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ParalympicsGB and Loughborough University have partnered to drive innovation in Para Sport and champion disability inclusion across the sporting world. As part of their strategic partnership, the pair will work on programs addressing community engagement, education, career development and more.
According to Sport England, only a quarter of disabled children in the UK say they participate in sports and activities at school, as compared to 41% of non-disabled children. These participation levels only decrease as they get older. Therefore, a large focus of the partnership will target disability inclusion in schools and universities. The collaboration will leverage Loughborough University’s cutting-edge sports research, facilities and expertise to support the development and success of the UK’s Paralympic athletes.
ParalympicsGB will harness the influence and know-how of its athletes and members to increase equitable access to sport for disabled people and transform attitudes towards disability in all settings. It will work closely with the University to improve athlete performance and champion the right of every disabled person to have the equal opportunity to be active.
Loughborough’s recently launched Para and Disability Sport Strategy includes a key theme on providing opportunities for disabled students to achieve at the highest levels or to be active and enjoy participating in sport. It aims to provide equitable opportunities for its disabled students and partners in high-performance sports, wider community sports participation and workforce development. Students can compete across eight British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Para sports (Athletics, Badminton, Cycling, Powerlifting, Swimming, Triathlon, Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Tennis) and it also runs five adaptive sports programs.
The partners will work together across seven key areas:
- Community Engagement and Outreach: Promoting inclusivity and accessibility in sports communities and schools across the UK, leveraging Paralympics GB’s grassroots sport initiatives. Further initiatives include workshops, seminars and events designed to inspire the next generation of Para athletes.
- Championing Disability Inclusion: Advocating for inclusive and accessible environments that empower disabled people to thrive as employees, customers, or clients. This also includes working together to create insight into attitude and behavior change towards disability.
- Advanced Research and Innovation: Collaborating on research to explore new methodologies in sports science and develop performance health and wellbeing tailored for Paralympic athletes.
- State-of-the-Art Training Facilities: The University will continue to promote the availability of its premier sports facilities, which nine Paralympic sports are already using.
- Education and Career Development: Offering educational opportunities for Para athletes, helping them balance their sporting careers with academic and professional growth. The university’s students will gain opportunities to be part of the Paralympic workforce.
- Innovation in Para-Sports: Driving forward innovation in Para-Sports technology and equipment, ensuring that athletes can access the best tech to enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury. This also involves the University’s partnership with the National Rehabilitation Centre.
- Sustainability: Using existing research to combat climate change and implement sustainability plans to ensure that disabled communities are not disproportionately affected.
Photos: Loughborough University
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