Southwark Community Games

GOOD SPORTS IN SOUTHWARK

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20 February 2008

People with disabilities in Southwark are set to benefit after the council became one of the first authorities to sign up to a London-wide sports disability strategy. 

Southwark formally committed to the 'Inclusive and Active' strategy at a launch event this week. The strategy is a joint initiative between London Sports Forum for Disabled People, Sport England London Region and the Greater London Authority.

Samson Oni, a high jump champion currently preparing for the Beijing Olympics, was at the launch to show his support for Southwark.

Also taking part at the event were young people from Tuke School, residents of the Aylesbury day centre and the London Wheelchair Rugby club.

The Inclusive and Active strategy is designed to help local authorities increase the opportunities for disabled people to participate in sport and physical activity. It sets out the way forward for disability sport for 2012 and includes funding for resources and equipment.

A recent 'Active People' survey showed that 9 per cent of disabled Londoners aged 16 and above participate in 30 minutes of sport or active recreation at least three times a week, compared to 21.3 per cent of Londoners without disabilities.

Southwark already provides an excellent range of specific activities for people of all ages with disabilities. There are currently seven core sports for people with varying levels of disability - with specialist coaches for football, gymnastics, swimming, sailing, tennis, trampolining and athletics.

Cllr Lorraine Zuleta, executive member for culture, leisure and sport, said: "Everyone in Southwark deserves to have access to sports and activities - regardless of their age or ability. Physical activity is vital to a person's well-being and health and is something Southwark is committed to helping all residents participant in.

"Southwark is proud of the level of support we already offer to people with disabilities. By signing up to this strategy we have formally agreed to remove barriers and encourage people with disabilities to participate in sport.

"We hope to increase the rate of participation for people with disabilities - and who knows - some of the young people we encourage today may be our Olympians of the future."

Southwark is also about to start work on a coach ability program and looking to recruit, train and employ adults with a disability to become qualified coaches. People who are interested or know of friends or colleagues who want to get involved should contact Glyn Newberry, Sports Development Officer (Disability) on 0207 525 1105.

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