Gold medal-winning Special Olympian launches new social enterprise

Special Olympian Kiera Byland has launched a new social enterprise alongside charity the Together Trust aimed at delivering a course of educational sessions to schools with students who have learning difficulties and disabilities.

The launch of The Kiera Project took place at the specialist further education Bridge College in Manchester, run by local charity the Together Trust, and showcased the new venture: Performance For All North West.

Inspired by the story of the three time gold medallist, Performance For All North West have collated their combined experiences and skills in order to deliver an ‘inspiring course to schools and similar organisations’.

Cyclist Kiera said: “The project came around because I wanted to help and inspire young disabled people to not give up on their dream. It might take a little bit longer than other people, but you can achieve it.”

The Kiera Project pilot is funded by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund. At the launch there were 5 pilot sessions available and Performance For All North West will soon be working alongside organisations in Greater Manchester including schools and community groups.

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Founder of Performance For All Jade Mottley added: “We set this project up to create opportunities for individuals with intellectual (learning) or physical disabilities. We wanted to create an easier journey with fewer barriers to inspire young people to go get involved in sport.”

Along with practical sports sessions and information about disability awareness workshops, the event showcased the project and the Special Olympics Motor Activities Training Programme (MATP), delivered by the Special Olympics MATP Technical Advisor Dr Niamh Reilly.

For more information on The Kiera Project, visit www.performanceforallnw.org.uk

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