YMCA Manchester wanted to promote disability sport in Bury, building on the enthusiasm generated by the fantastic performances from Great Britain’s athletes in the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

 It was also an opportunity for local providers to come together and provide free sport for local disabled people who may not get the as many chances to participate in sport compared with able bodied people.

 More than thirty disabled people went along to the Community Games, held at the Castle Leisure Centre, with the Opening Ceremony led by local Olympic and Paralympic torchbearers, followed by a wide variety of activities for people to try.

 Attracting the attention of the local press, the Games was also praised by the participants, most of whom stayed for the whole event making the most of the sport on offer.

 With the Games being YMCA Manchester’s first event to focus on disability sport, they were impressed by the commitment, enthusiasm and dedication shown by 12 new volunteers who helped out, all of whom have said they are interested in volunteering again at future events.

 With local groups now having come together to stage the Games, the hope is that more sporting opportunities will be provided for disabled people. And YMCA Manchester has a programme of events planned for the rest of the year to build on the success of the Jigsaw Community Games.