Disabled sport has become an increasingly important consideration for local councils and the government. As a result, the number of facilities has increased significantly in recent years and more people are participating in disabled sport than even before.
Where can I find details of local facilities and venues?
If you are interested in joining a team, starting a sport, signing up with a gym or finding out about facilities for disabled sport in your area, you can contact the local council. Many venues are used by disabled people, as well as able bodied people, while others are designed specifically for disabled participants. Often a venue will host specialist disabled sport sessions and offer rooms that are adapted to suit the needs of disabled clients; for example, the gym may have specially adapted equipment and machines.
Elite disabled venues
Elite paralympic athletes compete in a variety of different countries, stadiums and sports centres. The plans for London 2012, the next Paralympic Games, are extremely impressive, with millions of pounds being invested into venues as well as training facilities, infrastructure and athlete’s accommodation.
The Paralympic World Cup has been hosted in Manchester since 2005. The competition allows athletes to compete on a world stage at an impressive venue, the Aquatics Centre. Competitions and tournaments are hosted all around the world and stadiums and disabled facilities are becoming increasingly impressive and innovative.
Access for all
The government has invested a lot of time and money into making sport more accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. Policies and measures have been introduced to allow everyone to get involved in sport. Local councils are now encouraged to make leisure activities accessible to disabled customers and leisure providers are required by law to make their premises accessible to people with disabilities. Councils and schools are also being encouraged to provide a larger range of activities, which incorporate disabled sports and sessions for disabled people, such as swimming and gym sessions, for example.
