‘All pupils should have access to physical education and disability should not be a barrier to inclusion in sport programmes. Arrangements at schools should be in place to support young people with physical and learning disabilities to have good access to physical education and sport, in both mainstream and special school settings. This includes teacher support and, where necessary, buying special equipment.’

www.direct.gov.uk

Breaking down Barriers

The usual limitations that competitive school sports throw up such as time, travel, organisation and cost are magnified for young people with disabilities.

• Specialist equipment is hugely expensive for schools
• LEAs only tend to fund for disability during a certain time frame, so the focus strays towards fitting the sport around the barriers

More Opportunities

Virtual competitions are able to give young people with disabilities more opportunities to participate in sport because:

• There are no transport costs
• There are no organisational costs or hassle
• Competition can take part in school, or even at home
• Due to some of the basic skill sets that make up some competitions, equipment costs are taken down

Pathways and Options

Virtual competition provides more opportunity for young people with disabilities to participate in competitive sport that is relevant to them at a grassroots level.

• It can be inclusive – a disabled student who can throw well can take part with the other children in a ball throwing challenge without feeling set apart
• Due to the traditional barriers, the first chance a young person with disabilities will have to take part, is in competition – virtual competition offers practice and consistency to be built up
• Allows sports to be broken down and practiced in basic skill sets

Participation with others of a similar standard

At mainstream schools, disabled young people will be a minority. Virtual competition provides the chance for participation with others throughout a partnership, rather than just in the school populace, who have a similar disability and who can compete at the same level.

• It’s about reaching out to other young people with disabilities
• It’s about providing a level playing field so that you know you’re competing with someone that’s worth competing against

Would you like to setup virtual competition using Active? Contact us for more information.