At Power2Inspire, our mission is clear:
to make sport accessible and inclusive for everyone, regardless of ability.
Britain’s Paralympic athletes, returning from a successful 2024 Paralympics in Paris, are advocating for equal access to school sports for disabled children.
Despite finishing second in the medal table with 124 medals, including 49 golds, they highlighted a concerning statistic:
only one in four disabled children participates regularly in school sports.
The statistics are staggering. This exclusion not only limits disabled children’s opportunities for physical activity but also stifles personal development, confidence, and social integration. With 1.5 million disabled children in the UK, we cannot overlook the importance of providing equal sporting opportunities.
We wholeheartedly support the recent call from Britain’s Paralympic stars for equal access to school sports for disabled children. Their powerful message resonates deeply with our commitment to inclusivity and reflects the urgent need for change in the educational system.
The open letter sent to Prime Minister Keir Starmer underscores a crucial point: every child deserves the chance to participate in physical education. As advocates for inclusivity, we believe that creating a truly inclusive sports environment requires well-trained teachers equipped with the right tools and understanding to cater to all students.
The power of sport
Sport has an incredible ability to unite, inspire, and empower individuals. The success of the Great Britain Paralympic team, which secured an impressive 124 medals in Paris, is a testament to the talent and determination of disabled athletes. Their achievements remind us that when barriers are removed, extraordinary potential can be unleashed.
Alice Tai’s comments about the impact of exclusion are particularly poignant. Sport not only enhances physical health but also fosters mental well-being, resilience, and social connections. Every child should have the opportunity to experience the joy of sport, building friendships and skills that last a lifetime.
A call to action
As we move forward, it is imperative that we not only celebrate the successes of our Paralympic athletes but also take actionable steps to ensure future generations are not left on the sidelines. We urge the government to prioritise the training of teachers and the development of inclusive sports programs in schools.
Further interviews with athletes on BBC’s Newsround
By working together—athletes, educators, parents, and policymakers—we can create an environment where all children can thrive. Our vision aligns with the ambition of the ParalympicsGB athletes: to ensure that by the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, no disabled child faces discrimination in accessing sports.
Join us
At Power2Inspire, we invite everyone to join our movement for inclusion in sports. Together, we can advocate for policies that support equal access and inspire a culture where every child feels empowered to participate, compete, and succeed.
Let’s work towards a future where inclusivity in sport is not just a goal but a reality for all.
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
If you are interested in hosting a Paralympic Week in your school / college / company / community group then we would love to hear from you.
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