Alliance and APPG for Sport Chair join British Blind Sport to celebrate International Day of People with Disabilities

‘Fighting for rights in the post-COVID era’ is this year’s theme, with the annual celebration aiming to gain support for important issues relating to inclusion.

Creating an inclusive sector is at the forefront of our new strategy as we strive towards a future for sport and recreation which works for everyone, in every area and every community.

To mark IDPWD, we invited Alaina MacGregor, Chief Executive of British Blind Sport to tell us more about the fantastic work they do to enable blind and partially sighted people to have the same opportunities as sighted individuals to enjoy the benefits of being active.

While the pandemic has undoubtedly affected everyone, people with disabilities have been disproportionately affected.

The Activity Alliance Annual Disability and Activity Survey revealed that twice as many disabled people felt that coronavirus had greatly reduced their ability to do sport or physical activity compared to non-disabled people. Respondents also said that the lack of activity has led to both their physical and mental health becoming harder to manage.

At British Blind Sport, we take pride in making a visible difference through sport, because we know that taking the first step towards participating in recreational activities can help to change people's lives for the better.

In September, we launched See Sport Differently, a new Sport England backed initiative designed to break down barriers in sport and increase opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to participate in physical activity.

We're working with the Royal National Institute of Blind People and NGBs including The Football Association, England Athletics, Swim England, Goalball UK, The Lawn Tennis Association, Worcester Warriors and The Change Foundation to raise awareness among the two million people with sight loss in the UK, and across the sports sector, about how more blind and partially sighted people can get involved with sport and feel the benefits.

Visit our website to learn more about the project or to find out how you can get involved: https://britishblindsport.org.uk/see-sport-differently.

If you have any questions about how your sport or organisation can be more inclusive or would like more information on any of our projects or services, please visit https://britishblindsport.org.uk or email info@britishblindsport.org.uk.

Christina Rees, Chair of the APPG for Sport, is also supporting the day, and said “Through sport and recreation, people are given a platform to realise their potential, whether that’s as an athlete, coach, official or spectator.

“We cannot underestimate the importance of ensuring that every person, from every community, and of any ability, has access to fun and inclusive opportunities to be active.

“Today represents an ideal time to raise awareness of the barriers disabled people face when trying to engage in sport and recreation, and to celebrate and reinforce the achievements of everyone from this community.”

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