DISABLED youngsters were today being encouraged to join a sporting club.

The Oasis Leisure Centre was hosting the Sporting Chance.

Members of the disabled community were invited to take part in a number of activities, including tennis, basketball, football, indoor athletics and table cricket.

The event was organised by Swindon Borough Council's lifestyle development team.

The idea is to provide a taster for young people, before starting the Sporting Chance Club.

Fran Pound, of the development team, said: "We want to see what activities young people are interested in doing. It may be there is a big demand for wheelchair basketball for example. We can then go forward and make use of the coaching staff we have for that activity."

She said the club would operate as a democracy.

"It is no use providing activities for young people that they don't want," she said.

Today's event was free with children aged eight to 16 invited to visit the Oasis between 10am and 12.30pm. The same sports were on offer to those over 17 between 1.30pm and 4pm.

Further information about the club can be obtained from the Lifestyle Development Team on 01793 511033.