Active Bradford is delighted to welcome International Mixed Ability Sports (IMAS) as the seventh organisation to join the partnership.

Founded in Bradford but making an impact across the globe, IMAS was formed with the vision of radically changing the way people think of, join in and enjoy sports, leading to a fairer and more equal society.

Mixed Ability takes an innovative approach to break down barriers. Participants from a wide range of background and abilities share experiences and learning through interactive and accessible training resources. This creates sporting environments that are safe, welcoming and non-judgmental.

Mixed Ability emphasises regular, frequent and sustainable activities, self-determination, club membership and opportunities for social interaction for everyone.

One of the organisations flagship events is the International Mixed Ability Rugby World Tournament, first hosted in Bradford in 2015, welcoming more than 400 people from ten different countries to take part in free and accessible events. The event was held again in Spain in2017, and was postponed in 2020, having been scheduled to take place in Cork.

IMAS joins the University of Bradford, Bradford College, the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, Bradford Teaching Hospitals, Yorkshire Sport Foundation and One in a Million as partner organisations of Active Bradford.

All of the partners help to develop and deliver a wide range of opportunities to be active. They work together, through Active Bradford, to collectively influence strategic plans, give support to each other and other bodies, and develop and collectively promote opportunities through ongoing campaigns and events.

"We are very excited about joining Active Bradford", said Mark Goodwin, IMAS Co-Founder and Director.

"IMAS was born in the city and we continue to make our home here whilst growing Mixed Ability across the world. It is testament to the support we have received in Bradford that the lessons we have learnt here are now being shared across the world transforming the lives of thousands of people.

Martino Corazza, Co-founder and Director added: "Being a part of shaping the strategy for fairer, more active and more sustainable communities across our district was too good an opportunity to turn down and we look forward to contributing further as we work towards a culture where physical activity is truly open to everyone."

Wayne Jacobs, Chair of Active Bradford, added: "We are pleased to welcome IMAS as a member of Active Bradford who we are sure will be a real asset, bringing with them a passion and enthusiasm to make physical activity more inclusive and accessible to people in Bradford.

"They have a fantastic track record of transforming lives of so many people and we look forward to working with them in our vision to make Bradford a more active, healthy and happy place to live and work."