Special Olympics Great Britain (GB) stands alongside ParalympicsGB, following the launch of its Equal Play campaign calling for equal access to PE and school sport for all children with a disability.
Laura Baxter MBE, Chief Executive of Special Olympics GB, said: “We have seen throughout the Special Olympics GB movement that the opportunity to play sport and be active is transformational to the lives of children and adults with an intellectual disability.
“Some of the athletes who we work with have had such little experience of sport through their education, and they are joining our clubs to gain their first benefits. These experiences in our voluntary-led clubs are often a catalyst, which leads to that person leading a healthier lifestyle, reducing isolation and finding new levels of confidence, and developing new skills, to support a more independent life.
“With the Article 30 of United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in place, we will never stop our work to create more sporting opportunities for children and adults with an intellectual disability. However, we can start the journey to a more inclusive society much earlier if Equal Play is given at school to all children with a disability.
“Alongside ParalympicsGB and our partners in disability sport, we welcome any opportunity for further discussion about supporting this journey.”