A GROUP which supports young LGBTQ+ people in the borough has organised a range of sports activities.

Wigan Council's BYOU youth group spent a month having a go at different sports and encouraging their friends to do the same.

It followed a study published by the national LGBT Partnership in 2016 that there was a much lower participation rate in sport by the LGBT community compared to the general population.

Their last activity was a wheelchair basketball session at Central Park in Wigan.

Wheelchair sports coach Phil Roberts said: "Wheelchair sports are a great vehicle for engaging all people in sports, even ‘non sporty’ people, as because everyone is usually new to the sport you start on a level playing field and so everyone gets the chance to do well."

Occasional wheelchair user Jay was one of the participants who enjoyed the session.

Jay, 16, said: "I have to use a wheelchair sometimes and seeing all my friends having a go at wheelchair basketball has made using a wheelchair a lot less depressing.

"I’ve seen it in a different light."

BYOU members and their friends also ran in the 5K Leigh Colour Run at Pennington Flash Country Park in Leigh last week.

Lewis, 12, said: "I didn’t think I was going to be able to complete the colour run, but I did.

"It was absolutely awesome, like being a human rainbow.

"And the app means I’m really aware of my daily steps and always want to do more.

"I was not sporty at all before we did this but now I’m actually starting to like exercise.

"It’s good to try out different sports because even if you think it’s not your thing, you might find something you like."

Other BYOU members have also downloaded fitness apps to help to monitor their daily activity and remind them to stay active.

Cllr Jenny Bullen, portfolio holder for children and young people’s services at the council, said: "It’s so important for our children and young people to be healthy and active so the BYOU group are a great example for all.

"They’ve proved that if you try a new activity you might like it.

"It’s brilliant that they are encouraging others to take care of their own health and demonstrating that there are lots of different ways for everyone to stay healthy."