The impact of sport for people with disabilities

Monday, June 2, 2014

Meg Munn MP was briefed recently about the more than £170 million of funding that is being invested by Sport England in programmes and projects to create more opportunities for people with disabilities to play sport. It was also a chance to watch and join in a game of boccia, and have a go on an adapted rowing machine.

With a record number of 1.67 million disabled people currently playing sport every week, Sport England invest in a wide range of projects, accessible facilities and specialist equipment to make sport open to everyone, including:

•                     £5.2 million in four Paralympic sport governing bodies,

•                     £92.2 million in 38 sport governing bodies with inclusive participation programmes,

•                     £18.2 million from the Inclusive Sport fund in 88 disability sport projects,

•                     £1.1 million from the Get Equipped fund in 141 projects for disability sports equipment, and

•                     £40 million investment to make sports facilities fully accessible.

 

Meg said:

“The investment made by Sport England into disability sport, especially in Sheffield Heeley, is fantastic. It’s been great to see first-hand the work they are doing to create more opportunities for people with disabilities to play sport in our community.”

Sport England Chair, Nick Bitel, said:

“Sport England’s priority at the grassroots is to make sport a practical choice for many more disabled people. We are working in a completely different way with a range of impairment groups and those who support them to achieve this, and although there is a lot more to do, we are pleased that record numbers of disabled people are now playing sport regularly.”

To find out more visit: www.sportengland.org