Leisure Connection is launching a £90,000 fundraising drive to support disabled athletes ahead of the 2012 Paralympic Games. This is as part of nationwide campaign called Wheel Appeal, which has been launched by WheelPower, the national organisation for Wheelchair sport. The aim is to raise more than £6 million - enough money to provide 2012 sports wheelchairs for young disabled athletes by 2012.

Leisure Connection was one of the first companies to support this initiative and to kick start this drive they will be encouraging all 80 of its leisure centres across the UK to take part in the Swim Gym Marathon Challenge.
The aim of the Swim Gym Marathon Challenge is to get customers to complete the equivalent of a sponsored marathon, 26.2 miles over a month, using the facilities at their local leisure centre.  Customers may decide to focus on one exercise that they are particularly strong at, such as running, to complete the distance. Alternatively they could opt to try a wide range of sports such as 10 miles of swimming, 10 miles of running and then 6.2 miles on a rower.
The aim is that each Leisure Connection contract raise £3,000 for the Wheel Appeal by 30 September 2008. By doing this each contract will provide a new sports wheelchair along with the training and support from Wheel Power's expert staff that will help each disabled child and young adult participate in sport and lead a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life.
Graham Farrant, Chief executive of Leisure Connection said: "We are very keen to give our support to such a fantastic campaign. Helping disabled people enjoy sport is something that we strongly believe in and this campaign will help more disabled people enjoy the benefits of taking part in sport and potentially uncover some hidden gems before the Paralympics. We hope that this campaign will galvanize people who use our leisure centres to get active more often to help us raise as much money as possible."
For more information please contact:
Rebecca Douglas or Chris Mitchell at MCG PR on 0113 268 5000 or email Chris.Mitchell@mcgpr.co.uk