A SPORTS centre promoting exercise for all will today toast its 20th birthday having helped tens of thousands of Oxfordshire people to get active.

Oxsrad, the Oxford and District Sports and Recreation Association for the Disabled, opened its centre at Court Place Farm in Marsh Lane, Marston, in 1989 and has since become a city home for sports and activities for people of all ages, able bodied or not.

The building, which was officially unveiled by Princess Diana and cost £275,000, was initially clouded by financial difficulties as only £200,000 had been raised by the time it opened.

The charity had to take out a loan to pay for the rest.

A series of burglaries also threatened the centre’s survival in its early years. But it is now firmly established as an activity base for youth clubs, pensioners and people of varying physical and mental impairments.

Office administrator Jane Long said Oxsrad had come through thick and thin in the last two decades.

The 55-year-old said: “I’ve been here for 17 or 18 years.

“The building has been here for 20 years but Oxsrad was technically started in 1982. There have been many changes to the building over the years.

“We had a Lottery grant in the mid-1990s for an extension and we’ve grown in usage and popularity.

“It has always been for everyone, although we have developed a greater connection with integration.

“We have seen all sorts of people, young and old, with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and able-bodied people.

“The centre is somewhere to come and meet people and get involved with activities.”

She added: “I hope we can be here in another 20 years’ time.

“We could always do with a few more donations and things like that. Even locals are sometimes unaware of what we do here, and it is for everyone, not just people with disabilities.

“Over the years we have had some great days, and some ups and downs, and some difficult financial times. I love working here.”

Ken Crisp, a professional youth worker who has run classes at Oxsrad for a year, said: “It’s a great place that disabled people can call their own and feel comfortable.

“It’s a really excellent place for people who generally would never get the opportunity to do things that the average able-bodied person can do.”

Today’s celebrations, which include tours of the facilities, various activities, stalls and a hog roast, will run from 4pm until 9pm.