New sports hall for people with disabilities: “people in wheelchairs can also exercise”

Sports for people with disabilities often means an hour of exercise in a club, but now they can always go to the new sports hall in Vlamertinge. The Ninja course is interesting for children with ADHD and the sensory tents for those with autism.

Also people with dementia

“Toddlers can already come here, but also people aged 90. We are also accessible to rest homes. People with dementia can also come by,” explains Ruth Develter.

For example, all devices are adjustable in height for wheelchair patients. “I used to do a lot of sports before I was in a wheelchair, then less. But with the arrival of this sports hall I might come more often,” says a visitor.

No subsidies

Westhoek Turncentrum and Turnkring Vlamertinge offer series of lessons, subscriptions and a personal coach.

The building and furnishings cost a total of 800,000 euros, not a single cent of which was paid by the government. “We started crowdfunding, actor Peter Bulcaen helped us with that. We also depend on sponsorship and on people who make a donation.”