.
The new cardio and resistance weight-training equipment for the physical preparation area has been designed and selected for ease of adaptation to the different needs of individual athletes.
Peace and quiet guaranteed
Bedroom size exceeds British standards for wheelchair users and beds are longer than average, for comfort and convenience. All rooms have blinds and curtains to create blackout conditions.
Designers worked with acousticians to make sure the residential area would be as quiet as possible.
Selected bedrooms also have adjoining rooms with a hoist, ideal for those with severe impairment or requiring additional support. These are also useful for accommodating carers for those who require additional assistance (please enquire about availability when booking).
En-suite wet rooms with sliding doors, accessible fixtures and radiators - fitted to the ceiling - all contribute to maximising space and comfort.
John Kent adds: "We will also have practical wayfinding signage for safe, secure and practical navigation for all users throughout the centre and our grounds.
"Everyone at Inverclyde has been trained to understand the needs of visitors with varying levels of ability.
"We believe that our personal approach is an all-important part of making your Inverclyde experience truly memorable."
Find out more
Bookings at Inverclyde are now being taken for May 2017 onwards. For further information or to book, visit the website or contact Inverclyde using the details below:
E: in.enquiries@sportscotland.org.uk
T: 01475 674666
Facebook: inverclyde
Twitter: @inverclydeNSTC
Deaf / BSL users can reach us through Contact Scotland
