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Sport England plans disabled participation rise
The results of the Adult Disability Survey commissioned by Sport England have revealed low levels of participation.
Just over half of disabled adults said they had taken part in some sporting activity in the four weeks before the survey - 24 per cent less than non-disabled adults.
Three quarters of disabled adults interviewed said they needed help to take part - with common needs being: 'someone to advise me what I can try' and 'someone to ensure my safety'.
The report concludes that rather than concentrating on supplying facilities or adapted equipment, more must be done to provide credible information on the sports and activities people might be able to do given the nature of their disability.
Trever Brooking, Sport England chair, said: 'This study shows our commitment to improving access to sport for people with a disability. It also provides a benchmark to measure future progress.'
Colin Chaytors, chief executive of the English Federation of Disability Sport agreeds saying: 'The challenge now is how to promote change. One message that often gets lost is that sport is fun, you make friends and it breaks down barriers.'
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