Karting venue to give weekly track sessions to young people with disabilities for free

Following a successful grant application Absolutely Karting in Bristol has purchased two specially adapted twin-seat go karts, enabling the facility to launch its Together Karting programme. It will give families who have children and young adults with additional needs the chance to enjoy the thrill of go karting for free every Sunday morning.

From Sunday 23rd October, young people with disabilities will be able to take to the Absolutely Karting track in the twin-seat karts during sessions being run by Absolutely Together. The karts will give them as much or as little control as they choose, and they will be joined by an Absolutely Karting instructor who will drive them round the track. Two members of their family can race against them in standard go karts.

Absolutely Together, which is part of the Absolutely Leisure Group, aims to put thousands of smiles on faces across the area by giving families free access to leisure activities they can take part in as a family.

David Brind, Group Manager of Absolutely Leisure, commented:

“Financial and physical restrictions can mean youngsters with additional needs and their families aren’t able to take part in leisure activities together, often meaning they feel left out and isolated. This can lead to mental ill health and an inability for young people to be active. Absolutely Together’s aim is to change this and provide free experiences that can be cherished.

“Thanks to a grant of £12,000 from the Wooden Spoon charity, we have been able to purchase two twin-seat karts which will be permanently based at Absolutely Karting in Bristol. It means that every Sunday we will be reserving the morning sessions so families can use the karts and take to the track together for free. We will also be providing an opportunity for special educational needs schools across Bristol to access our facilities at no cost.

“The support from Wooden Spoon really will help us make a difference to families across the area.”

Families who have members with disabilities can register to be part of the Sunday Smiles initiative and enjoy go karting for no cost by emailing smiles@absolutely-group.co.uk.

To celebrate the launch of Sunday Smiles, Absolutely Together and the Wooden Spoon charity will be holding a special launch event on Friday 18th November, when they will be joined by Kerry McCarthy, the Labour MP for Bristol East. Local families are invited to attend and can reserve a space at the event by emailing smiles@absolutely-group.co.uk.