Local Paralympic star launches disability sport survey
Winchester District residents who have disabilities or care for people with disabilities are being asked to give their opinions on provision for disability sport to help the Winchester Disability Sports Forum set its plans for the future.
Since Paralympic GB gained 120 medals from the London 2012 Paralympic Games in September 2012 there has been a growing positive attitude and interest towards disability sport provision across the nation. Winchester City Council’s first stage towards creating a Paralympic Legacy was to set up the Winchester District Disability Sports Forum, a group which will drive forward disability sports participation and opportunities.
The group has been working hard over the last month to develop a survey to assess the current provision within the district. The first survey was completed by local Paralympian Adam Knott and the forum is asking more people to follow his lead by responding with their views. The 10-minute survey attempts to understand the barriers and issues people face with disabilities when looking to participate in sport and physical activity.
The forum is keen for any resident within the district who is classified as disabled to complete the survey via the link below. Alternatively residents can also request a paper copy of the survey by telephoning 01962 848532 or e-mail sport@winchester.gov.uk . Once the survey has been completed the forum will look to address the sporting needs of disabled people across the district. This will be delivered by the Forum via an action plan which will link to the Winchester District Sport & Physical Activity Alliance’s new Legacy Framework.
Richard Uren, Chair of the Winchester District Disability Sports Forum, said:
It’s really exciting to be involved in the forum’s first project, with a number of representatives from local clubs through to disability sport professionals involved in the group, we have a fantastic opportunity to ensure Winchester District benefits from the Paralympic legacy and that what we do has a positive to impact on local disabled people.
Cllr Patricia Stallard, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Culture & Sport at Winchester City Council, said:
The survey is a great chance for us to understand the needs and requirements of young people and adults with disabilities across the District. I would urge any person with a disability to take a small amount of time to complete the survey and help us to offer a better facilities and activity programmes.
The closing date for submitting the survey is Sunday 31 March (5pm). The link to follow for the online survey is https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DSA_Participants_Survey For more information about the survey or Winchester District Disability Sports Forum please contact Chris Peach, Sports Development Officer, Winchester City Council on 01962 848532 or sport@winchester.gov.uk .