Serious cash commitment needed for London's future Paralympians (Dee Doocey)

Serious cash commitment needed for London's future Paralympians

November 28, 2005 12:00 AM

The opportunities for disabled people to take part in sport and fully participate in London's 2012 Paralympic Games could be investigated by the London Assembly.

A proposal to this affect will be put to Members of the Assembly's Economic Development Committee next Tuesday1 for consideration.

Despite years of Government attempts to boost grassroots sport among disabled children and adults, there are real concerns not enough has been done to increase their participation in sport.

The London Bid stated that the UK Games would motivate greater numbers of young people - in particular those with disabilities - to become involved with sport, and to aspire to elite performance. The Economic Development Committee's inquiry would scrutinise this commitment.

As well as Paralympic sports, the investigation will examine access to sport for all disabled people. The Committee would focus on the following key questions:

What sport commitments were made to disabled people in the 2012 London Bid?

Will the barriers they face to sport participation be addressed?

Are the needs for dedicated support and adequate access to venues recognised?

Will the Paralympics be used as a catalyst for more investment in sport for disabled people in London?

Dee Doocey, Chair of the Committee, said: "Proper training, facilities and support must be in place for our future Paralympians. But there are real concerns that nothing like enough work is being done to encourage disabled people take up sports. The Paralympic Games gives a great opportunity to remedy this. It has been over 50 years since the last London Games and we must make sure the best facilities are available for all our athletes before, during and after the event."

The proposed inquiry would also seek to find out the number of disabled pupils who receive the minimum Government recommendation of two hours Physical Education and sport each week. How many sports development officers across London are dedicated to supporting disabled people? And whether all service providers and facilities comply with the Disability Discrimination Act?

Committee Members would also visit organisations around London to learn more about the sport participation levels of people with disabilities and available facilities.