WOMEN from Asian, black and ethnic minority communities in East Lancashire are being encouraged to get active.

Public health funding has been awarded to the Inter Madrassah Organisation (IMO) by Blackburn with Darwen Council in a bid to get more people playing sport.

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A sporty project was originally set up by a small group of friends backed by the IMO who found themselves at a loose end one evening and decided to play netball.

Quickly realising the activity was perfect for fitness and socialising, volunteers decided there was a need to create a structured female sports group, which could play netball, rounders and enter competitions, while having fun and staying healthy.

Samiya Dalal, from the team, welcomed the news of the cash boost as she said the volunteer-led scheme had started to find it difficult to find venues for hire.

She said: “My friends and I set these groups up to give mothers, daughters and Asian heritage women the opportunity to socialise, make new friends, play sports and have fun. I urge any women who may have reservations about taking part to give it a go.”

Cllr Mohammed Khan, executive member for health and adult social care at the council, said he hoped the sessions would encourage health, fitness and also prevent social isolation.

He said: “Funding groups and schemes like these will help the council achieve one of its top priority of improving health and wellbeing.”

Cllr Kate Hollern, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said it was important women from all communities had somewhere to go to enjoy sport.

She said: “Before becoming leader I was the executive member that had responsibility for sport within the borough and I know the benefit sport can have on residents and communities.

“As leader I have met many different groups and clubs and all do a fantastic job but the work Samiya and her team do is amazing and I am really glad we could help them with some funding. I wish them every success for the future.”

Sessions for netball and rounders take place on Tuesdays from 6pm to 7pm at St Wilfrid’s CofE Academy, in Blackburn, on Wednesdays from 8pm to 9pm at Pleckgate School and on Fridays from 8pm to 9pm at Witton Park Academy.

Sessions cost £2 each or £10 for 10 classes.

For more information visit www.imosportsacademy.org.