There are around 11 million disabled people in the UK and according to the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) only 2 in 10 disabled people in England are currently active. It is a well-documented fact that everyone benefits from a healthy and active lifestyle to keep us physically and mentally fit. The benefits of physical activity for children with physical disabilities include:
- Improvements in muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility.
- Improvements in exercise endurance and cardiovascular fitness.
- Better body awareness.
- Improvement in behavior, self-confidence and social interaction.
- Reduction in the risk of secondary health complications.
Children with physical disabilities face many challenges that may prevent them leading an active lifestyle. Disability Sports Coach (DSC) is a registered charity, which provides high quality sporting opportunities for disabled people. The community clubs provide access to exciting, enjoyable, active and safe two-hour sporting sessions on a weekly basis for people with any disability aged 11-25. Sports include boccia, sitting volleyball, goal ball, judo, racket sports, athletics, trampolining and many more! These are played in clubs across London including Kensington and Chelsea, Wandsworth, Southwark, Hillingdon, Islington and Westminster.
Disability Sports Coach provides great opportunities for young adults to get active and to try many different sports coached by professionals. The price varies between £1 and £3.50 a session depending on the club. To get involved, visit: https://disabilitysportscoach.co.uk/clubs/ and click on the link of your nearest club. Then scroll down to the bottom and click on “Participant Registration Form” to enter and submit your details.
Have you (or someone you know) trained at a Disability Sports Coach session? We’d love to hear about how your chosen sport training benefitted you. Tell us all about it in the comments section below!