Power of Sport report shows barriers to sport and physical activity
The Disability Policy Centre and Soda, supported by Nimbus Disability, have released a new collaborative piece of research: ‘The Power of Sport: A Lifetime of Opportunity’.
A report by The Disability Policy Centre and Soda has highlighted major barriers to sport and physical activity for disabled people. The report found just over half of disabled people surveyed were prevented from watching sport due to a lack of accessibility in their venue of choice.
Writing in her foreword, Chloe Schendel-Wilson, Co-Founder, The Disability Policy Centre said:
"Sport and physical activity have the power to transform people’s lives and communities, but too often disabled people, and people with long-term health conditions, are held back from reaching their full potential. ‘The Power of Sport: A Lifetime of Opportunity’ highlights the importance of the introduction, improvement and preservation of accessibility and inclusion at every level of engagement.
"The paper journeys through the narrative of a lifetime of sporting engagement, from ignition of interest to participation, spectatorship, volunteering and progression."
Some key findings published include:
- 51.8% of disabled people surveyed were prevented from watching sport due to a lack of accessibility in their venue of choice.
- 49.1% of respondents said that there were a lack of suitable options to play sport, or take part in physical activity, near where they lived.
- 26.4% said that the lack of Social Care support was what prevented them from taking part in the activity they wish.
- 22.6% said that Accessible Transport was a major barrier for them.
Adam Blaze, Activity Alliance CEO, who attended the launch of the report at the House of Lords, said:
"This report adds to the bank of evidence that shows the barriers that disabled people face in sport and physical activity. We were pleased to be at the Parliamentary launch of such an important piece of research.
"We will continue to work with Sport England and other partners to tackle the inequalities and address the barriers identified in the report, while raising awareness of our three main asks in our recent manifesto.
"It’s vital that we unite with others and draw from valuable insight like in this report, to ensure those barriers are broken down."
Activity Alliance research and resources are cited in the report. Including ‘Developing inclusive leaders in Haringey’ and ‘The Activity Trap’.
