PEOPLE with disabilities are to be encouraged to participate in sport this weekend.

Building Bridges, hosted by Tees Valley Sport, will look at ways to support and help disabled people to take part in a variety of sports they enjoy.

Held at the Sportsdrome, at Northfield School, Stockton, on Saturday, it is aimed at sports clubs and coaches and will help them to develop the ability and confidence to deliver quality coaching to disabled people.

It will be led by community sports coach Paul Smith, who is a former Paralympics athlete, who has coached hundreds of disabled children and competitive athletes.

Mathew Williams, coach development officer for Tees Valley Sport, said: "Disabled people are under-represented in sport due to the barriers that exist, which reduce access to sporting opportunities.

"One of these barriers is a lack of skills, confidence and experience of coaches on coaching disabled participants. There is an urgent need to proactively address this within the Tees Valley.

"We need to provide better opportunities for children to take part in sport as there are so many health benefits and sport is fun and a great way to keep fit."

The event takes place on Saturday, from 11am to 1.30pm. A follow-up practical training session will take place on Sunday, October 9, from 10am to 4pm.

For further details, contact Tees Valley Sport on (01642) 342287 or visit the Tees Valley Sport web site at www.teesval leysport.co.uk