Wiltshire Council is championing inclusive sport and physical activity, helping residents of all abilities to get active, connect with others, and improve their wellbeing.

Through its Inclusive Activities programme, the council offers weekly sessions across the county, including dance, boccia, seated exercise and activity clubs for both children and adults. These activities are designed to be welcoming and accessible, supporting people to move more and feel part of their community.

The team recently hosted the county’s second Get out Get Active (GOGA) Games. The event was held at Melksham Community Campus on Monday 21 July, with around 120 participants coming together for a day of inclusive sport, social connection and celebration.

The event, part of the national Get Out, Get Active programme, gave disabled and non-disabled people from across Wiltshire the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of inclusive activities. Participants took part in activities such as boccia, archery, dance, cricket, and relay races. Then participants were invited to relax and meet others over coffee and cake – giving them a chance to share their experiences and form new friendships.

Funded by the Activity Alliance, the GOGA initiative supports the least active members of the community to become more physically active, whilst also promoting inclusive participation and creating friendships.

GOGA sessions run regularly in Melksham, Calne, Amesbury, Durrington, Salisbury, Redlynch, Tidworth, Ludgershall, and Chippenham, and are open to all, bringing disabled and non-disabled people together.

To find out more about inclusive sports in Wiltshire, visit: Inclusive Activities – Local Offer.

Cllr Mel Jacob, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure, Libraries, and Communities, said: “The GOGA Games and our wider Inclusive Activities programme show how inclusive sport can transform lives. It’s not just about physical activity—it’s about building confidence, having fun, making friends and building a sense of community.

“I encourage anyone, whether they’re looking to try something new, meet people or simply get a bit more active, to take a look at what we have to offer, and come along to a session.

“I’m proud that Wiltshire is leading the way in addressing the barriers to participation and making sport accessible for everyone.”

Wiltshire Council is also exploring a new pilot initiative in Westbury aimed at making leisure facilities more inclusive and accessible for people with learning disabilities. This joint effort between Adult Social Care and Leisure, Culture and Communities seeks to better understand the needs of individuals with learning disabilities and how local leisure centres can adapt to meet them.

As part of the pilot, the council is talking to people with learning disabilities to create a tailored, free leisure offer that works for them—ensuring activities are available at suitable times and in welcoming environments.

If successful, this approach could be extended to other areas across Wiltshire, helping to create more inclusive leisure opportunities county-wide.

Cllr Gordon King, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said “Inclusion and opportunity are at the heart of everything we do. Everyone deserves the chance to enjoy leisure and sport, regardless of ability or background.

“Our work in Westbury is a great example of how we’re listening to people with learning disabilities and working together to create spaces that are truly welcoming and accessible. We want to ensure that everyone in Wiltshire can take part, feel valued, and thrive.”