Links

On this page you will find information about a range of services, and links to other organisations that may be of interest.

Learning Disability Sport

There are many organisations working throughout the UK to promote sport and recreation opportunities for people with learning disability.

In the community, the English Federation of Disability Sport (link to www.efds.co.uk) are working to ensure that all clubs, schools and sports providers offer an inclusive and accessible service which everyone can benefit from. Their website provides information about the work they are doing and how you can get involved.

Also working to get people involved in sport are Special Olympics GB and Mencap.

Special Olympics GB (SOGB) was formed in Great Britain in 1978 as part of the worldwide movement founded in the USA in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

Special Olympics is a major provider of sporting opportunities for people with a learning disability in Great Britain and uniquely focuses on providing equality of opportunity for all its athletes regardless of their level of athletic ability or degree of disability. The organisation annually caters for over 7,000 athletes has 600 registered coaches and 2,000 volunteers actively and regularly taking part in England, Scotland and Wales and accepts athletes from the age of 6 to 80.

Athletics, swimming, football, gymnastics and bowls are the five most popular sports within the programme and are the most widely available. Also provided within the sporting programme: Sailing, Golf, Basketball, Cycling, Equestrian, Badminton, Tennis, Volleyball, Badminton, Boccia, Powerlifting, Judo, Ten Pin Bowling, Netball, Cricket, Table Tennis and in 2004 are introducing Kayaking. Special Olympics also provides opportunities in winter sports and currently offer Alpine Skiing, Floor Hockey (based on ice hockey) and in 2003 hope to introduce snowboarding to our winter sports athletes.

Mencap is the UK's leading learning disability charity working with people with a learning disability and their families and carers. They campaign for equal rights, greater opportunities and challenge attitudes and prejudice. Mencap also provide advice and support to meet people's needs throughout their lives. Mencap is an individual membership organisation, with a local network of more than 1,000 affiliated groups with sport and leisure being an important part of their work.

The English Sports Association, working with the EFDS, SOGB, and Mencap, give talented athletes who have reached certain minimum standards the opportunity to develop their skills to reach the very pinnacle of sport - the Paralympics. ESA is the national member of INAS-FID (the International Sports Federation for People with Intellectual Disability) which is in turn a member of the International Paralympic Committee.

ESA provides the pathway for athletes to progress from community and club level to competition across the world, and, potentially the Paralympic Games. Sport is run to governing body rules and athletes must meet strict eligibility criteria.

We work in three principal sports, athletics, swimming and table tennis, and in partnership with the Football Association and England Netball. In addition, we have a major education and training programme giving volunteers and coaches the skills necessary to work in disability sport.

The Association does not qualify for government or most sports lottery funding and is entirely reliant on a major fundraising programme.

Organisations and useful contacts

Mencap

British Paralympic Association

British Olympic Association

Special Olympics

Sports Aid

Sport England

National Coaching Foundation

Health Education Authority

Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management

Athletics

Football

Football development

Ability Online

English Table Tennis Association

Inclusive Fitness Initiative

English Federation of Disability Sport

Foundation for People with Learning Disability

Youth Disability Sports - Scotland

First Choice Mobility

Inclusive Fitness Initiative

The Virtual Library of Sport provides global links to key resources in all sports.

Links

British Amputee & Les Autres Sports Association -

30 Greaves Close, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 6RS, Tel: 0115 926 0220

British Blind Sports -

4-6 Victoria Terrace, Leamington Spa, CV31 3AB, Tel: 01926 424247

British Deaf Sports Council -

7a Bridge Street, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 1BQ, Tel: 01943 850214

British Wheelchair Sports Foundation -

Ludwig Guttman Sports Centre, Harvey Road
Aylesbury, Bucks, HP21 8PP, Tel: 01296 84848

Cerebral Palsy Sport -

Studio 32, Trent bridge Cricket Centre, Trent Bridge, Nottingham, NG62 6AG

Disability Sport England -

N17 Studio's, 784-788 High Road, Tottenham, London, N17 0DA

Information for students

Q. Where does ESAPLD fit within the structure and provision of sport in England?

The English Federation of Disability Sport is the recognised umbrella body for each of the 7 National disability sport organisations (NDSO,s) in England and Great Britain. ESAPLD played an active part in establishing this new agency, and continues to work within the structure to ensure sport for people with learning disability continues to develop. Increasingly, a greater emphasis and responsibility is being placed upon the governing bodies of sport themselves to ensure the needs of people with disabilities are met. ESA and EFDS are supporting this process and can provide training, information and support to any organisation aiming to improve access to their service.

ESAPLD, through EFDS has a network of regional officers around the country responsible for the development of disability sport at grass root levels. The Association also has four sports sub-groups responsible for the organisation of their associated sport at a national level.

Q. What services does the ESAPLD provide?

Services are wide ranging and include:
Management, training and coaching of the England Squads
The Administration and Registration of national and international sports men and women
Coach education
Support and development of grass root opportunities
Support to athletes eg assistance with applying for SportAid grants

Q How can I get involved with the Association and are there any special requirements?

You can become involved in the organisation in a number of ways as an athlete, as a coach, as a sponsor or donor, or as a volunteer. For more information, contact the national office.

Q Where can I get information on teaching/coaching people with learning disabilities?

The Association has recently developed a course for teachers, coaches and volunteers who wish to get involved in learning disability sport. Information can be found at the top of this page.

Many people get involved with local clubs, schools or organisations. Try contacting your local sports development officer for information (contacts can be found on the Sport England website on the links page). The Association also runs Coach Camp, an annual training weekend giving anyone the opportunity to gain qualifications in as many as ten different sports. See Events Calendar, for dates of this years Coach Camp.

Q. Can anyone go to squad/training weekends or do I have to be selected? If so, when are the selection trials?

Each squad has entry standards, which are posted on each of the sportspages. It is important that an athlete will meet the criteria for registration as an athlete with a learning disability, and information on this can be found on the eligibility page. If you feel you, or an athlete you know, may qualify, contact the national office.

Q. How can I find funding or sponsorship

Funding is the major problem facing almost everyone in sport. Unfortunately the Association cannot support athletes, and all squad weekends, events and activities must by self-funding. Younger athletes may apply for a SportsAid grant. Details can be found by following the link on this page.

Q. Where can I find information about activities in my local area?

ESAPLD is a member of the English Federation of Disability Sport, which is the government-funded agency responsible for the provision and enhancement of disability sport at grassroots level. For information about activities,
events, clubs near to you, please visit www.efds.co.uk

Q. Do you have a newsletter or any publications?

We hope to introduce an e-newsletter in 2003. To register your email address, please use the contact sheet, entering MAILING LIST in the details box. Links to partner agencies and disability sport organisations. If you would like your website included please email your link on the Contact page. This list is for information purposes only and does not constitute recommendation by ESAPLD.