Annual Survey Highlights Growing Need to Promote Sport for Disabled People

Last year we were all seriously hit by the pandemic. Lives were torn apart and it felt as if there was no way forward. But when the government outlined a series of rules they were clear right from the beginning that we were allowed to take some form of physical activity every day. Sounds plausible in theory but what if you’re a disabled person. Your chances of getting sufficient exercise compared to able bodied people is radically reduced. So what’s been done since then and what will help disabled people going forward?

 

Strong evidence has revealed that disabled people’s lives have been the hardest hit by COVID-19. Two-thirds of the deaths from the pandemic have been disabled ones. In response to this many have felt fearful and ignored. 

 

Now Activity Alliance is urging decision -makers in sport and leisure to prioritise disabled people as they strive to recover from the pandemic. Their latest survey records how the needs of disabled people clearly haven’t been met. 

 

Before the pandemic struck disabled people were investing quality time in moderate sport. Further studies show that disabled people are now twice as likely as non-disabled people to be inactive. 

 

Barry Horne, Chief Executive at Activity Alliance, responded to the recent findings,

 

“ We appreciate we have a national crisis on our hands and leaders need to make tough decisions in sport and leisure. But we have not heard near enough about the impact on disabled people’s lives during the pandemic. No disabled person should ever feel forgotten or overlooked in the communities we all serve. 

 

That’s why this insight is so important. We have listened to disabled people and urge decision makers to do the same, and act swiftly upon the findings. If we do not act now, we will witness inequalities widen even further, or unthinkably they may become irreversible. Prioritising disabled people is the only way to prevent this from happening. Every plan, every action and every penny spent must be tested against its impact on disabled people’s activity.”

 

To learn more about how Activity Alliance is supporting disabled people please watch this 6 minute video:-

 

You may also view the full survey by clicking on this link:-

 

The Annual Survey follows Sport England launching their 10 year strategy, ‘Uniting the Movement’. It aims to tackle inequalities, especially for inactive people. They focus on the investment priorities with fairness and equity at the heart. 

 

^Alex Ashworth CCG UK Blogger