National News

EFDS

English Federation of Disability Sport
Restructuring – closure of regional offices at the end of March 2011

The new staffing structure within the EFDS will not include regional offices or their staff. Therefore all the regional offices will be closed for further business as from the 31 March 2011.

This has come as a shock to us at Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and we would like to take this opportunity to thank Dennis Hodgkins for his hard work, effort and support. We would also like to wish him success in whatever he goes on to do.

Thanks Dennis!!

The RFL adopts new strategy for disabled people

The Rugby League in London has become one of the first sports governing bodies to adopt a new strategy designed to actively encourage the participation of disabled people.

Called ‘Inclusive and Active 2’, it is a sport and physical activity strategy for disabled people in London, which has been created in partnership between the Greater London Authority (GLA), NHS London and Interactive.

Organisations who adopt the strategy are not only looking to increase participation levels of disabled people but to change the perception of disabled people and embed sport and physical activity within their mainstream provision.

Stewart Lucas, Chief Executive of Interactive, said: “We are delighted that the RFL has decided to adopt ‘Inclusive and Active 2’ and to pledge to play an active role in transforming how disabled people in London access Rugby League.

“By placing the ethos of ‘Inclusive and Active 2’ at the core of their remit, the RFL will embed equality and inclusion into everything they do from grass roots to elite level.”

In adopting ‘Inclusive and Active 2’, the RFL has developed an action plan detailing how they will implement targets under five strategic themes. Key areas include increasing club opportunities, actively employing disabled people and promoting Rugby League as a viable activity choice for disabled people.

Dan Steel, Regional Manager of the RFL in London welcomed the move saying: “The formal adoption of ‘Inclusive and Active 2’ is just one step along the pathway for the RFL to become a more inclusive sport.

“We are excited about the partnership with Interactive and look forward to playing an active role in developing equality of sporting opportunity in London.”

The RFL joins a strong and ever growing partnership of agencies with strategic and provision responsibilities for sport and physical activity in London who have, or are currently working towards adopting ‘Inclusive and Active 2’ and making its vision a reality.

Entries open for Knowsley Disability Athletics Grand Prix

Entries for the Knowsley Disability Athletics Grand Prix, in Knowsley (Liverpool), on 21st and 22nd May 2011 are now open.

As in 2010, this competition is aligned with the Paralympic World Cup, which is due to take place in neighbouring Manchester on Friday, 27 May, 2011. Individuals invited to the Paralympic World Cup should inform the event organisers if you intend to compete in Knowsley to ensure travel and accommodation is arranged accordingly.

Entry to the competition is available to athletes competing in the event list outlined at the link above. Athletes must be IPC licensed to compete under IPC athletics rules. There is no entry fee for athletes who are competing in the event.

Click here to enter

Inclusion Conference

Create Development is delighted to announce that its first Inclusion conference has been confirmed for May 17th 2011. The event will take place at the Greenbank Sports Academy, Liverpool, the North West’s leading sports and leisure facility for disabled people and will cost £95+VAT per delegate.

The conference will focus on young disabled people’s skills, opportunities and aspirations. Through a series of workshops, practitioners will explore the ways in which they can ensure all young people are challenged and empowered in a school setting.

Led by Pam Stevenson, Inclusion Lead, Create has done a great deal of work on inclusion and disability with positive results:

“We were delighted to be on a PE course that didn’t need to be interpreted when we got back to school! The whole day was fun and so useful for all our children”

(Teacher – Manchester Special School)

Workshops will include:

? Physical Literacy – building the foundations needed to maximise independence and potential

? Ensuring the Challenge – accelerating learning through assessment

? Creating a Bridge into Clubs and Competitions – inspiring young sportspersons share their dreams, journeys and career pathways

For more information call Pam Stevenson on 07765 953195

Book now by calling 020 8863 0304

England Athletics

Learning Disability Athlete Talent Introduction Day

Dear Athlete,

I would like to give you information about a Coach and Athlete Talent Introduction Day for athletes with a learning disability.

When/where is it?

Sunday 8^th May, 10am-3pm

Brunel University Indoor Athletics Centre, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH

What is it?

-Training sessions for athletes on running, jumping and throwing led by experienced coaches.

- Information about classification will be given on the day for parents/guardians and coaches (in order for athletes to compete as an athlete with a learning disability they need to have a classification).

-Classification for some athletes. This will take the form of a 45min short form IQ test with a qualified psychologist. Unfortunately places are limited but if you would like to be considered for a place to take this test on the day please make this clear on your application form. Athletes will be notified before the day if they have a classification place or not. Please be aware this is only the intial stage test for classification and subsequent test may be required. There will be no cost.

Who is it for?

The event is only open to athletes with a learning disability who are new to athletics or who are already involved in athletics but are not competing as an athlete with a learning disability*.

Athletes attending must also meet the minimum performance standards in at least one event (see attached standards)

A learning disability means that an athlete must demonstrate an IQ of 75 or less, limited social adaptation in day to day abilities and their learning disability must be evident during 0-18 years. Athletes may have other conditions, such as ADHD; autism; dyslexia; EBD or Asperger’s for example. This does not automatically exclude them, however, if these are the only or primary conditions they are unlikely to fulfill the learning disability eligibility requirements. This is a guide only as eligibility will only be determined through classification at a later stage.

What do I need to bring?

You will need to bring your own lunch and drinks. You need to wear suitable clothing for taking part in athletics (trainers, jogging bottoms, t-shirt, raincoat etc).

How much does it cost?

There is no cost for the event.

How do I apply?

If you would like to attend this event please fill in the attached application form and return it to me by Thursday 28^th April.