The Disability Discrimination Act specifically requires that sport
construction does not in any way impede a person with a disability from
enjoying their training. Yorkshire-based manufacturer of synthetic
surfaces Playrite know that the need to specify the right products for
sporting
facilities is seen as crucial if a whole swathe of the disabled
community is to be fully included in UK sport.
Playrite provide the highest quality of sport surfacing products for
everyone, from grassroots community sport centres up to elite sporting
facilities. In particular they are keen to ensure their products are
suitable for all users, in particular those who use wheelchairs in
grass-based
sports.
To guarantee that their products will serve the next generation
sporting greats Playrite submitted their Matchplay 2 surface for testing
to
determine the coefficient of friction when the surface is in use by
wheelchairs. Surfaces require coefficient of friction between 0.75 μ –
1.0 μ to
be deemed suitable for wheelchair sports. Tests conducted by Labosport
determined that Matchplay 2 had a rating of 0.96μ which deems it safe
for
wheelchair users and suitable for a number of sports including: Tennis,
Hockey, Football, Netball and Basketball.
Chris Pickles, Sales Director, Playrite Ltd, commented, “We have had a
large increase in demand from the wheelchair sporting sector for our
Matchplay 2 synthetic grass surface. It seemed more than prudent to have
our Matchplay 2 product tested by a recognised body. It’s crucial that
sports surfaces meet the required friction ratings for wheelchair users.
The Labosport report quite clearly shows that Matchplay 2 is more than
fit
for purpose in this sector.”
