Disability, Sport and Society

 

 

 

Disability, Sport and Society is authored by Dr Nigel Thomas, Head of Sport and Exercise at Staffordshire University, and Dr Andy Smith, who graduated at Staffordshire and now lectures at the University of Chester.

 

 

 

 

It has received the backing of Paralympian Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Pro Chancellor of Staffordshire University, who said it provided “a much needed critical examination of the opportunities and challenges facing the modern Paralympic and disability sports movement.”

 

She added: “In the run up to London 2012 this is a book that should be read by all students, academics, administrators and policy makers with an interest in disability sport.”

 

The book took two years to complete but the authors are confident that it will become a valuable resource.

Said Nigel: “Although the area of disability sport is a relatively new and recent phenomenon, it is particularly important in the context of social inclusion and the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

“There was no real formal recognition of disability sport until the 1940s and still, today, it is not greatly understood. It’s only the performance athletes that are generally known and there’s not a very clear understanding of how the sport is organised and why.”

Nigel gained significant experience working with young disabled people as a sports development officer in local authorities and national governing bodies and now researches the history, mainstreaming, and media coverage of disability sport.

He added: “When I started to teach I realised how little there was available as a resource. The data contained in the book is from interviews and surveys – which can’t collectively be found elsewhere.”

Co-author Dr Andy Smith graduated in Sport at Staffordshire University and is currently a Lecturer in the Sociology of Sport and Exercise at the University of Chester.

Nigel said: ”Andy was an exceptional graduate and has published work on school physical education and special needs. Because he has a different background and perspective, he was an obvious co-author for the book.”

 

To view further information about the book and for a priority order form please click here.

For more information or to arrange interviews telephone Maria Scrivens, Senior Press Officer, Staffordshire University, 01785 353401

 

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Dr Nigel Thomas is also one of SASSOT's Executive Board members and is the Partnership's Intelligence, Research and Performance Champion. To read his profile and that of other Board members click here.