Golden girl Rita opens new Opal Centre

[dutchman]

Coventry's first Paralympic gold medallist has opened a new centre which aims to help the eldery and disabled lead independent lives.

Rita Thompson, who struck gold in lawn bowling at the Paralympics in 1980 and 1984, opened the Opal Assessment & Demonstration Centre on Friday at Bishopgate Business Park.

The centre, the brainchild of the city council and NHS Coventry, takes the form of a house, complete with a kitchen, bathroom, and lounge. The house has been fitted with a full range of mobility equipment to give visitors the chance to see how it could work at home.

Rita was treated to a tour of the centre, and said: "I am delighted to be officially opening such a splendid new facility in my home city. The Opal will provide an excellent place for people to make the right choices about equipment to enable people to live independently.

"As somebody who has limited mobility myself, it's really helpful for me and other potential visitors to see the wide range of equipment and accessible facilities which are now available."

Brian Walsh, the council's director of community services, said the centre aimed to promote independence and choice for residents.

"In addition to the range of equipment, there will be expert, impartial advice, and sessions announcing new developments too," he added. "I'm confident the centre will prove to be a success."

The Opal Assessment & Demonstration, in Widdrington Road, can be contacted on 7678 5252 or by e-mail at:- occupationaltherapy@coventry.gov.uk