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The Derbyshire Disability Plan for Sport 2008-2012 is launched

14 July 2008

The Derbyshire Disability Plan for Sport 2008 – 2012 sets out a vision for how disability sport in Derbyshire will look in four years time, and what must be done to achieve that.

It includes targets which will ensure there is a choice of high quality sports and physical activities accessible to disabled people, a positive experience is had by all, and the skills and knowledge of those working in sport is increased.

The Plan has been developed by local partners and the English Federation for Disability Sport – East Midlands following a long consultation process, and was launched during Derbyshire Sport’s AGM at the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield on Friday, July 11.

Introducing the Plan was Derbyshire Sport Disability Sports Development Officer Catherine Davies, and Wimbledon Wheelchair Tennis Champion Jayant Mistry, who is now Inclusive Sport Development Officer at the English Federation of Disability Sport – East Midlands.

Catherine said: “The Derbyshire Disability Plan for Sport 2008 – 2012 gives a clear direction for those involved in the delivery of sport and physical activity, including local authorities, leisure services, school sports partnerships, and national governing bodies of sport.

“To achieve its aims it will require many partners to work together.”

The strategic aims of the Plan are to help increase the number of disabled people playing sport by more than one per cent each year, and increase the number of disabled young people taking part in inter school competition by seven per cent between September 2009 and September 2012.

It also aims to improve the performance levels of disabled athletes, resulting in a 50 per cent increase in the number of disabled athletes competing at regional and national level, and encourage more partnership working in the development of disability sport in Derbyshire.

Targets include:

• Increasing the number of disabled and non disabled people working in sport.
• Helping clubs to engage and retain disabled people.
• Supporting disability sports groups across the county and city.
• Increasing the number of inclusive school sports facilities and the number of dedicated competitions for disabled young people.

The Plan also outlines aims to increase the number of disabled people using the county’s current Inclusive Fitness Initiative accredited gyms at Chesterfield College, Derby College and Buxton College, as well as seeing more gyms gain the accreditation.