Disability Sport is an inclusive element of the work of the County Sports Partnership, to ensure that people with physical, sensory and learning difficulties have equal access to sport and physical activity across Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

The County's Disability Sports Development Officer works with National Governing Bodies, Local Authorities (Sports Development Officers, Schools and Adult Services) and local clubs.

Aims

• Where appropriate, encourage the inclusion of disabled people into mainstream sport
• Provide guidance on appropriate training for coaches, schools and sports professionals
• Work with County Sports Partners in increasing sport and recreational opportunities for the youth and adult disabled community
• Identify and create pathways in competitive sport for disabled people.

Participating

Whether you want to participate in an inclusive setting, or whether you are looking for disability sport specific events, there are many opportunities to get fit, try out new sports and / or join a club and compete. Multi-Sports Clubs provide opportunities across a range of sports including football, rugby, cricket and racquet sports.

The Hampshire County Council Aiming High for Disabled Children programme is designed to improve the lives of disabled children, young people and their families. For more information about these events and activities, register with Parent Voice.

For upcoming events, see the events calendar and search by both ‘disability sport’ and / or sport.

The Find a Club facility will help you find local clubs and venues, or you can download a copy of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Disability Sports Guide.  To request a copy of the guide please contact Peter Hull.

Click here to use Parasport's Self Assessment Wizard which allows you to enter your disability and find sports suitable for you to participate in.

Coach education, confidence and expertise is a significant factor in sport and physical activity participation rates amongst people with disabilities.

A sport/activity can be made more inclusive by simply changing the way a session is delivered e.g. by using different equipment, or by adapting the rules. Courses designed specifically to challenge ways of thinking and demonstrate alternative approaches to coaching and playing sport are delivered by a range of coach education providers.

If you are a coach and are interested in making your sport more accessible, you can find out more by contacting Coaching Hampshire and IOW -Sport Hampshire & IOW's dedicated coaching team. The website has details of coaching courses and generic courses designed to help improve your coaching knowledge and techniques. The team can be contacted on 01962 846818 or email info@coachinghampshireiow.co.uk.

Inspiring You Activities for All events are fun activity sessions which focus on ensuring children and young people with disabilities are fully welcomed and actively involved. They are designed to be inclusive and are often for the whole family to enjoy together. Inspiring You events can range from arts and crafts, through to playing wheelchair laser tag - and almost everything in between - so there's something for everyone to enjoy!

There are lots of Inspiring You activities and events happening across Hampshire - for details of sessions near you, and how you can get involved, visit the Parent Voice website.