Suffolk launches strategy to develop activity for disabled people
A strategy for the development of sport and physical activity for disabled people in Suffolk has been launched. The strategy was unveiled in December 2014 by Councillor Alan Murray, with the help of participants, at the recently established Ipswich Inclusive Doorstep Sport Club.
The Club, which meets at Whitehouse Social Club, has been created with the aim of increasing and sustaining participation in sport and physical activity by young disabled people between the ages of 14 and 25.
Councillor Alan Murray, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for health and adult care, said:
“The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games was a major milestone in our sporting history and sparked a lot of interest from disabled people looking for opportunities to take part in sport and physical activity. Never the less the harsh reality is that four out of five disabled people in England still do not meet recommended activity levels."
Murray continues:
“This strategy is the first stage of a journey to change perceptions, increase participation and empower disabled people to play sport and be physically active. It is an important step in our ambition to become the most active county in England.”
The strategy is aimed at all organisations with an interest in sport and physical activity for disabled people in Suffolk. It is seeks to make a difference in a number of areas including encouraging activity throughout life, developing talent, improving the physical infrastructure, changing public perceptions and developing education and training.
EFDS research and resources were used to plan the strategy. The Barriers and Lifestyle report as well as the Inclusive Communications guide are promoted in the document.
Matt Abbott, representing Elatus Sports the social enterprise behind the Inclusive Doorstep Sport Club, said:
“Elatus Sports was set up specifically to make the most of the legacy left by the London 2012 Games. Although the Paralympic Games changed the perception of people’s abilities, it struggled to make an impact on increasing participation; we decided to act upon it and prove what sport is capable of doing. For these reasons we welcome the publication of this strategy and, more importantly, the annual delivery plan that accompanies it.”
John Clough, Director of Suffolk Sport, the body responsible for the development of sport in Suffolk, said:
“This strategy is an important piece of work that lays the foundations for providing more choice and greater opportunities so that everyone in Suffolk can be active for life.”
The work in Suffolk for disability sport will be the focus of a high level think-tank early in 2015, involving key local, regional and national agencies.
