Disability Sport

Everybody should have the opportunity to participate in sport, whatever his or her ability. At North Yorkshire Sport we are dedicated to improving the access to sport and physical activity for all disabled people within North Yorkshire.

Facilitated through the Equality Standard, North Yorkshire Sport is working with partners to create an equitable sporting environment for all its members. Access to facilities and services are at the forefront, in addition to the access to quality coaches and a safe environment. In conjunction with this North Yorkshire Sport appreciate that Sport is also a tool that can unite communities, through the Equality Standard our aim is to help combat prejudice and discrimination that many disabled people experience.

The School Sports Partnerships are a key in this progression, as we believe that all children should have access to physical education; disability should not be a barrier to inclusion in sport programmes. The links between education and the community will not only support the development of disability sports, but will aim to develop some truly fantastic athletes, coaches and volunteers for the London 2012 Paralympics.

English Federation of Disability Sport

The English Federation of Disability Sport is the national body responsible for developing sport for disabled people in England. They work closely with the six National Disability Sports Organisations recognised by Sport England to develop sporting opportunities for the 11 million disabled people in England.

To view the EFDS website click here.

Federation of Disability Sports Organisations (FDSO)

The FDSO represents the English Federation of Disability Sport in the Yorkshire and The Humber region. The FDSO was formed in 1993 to create and provide sport and recreational opportunities for disabled people in the region. The FDSO works with strategic partners the English Federation of Disability Sport and Sport England. As a result of these working partnerships the FDSO has received funding to employ 4 county Disability Development Officers (DDO’s) to lead on the EFDS Strategy, 2007 – 2012 and Sport England’s Playground to Podium Initiative within the region. Each DDO is hosted by their respective County Sport Partnership.

Simon Pierce is the DDO for North Yorkshire. His role within the North Yorkshire Sport team is to promote and develop sporting opportunities for disabled people within the County. This will be achieved by working in partnership with the Delivery Agents of sport to ensure equity and inclusion in the following areas:

  • Workforce Development
  • Player Pathways (Including Playground to Podium)
  • Youth and Club Development
  • Marketing and Communications

If you have any questions about disability sport contact:

Simon Pierce

North Yorkshire Disability Development Officer

Tel: 01423 556782

Mob: 07533586881

Email: simon.pierce@harrogate.gov.uk

For more information about the FDSO please visit: www.fdso.co.uk

To see the North Yorkshire Sport Disability Development Work Programme in more detail, click on the link below:

NYS Work Programme

North Yorkshire Disability Sport Steering Group

The North Yorkshire Disability Sport Steering Group is made up of officers with a disability or equity remit representing school sport partnerships, district authorities, disability sports organisations and North Yorkshire Sport. This group was initiated to make recommendations on equality and inclusion to the Delivery Agents of sport within the County. The group has also provided guidance, local expertise and support with regards to the development and delivery of the North Yorkshire Sport Disability Development Work Programme.

For details of the groups members and the latest meetings minutes, follow the links below: