Parasport Power

Jonnie Peacock is supporting Parasport - an online hub aimed at helping disabled people become more active.

PARASPORT powered by Toyota is the new way to discover inclusive local opportunities to become more active. The ambition is to create the UK’s biggest fun and vibrant community for players, parents and coaches to share their experiences of para sport, and find useful hints, tips and information on what’s happening near them.

“I’ve definitely come back stronger and more focused on my goal in the future, which is getting a gold medal for Great Britain in Tokyo.”

This includes in-depth listings and all the information needed to connect to local inclusive opportunities. By highlighting inclusive activities and one-off events which able-bodied and disabled people can do together, Parasport aims to inform and inspire people to discover something new.

Double Paralympic champion Jonnie Peacock has teamed up with ParalympicsGB and Toyota to support the campaign, which will create one online destination for people with an impairment to discover and share the physical activities best suited to them.

The sprint king attended the official launch of the campaign at Marjorie McClure Special School in Chislehurst to play boccia, curling and sitting volleyball with pupils and promote the wide range of benefits of disabled people being active.

He commented: “I wanted to be part of this campaign as sport and physical activity has transformed my life in so many ways, providing countless great memories, friendships and filli ng me with the confidence to try new things – even dancing! “There is a sport or activity out there for everyone, no matter their age, gender or impairment – it doesn’t matter whether you are competitive or not. “My message to everyone is if you just turn up and have a go, you are already a winner.”

Recent research shows that between 34 per cent and 51 per cent (depending on number of impairments) of disabled people are inactive, compared to 25 per cent of the general population who are inactive.

Parasport helps to address this challenge by encouraging people with disabilities to try new physical activities. The new Parasport hub will:

• Connect disabled people to opportunities to get active through a new digital platform: Parasport.org.uk, creating a vibrant community for people to share their experiences and become advocates for the benefits of being more active.

• Increase awareness of physical activity opportunities that are available for disabled people in the UK by enriching current listings and sourcing new ones, including accessible and inclusive sessions

• Challenge attitudes to disability and empower disabled people and their networks by providing the information, inspiration and confidence they need to become active

Accompanying the launch was a new film campaign, ‘It’s Anyone’s Game’, which made its television debut in Channel 4’s The Last Leg earlier this month. The campaign will also target the family and friends who can play a vital role in enabling disabled people to take part in more physical activity. Mike Sharrock, Chief Executive of the British Paralympic Association, said: “Parasport is a key part of helping us to deliver our vision: through sport, inspire a better world for disabled people. “I am delighted that, working closely with Toyota, we are able to highlight the wide range of opportunities available for disabled people and provide the resources to empower them to make informed choices about the activities they would like to try.”•