Children from the Stay and Play Project will be able to benefit from the brand new Boathouse Activity Centre, rather than a “not fit for purpose” room as from today.

The inauguration of the fully revamped Bayside Sports Centre Boat House took place on Friday morning, with Minister for Sports, Culture, Heritage & Youth Steven Linares and Minister for Equality Samantha Sacramento.

The inaugurated the building which comprises a tailor made activity centre for children and young people of all abilities, a kitchen, wash basins to support arts and crafts activities, an equipment store and a covered outdoor patio area leading onto a fully inclusive outdoor play park. The Activity Centre also has fully accessible toilets, one with a shower and an electric hoist.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr Linares said: “I am very proud of this place. It is purpose built for children with disabilities, but the idea is to have it here in the stadium where children with disabilities can be included in the summer programme.

“We have consulted with experts, and the contractor has been working closely with the social services department, it was a joint effort.

“I am sure the children will be much, much happier to have a place like this catered for them.”

The Boathouse Activity Centre will be utilised as a base for the Stay and Play Project, part of the GSLA Summer Sports & Leisure Programme aimed at providing a programme of sport, physical activity, arts and crafts and music appreciation for children with special needs. The purpose built facility and playground will now enable the children who participate in the programme to fully maximise the time that they spend there and making it more enjoyable.

Paul Perez, who has volunteered with the Stay and Play Project for the past 11 summers, is the going to be group leader looking after 16 children ranging from 5-year-olds to 16-year-olds.

He added: “It was actually quite emotional when we first saw the place, it is purpose built for the kids. It’s all about the children, and that’s the beauty of it.”

Elizabeth Harrisson, disability awareness officer, said this project was built from scratch. Working closely with project manager Michael Pizzarello, the outdoor play area was built to be inclusive to all children, and whereas the indoor area was built catering towards every need.

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