YOUNG people from Renfrewshire and Glasgow have taken to the track to show that having special needs is no barrier to go-karting. Over 50 kids and volunteers from the SAMs Club took part in a Grand Prix at The Experience in Hillington Park, with specially trained staff and adapted karts allowing as many people as possible to participate.
SAMs Club was formed in 2012 to help provide support, care and respite to families in Glasgow and the surrounding local areas. The group now has 90 members, some with additional needs, and volunteers help organise regular activities where everyone can participate.
Based in Hillington Park, The Experience is Scotland’s only electric go-karting venue and offers a unique Accessible Karting Programme. Specially designed tandems, side-by-side karts, hand controls and a fully accessible arena allows people who would otherwise be excluded from go-karting the chance to experience the thrill of motor sport.
Cara O’Donnell, Co-Founder of SAMs Club, said:
“Our volunteers work hard all year round to fundraise and organise activities, so it was great to have such a big turnout for today. Sometimes it can be difficult to arrange something where all of the group can take part, but we have been able to take advantage of the facilities on offer.
“This is the first time that many of the young people will have tried go-karting, and judging by the smiles on their faces, I’m sure they’ll be back.”
The Experience is owned and operated by the social enterprise Kibble Group. Chief Executive of Kibble Group, Jim Gillespie, said:
“I am delighted that we have been able to welcome SAMs Club to The Experience and I hope that they enjoyed their visit. Our Accessible Karting programme has been hugely successful with over 2000 sessions of discounted karting delivered in the past 3 years.
“If any person or group thinks that they would be eligible for our Accessible Karting programme, I would urge them to get in touch so that they too can enjoy the excitement of go-karting.”