Centre praised for disabled sport

Michael Watson is patron of the initiative

A council-run sports centre and arena is being honoured for its work with disabled people.

Boxer Michael Watson was conferring IFI (Inclusive Fitness Initiative) status on Robin Park Sports Centre, Wigan.

The former Commonwealth Middleweight Champion, who suffered brain damage in a world title fight with Chris Eubank, is patron of Sport England's IFI.

Another centre in Wigan - Hindley Pool and Sports Centre - is also due to receive the IFI kitemark.

IFI is a Sport England funded project backing facilities across the county to improve access, fitness equipment, staff training and sports development making fitness suites and facilities more freely available to people with disabilities.

Anyone who knows the Michael Watson story will be inspired by his determination and self-belief Rodney Hill, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust

Rodney Hill, Chief Executive of Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust (WLCT), said: "The Trust has been working hard to ensure that our sports facilities are easily accessible and have the correct equipment to allow people of all abilities to enjoy physical activity."

Although partially paralysed Michael Watson, who spent 40 days in a coma after the 1991 fight, has fought back to be a charity fundraiser.

In 2003 he finished the London Marathon in six days to raise money for the Brain and Spine Foundation.

"The Inclusive Fitness Initiative is a fantastic campaign and reflects our vision Getting Wigan Active which we hope will improve the physical and mental welfare of people across Wigan Borough," said Mr Hill.

"The huge strides taken at Robin Park and Hindley should go some way towards achieving this aim and anyone who knows the Michael Watson story will be inspired by his determination and self-belief."