EFDS welcomes public consultation on developing a new strategy for sport

The English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) has welcomed the Government’s public consultation on developing a new strategy for sport. With disabled people half as likely to be as active as non-disabled people, the national charity supports the need for a new participation strategy, but emphasises that inclusion and accessibility must be a top priority.

The Sports Minister, Tracey Crouch, has today launched a wide-ranging public consultation on sport. As the lead body promoting sport and physical activity for disabled people throughout England, EFDS will send in a formal submission, based on the organisation’s expansive knowledge in the field and complemented by ongoing valuable research.  

Findings from EFDS research reports such as the Lifestyle Report, Motivate Me and Talk to Me reaffirm the charity’s opinion that a step-change approach is needed to increase the number of active disabled people. With this understanding, providers can learn more about how to deliver attractive opportunities, which tap in to disabled people’s values and motivational drivers as well as using the right channels to reach more people. A clear strategic priority and increased financial investment could facilitate those changes. EFDS has already begun to address these needs, through its long term strategy- “Active for Life”.

Barry Horne, Chief Executive for EFDS, said:

“We welcome the review of sport in this country and will work to ensure that there are better outcomes for disabled people. One in five of our population considers themselves a disabled person, so it is crucial that any new strategy considers such a large proportion of our society. Providers need to rethink the way they deliver programmes and ensure inclusion and access is at the heart. EFDS will support more organisations to adopt this principle.

“The tone of the consultation gives me some optimism that a new strategy could do much more to help disabled people become active. We know from our own research that it’s time to focus much more on the approaches which will trigger a positive response from those who are not currently active. People tend to look at the benefits sport and physical activity will bring and for disabled people in particular, previous approaches to promoting the traditional value of sport have just not felt relevant”. 

In January, figures released for Sport England’s Active People Survey 8 showed 121,700 fewer disabled people participated in the period October 2013-2014 since the previous recording. The gap between non-disabled and disabled people’s participation has widened, with less than half as many disabled people taking part in sport or physical activity for 30 minutes once a week, than non-disabled people.

However, our research shows that most disabled people would like to be more active and that demand is not being met. EFDS’s Lifestyle Report released in 2013 found that seven in ten disabled people want to increase their physical activity.

Horne continues:

“More often than not disabled people are looking for opportunities, which are as likely to appeal to their non-disabled friends and family. Long before 2012 and after the Games, we have known that not every disabled person can or will want to be a Paralympian or even reach elite standard. For many, just being active is enough. That is why it is important to ensure all opportunities are inclusive for people with every impairment and at a level they wish to take part at.”

The government wants to hear from interested groups and the public - people who are involved in sport and people who are not- on what more can be done to use sport to help improve many more lives. On top of the health benefits from participating, sport brings people together, contributes billions to the economy every year and enhances Britain’s reputation on the world stage.

EFDS would welcome a fresh approach to helping more people become active. We are pleased to see that amongst numerous positive references, the document includes the quote “disabled people and people with health conditions have the right to the same opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity as non-disabled people”. Our collective challenge now is to provide an impressive response to the Government’s invitation to provide “views on how to enable a much greater proportion of disabled people to take part in sport and physical activity”. 

As well as encouraging individuals and organisations to respond, EFDS will be collating Federation Members’ views for our submission. If you would like to submit your evidence and views to our consultation response, please email Barry Horne, Chief Executive (bhorne@efds.co.uk).

Read more about the public consultation here.

Notes to editors:

The English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) exists to make active lives possible and ensure that millions of disabled people can lead active lifestyles. Dedicated to disabled people in sport and physical activity, EFDS supports a wide range of organisations to include disabled people more effectively. The national charity looks to a better future where everyone can enjoy the opportunities available. Established in September 1998, EFDS has a vision that disabled people are active for life.

For more information or to request interviews, please email Sarah Marl on smarl@efds.co.uk or call 07764 291671