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Paralympians back new sports training guide for disabled people

English Federation of Disability Sport is pleased to have worked with Leonard Cheshire Disability on their new specialist training guide for disabled people keen to get into sport. The guide, Get Into Sport, is for disabled people who have decided to take up a sport and need advice on where to begin with their training, and how to choose a sport that is right for them.

Get Into Sport is supported by Beijing gold medal winning Paralympians Sarah and Barney Storey, Beijing silver medallist Paralympian Ben Rushgrove, wheelchair racer and Paralympic hopeful Nikki Emerson and World Paratriathlon Champion Jane Egan.

The latest statistics show only 18% of disabled people participate in regular sports or physical activity (Sport England APS6).  Sarah Ball, national events manager at Leonard Cheshire Disability, says:

We regularly hear from disabled people who want to take part in physical activities, but lack the support they need to get started or try a new sport. That’s why we have worked with a wide range of experts to produce Get Into Sport. You don’t have to have ambitions to become a Paralympian; whatever your goal is, our training guide is there to support you to achieve this. ”

Sarah Storey, Paralympic cyclist:

“I think it’s fantastic that Leonard Cheshire Disability has launched a guide which will advise disabled people on how to train and Get Into Sport right from the starting point, which is often the hardest hurdle to overcome. Everyone needs support to drive them forward; Get Into Sport is designed to help people achieve their goal, whether that is to keep fit and healthy or to take part in the next Paralympics. I hope it supports people to take up an activity in this historical Olympic and Paralympic year.”

Information in the guide includes:

  • Practical training advice on how people can keep fit at home or take part in competitive sport
  • Guidance on how to prepare mentally for starting a sport or preparing for an event
  • Advice on how people can modify their diet to ensure that they are eating the right types of food to maintain their energy levels
  • Details on finding a sport, club or facility that suits people’s needs

Get into Sport has been produced by Leonard Cheshire Disability with the support of a wide range of experts, including The Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, the English Federation of Disability Sport, British Triathlon, Handycling UK and London Swimming. 

To complement the guide, Leonard Cheshire Disability has also launched an online hub, full of useful information and blog entries from disabled people, athletes and Paralympians.

For more information or to request the guide in accessible formats, call 0203 242 0294