Well where did January go? We are already into February and the weather seems to be getting colder.
The last few weeks particularly have been very busy for development, networking and research for inclusive physical activity in Shropshire.
I had the great pleasure of visiting Shropshire Rural Community Councils (RCC) SLOG group (Sight Loss Opportunity Group) run through the hearing and sight loss service. They were a very welcoming bunch and introduced me to the sport Boccia. I have heard many great things about Boccia and the work Shropshire RCC have been doing to develop the sport to local community groups. The sport was easy to learn and could be adapted for all abilities. I was playing alongside blind and partially sighted individuals who were brilliant at the sport, bearing in mind some had only learnt it that day.
Another partnership I have created is the link between Derwen College (Residential college for students with learning difficulties and disabilities) with Shropshire Paddle Sports in Oswestry. This will create opportunities for students to develop confidence on the water in a community setting.
I was also invited to the Shropshire FA 3 Counties Ability Counts Festival – Seeing over 150 adults and over 30 children take part in the PAN disability football leagues and training sessions from Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. There are many ways to get involved through playing in local training sessions, volunteering or supporting the administration. For more information visit: www.shropshirefa.com/leagues/disability-football.
More recently the results of the Active People Survey were published last week, for those who aren’t aware of the survey it is taken over the course of the year to over 163 thousand people nationally. It measures individual participation in sport down to a local authority area. These sets of results have shown a decrease in the amount of disabled adults taking part in sport on a National level. The English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) stated this may have been due to awareness of sporting activities or in combination that new approaches need to be made to attract more disabled people into sport. More information can be found on this report by following this link: http://www.efds.co.uk/news/3533_aps_results_reinforce_need_to_deliver_more_attractive_and_accessible_opportunities_for_disabled_people
Can I ask you reflect a little on how much physical activity you do each week?
What small changes could you make to lead a more active lifestyle?
Jessica Lightwood
Shropshire Inclusion Officer