Active Summer Fun campaign captures disabled people's stories
This summer, the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) and National Disability Sports Organisations (NDSOs) launched an exciting participation campaign to encourage more disabled people to be active. Now, as Active Summer Fun comes to end, we reflect on the campaign's impact over the warmer months.
From July to September, Active Summer Fun has supported more disabled people to find out and play out.
Backed by Sport England, both EFDS and NDSOs promoted the campaign across digital channels using a vibrant collection of images. On social media, lots of individuals and sports providers used #ActiveSummerFun to show their support for the campaign.
To ensure Active Summer Fun was accessible to as many disabled people as possible, the campaign was produced in the following alternative formats:
- Audio format, download the audio file here.
- EasyRead format, download EasyRead document here.
- BSL video
Active Summer Fun was created in response to research that shows disabled people are unsure where to find out about activities, are motivated by having fun and want to take part with friends and family.
Over the last three months, Active Summer Fun event calendar has promoted over 120 sport and physical activity opportunities for disabled people. Along with information about the right people and organisations that can support disabled people to be more active.
The campaign also encouraged disabled people to get involved and tell us how they have enjoyed being active over summer. From July to September we’ve shared 24 stories on the EFDS website from active disabled people. They recall their own activities, taking part in everything from horse riding and sitting volleyball, to deaf football and golf.
Here are some quotes from some of our active summer stories:
Sophie Taylor, a competitive swimmer and wheelchair racer said:
‘I love to be out and about and doing stuff. I’m not very good at sitting still and I do like to be active all of the time.’
Rachel Choong, a badminton player from Liverpool said:
‘I really enjoy badminton, because I feel it works so many of my muscles. Other sports only work a few, but this works everything and I feel so good after I play because of that.’
Dan English, a blind football player said:
‘Sport increases your social interactions. The hardest thing is taking that first step. You might not be brilliant but trust me, it will aid your self-confidence and your health.’
We hope these stories will continue to encourage more disabled people to find something they want to do and enjoy being active. To read more of our active summer stories – search ‘Active Summer Fun’ in the search tool bar at the top of this page.
As Active Summer Fun draws to a close, EFDS and NDSOs will continue to work together to encourage more people to be active. There are eight NDSOs that provide advice, support and opportunities for people with specific impairments to take part in sport and physical activity all year round.
National Disability Sport Organisations
British Blind Sport provides visually impaired people with opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity.
Cerebral Palsy Sport is the country's leading sports organisation supporting people who have cerebral palsy to reach their potential.
Dwarf Sports Association UK aims to make regular sporting opportunities accessible and enjoyable to anyone with restricted growth.
English Learning Disability Sport Alliance (ELDSA) is a partnership between two NDSOs, Mencap Sport and Special Olympics GB. Who work together to promote sport and physical activity opportunities for people with a learning disability.
LimbPower supports amputees and people with limb impairments to find the right sport and leisure activity for their needs and ability.
UK Deaf Sport encourages people who are deaf or hard of hearing to participate, enjoy and excel at sport.
WheelPower provides opportunities, facilities and equipment to enable disabled people to participate in sport and lead healthy active lives.
For many disabled people the NDSOs are the starting point to getting involved with sport and physical activity. Created by the NDSOs in partnership with EFDS - 'Accessible sport for you' provides information on advice, support and opportunities NDSOs offer for people with specific impairments.
For more information about the 'Accessible sport for you' resource and the NDSOs please email Courtney Perks, NDSO Marketing and Communications Advisor, or call 0161 228 2868.
