WIDNES Vikings star Hep Cahill is hosting a unique sports festival for people with learning disabilities.

The event at the Frank Myler pavilion on Liverpool Road, Widnes on Saturday, October 1 is inspired by the Paralympics.

The ‘Hep-tathlon’ named in honour of the player aims to fund new public exercise parks in Halton.

Hep Cahill, said: “The Hep-tathlon will be amazing and it’s an event which I can’t wait to be a part of.

“It’s an honour that the charity has chosen to support my campaign and help with my fundraising efforts.

“I really smiled a lot when I heard they would be calling this event the ‘Hep-tathalon’!

“My ambition is to create a number of accessible sports areas that families can use to improve their fitness and efforts like this will really help.”

The player has teamed up with charity Community Integrated Care (CIC) to organise the event.

Working with Hep and coaches from the club, 15 people with learning disabilities will take part in seven creative and accessible Olympics-themed sports sessions.

“The players have really developed a fantastic relationship with the people supported at CIC this season,” added Hep.

“I hope to give them all another great experience at this event.”

Cahill has played for the Vikings since 2012 and is well known for his commitment to supporting community and charity projects.

His campaign to create a number of fitness parks across the borough has been backed by the club and Halton NHS Clinical Commissioning Group.

Karen Hayes, Community Integrated care service leader for two homes that are taking part, said: “This year we’ve had an amazing experience working with Widnes Vikings and the players so we wanted to finish the season on a high by giving back to the club that has given us so much.

“When we found out about Hep’s fundraising plans we wanted to do something special to help out.

“This fantastic event will give the people we support another great experience as well as help a great cause.

“We’re really looking forward to the big day.”