“Some still don’t know about the Special Olympics” – raising awareness of disability sport in Salford

New disability basketball sessions are being offered in Salford to help encourage disabled people into sport.

The sessions, led by DO Sport UK, aims to raise awareness of disability in sport.

They want to show residents with a range of conditions the activities available in their area

Jacob Meaton, from DO Sport UK, said: “It’s all about getting people active and moving.

“To try and engage people and make those with disabilities enjoy sport.”

It is hoped the sessions make sport more accessible for those living with a physical and learning disability.

The club offers a wide range of sporting sessions and activities for people to get involved with.

From wheelchair basketball to boccia to suit various disabilities from autism to Down’s syndrome – the hope is to offer something for everyone.

Great to see @dosportuk are delivering a learning disability #basketball session at Eccles Sixth Form College today @EcclesSFCollege #LDO #northwest pic.twitter.com/kTkLz6opxc

— AoC Sport (@AoC_Sport) December 11, 2018

Disability Sport

Currently, there are 11.5 million disabled people living in the UK.

Sport England say that disabled people are twice as likely to be physically inactive than non-disabled people.

Furthermore, the NHS recommends adults should do 60-150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week to stay fit and healthy.

Jacob hopes to remove barriers standing in the way for disabled people to get involved in sport.

He said: “People know about it, people see it, people get excited by it.

“But the truth is there’s not a lot out there for these guys to get involved in”.

DO Sport UK also works alongside Basketball England and the Special Olympics and hopes to create pathways for people to go on and experience competition at all levels.

He said: “Some people still don’t know about the special Olympics.

“The world games, numbers-wise, is the biggest multi-sports event in the world yet still so many people don’t realise this is going on”.

However, the main aim of the club is to encourage people to take part and have fun.

The club is open to all ages and abilities and runs a number of activities to suit both adults and children.

Jacob added: “We have a massive range of ages and abilities that turn up so anyone can come down”.

The sessions take place weekly at Eccles College from 6pm to 7pm.

To get involved or to find out more about what’s on offer, visit http://www.dosportuk.co.uk/.

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