Activity Alliance response to The Telegraph article
On 15 August 2018, The Telegraph posted a news story on the flat line figures for active disabled people since 2012's peak. The article explores the need for organisations in sport and leisure to do more for disabled people. Here, our Chief Executive, Barry Horne, comments in response.
“The Paralympic Games serve a purpose in sport and should not be discounted for their value in our society. However, what is clear in our research is that the majority of disabled people’s motivations to be active are much more complicated than just elite sport inspiration.
“It will take considerable time to change the status quo and the response from sport and leisure needs to be genuine and proactive. We have continually expressed that organisations need to be accountable for disabled people in their work. We are pleased that the Government and Sport England’s strategies now give greater emphasis on inactive people.
“The sports sector is beginning to embed approaches and we’re seeing results in engaging disabled people. We are also delighted that ukactive is encouraging the leisure sector to do more. Still in its infancy, the collaborative Everyone Can initiative shows great promise. As partners, we are keen to help leisure organisations to take the strides they need to in order to be more effective.
“For far too long, we have talked about the changes that need to happen in sport and leisure for disabled people. We now need to hold organisations and bodies responsible for their part in ensuring everyone has access to all opportunities, on and off the field of play.
"If you need more support to engage disabled people, please do contact Activity Alliance's team."
