Special Olympics Great Britain response to the Disability Action Plan Consultation

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In response to today’s launch from the Government of the United Kingdom of the consultation phase of the Disability Action Plan, Colin Dyer, Chief Executive of Special Olympics Great Britain, said:

“Conducting research and analysis about the potential impact of a future Special Olympics World Games in Great Britain was first noted in 2021 through the release of our Inclusion in Action Strategy.

“We are delighted to move closer to this stage of research and analysis work today thanks to the strong support from the Minister of State for Disabled People, Health & Work Tom Pursglove MP, who has detailed the ambition to undertake a feasibility study within this consultation phase of the Disability Action Plan.

“Following today’s announcement, we will work with our key stakeholders to create a framework of what a feasibility study for a future Special Olympics World Games in Great Britain would contain.

“Having recently returned from the Special Olympics World Games where a delegation of 82 athletes performed brilliantly alongside volunteer coaches and support staff, we won’t hide from our ambition to host this event in the future. However, we are still at the very early stages of this process and any potential bid must be shaped around the wider opportunities that it would create for people with intellectual disabilities and, ultimately ensure that it makes a huge impact on society.

“Despite this additional work, our utmost priority will always be the Special Olympics GB family and ensuring that we provide the best possible support to our volunteers. By strengthening our grassroots network of clubs, we can create even more life changing sporting opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities throughout the year.

“We also ask that the Special Olympics GB family plays its part in the consultation phase of the Disability Action Plan on GOV.UK.”

Contribute to the Disability Action Plan consultation by giving your views on the proposed actions to be taken forward. Click here to access the online survey.