Baypoint in Sandwich has received £5,000 as part of the Sportivate Awards helping young people with disabilities to get involved in sports.

The cash will enable the Ramsgate Road centre to launch its Sportivate Disability Sports Programme in April.

It will allow pupils at special needs schools in the area to play and be coached in three different Paralympic sports for free.

Sam Perkins, sports manager, said Baypoint was “thrilled”.

“We hope with a successful programme we can make it a permanent fixture that will run through the summer and into the next academic year.”

Disability adapted Boccia and volleyball will be taught as well as Goalball, a team ball sport for blind athletes who judge the sound of a bell inside the ball to throw it into their opponents’ goal.

Mr Perkins said: “Each sport shall have an hour’s session with a qualified coach, Gloria Riley, and will take place at a set time which is still to be confirmed.”

The Sportivate funding has provided more than £90,000 for 46 projects in Kent and Medway.

It aims to help those aged 11 to 25 who are not currently playing sport to find an activity they enjoy.

Kent and Medway sports board chairman, Dick Fedorcio, said: “These are just some of the many local projects supported by the board through Sportivate funding. As a result thousands of young people can become more active in sports which they have never tried before.

“We review applications for support every month and would encourage anyone with an idea for a new project to get in touch with the Kent Sport and Physical Activity Service.”

For more information visit www.kentsport.org/sportivate