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Leading UK charity, Leonard Cheshire Disability, is launching a specialist training guide for disabled people keen to get into sport.

The guide, Get Into Sport, is for disabled people who have decided to take up a sport and need advice on where to begin with their training, and how to choose a sport that is right for them.

Get Into Sport is supported by Beijing gold medal winning Paralympians Sarah and Barney Storey, Beijing silver medallist Paralympian Ben Rushgrove, wheelchair racer and Paralympic hopeful Nikki Emerson and World Paratriathlon Champion Jane Egan (see quotes in notes to editors).

Currently, only 7% of disabled people participate in regular sports or physical activity. Sarah Ball, national events manager at Leonard Cheshire Disability, says:

“The number of disabled people taking part in sport today is alarmingly low. This is largely because there is almost no information out there about the kinds of sport they can take part in, or support to help them get started. The sheer number of events and categories in this year’s Paralympics is testament to the fact that there is a wealth of choice out there for disabled people.

“We regularly hear from disabled people who want to take part in physical activities, but lack the support they need to get started or try a new sport. That’s why we have worked with a wide range of experts to produce Get Into Sport. You don’t have to have ambitions to become a Paralympian; whatever your goal is, our training guide is there to support you to achieve this. ”

Information in the guide includes:

Practical training advice on how people can keep fit at home or take part in competitive sport
Guidance on how to prepare mentally for starting a sport or preparing for an event
Advice on how people can modify their diet to ensure that they are eating the right types of food to maintain their energy levels
Details on finding a sport, club or facility that suits people’s needs
 

Get into Sport has been produced by Leonard Cheshire Disability with the support of a wide range of experts, including The Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, the English Federation of Disability Sport, British Triathlon, Handycling UK and London Swimming.

The guide can be downloaded free from www.lcdisability.org/sport Accessible formats in easy read and Braille are available upon request. To complement the guide, Leonard Cheshire Disability has also launched an online hub, full of useful information and blog entries from disabled people, athletes and Paralympians.

For more information or to request the guide in accessible formats, call 0203 242 0294 or email: vents@lcdisability.org

Download guide here>>

Quotes from Paralympian supporters:

Sarah Storey, Paralympic cyclist:

“I think it’s fantastic that Leonard Cheshire Disability has launched a guide which will advise disabled people on how to train and Get Into Sport right from the starting point, which is often the hardest hurdle to overcome.

“Everyone needs support to drive them forward; Get Into Sport is designed to help people achieve their goal, whether that is to keep fit and healthy or to take part in the next Paralympics. I hope it supports people to take up an activity in this historical Olympic and Paralympic year.”

Barney Storey, Paralympic cyclist who rides as a sighted pilot for blind or partially sighted athletes:

“Before I became a professional cyclist I used to work as a building inspector and a surveyor, so I didn’t always do sport full time. Once I had made the decision to commit to cycling full time I had to make sure I was training correctly.

“Once you have made the decision to start training for an event or take part in a sport, it is important to make sure that you are following a suitable diet, training wisely and are able to mentally prepare yourself. Get Into Sport is there to help you on your way.”

Ben Rushgrove, Paralympic sprinter:

“Sport has helped me in so many ways, it has given me a purpose, something to work really hard for and be proud of.

“You don’t have to be a Paralympian to enjoy the benefits that regular exercise can bring but if you are just starting out it is important to get the right advice. Get Into Sport has been designed to do just that.”

Nikki Emerson, wheelchair racer:

“This guide is designed to provide people with the information they need to take those, often challenging, first steps to start training and Get Into Sport.

“A few years ago I didn’t know exactly what sports I wanted to do or how to get started – today, I’m hoping to compete at the 2012 London Paralympics. Your goals might not be focused on winning medals, but sport and exercise can enhance your life in many different ways. Getting the right support and advice from the outset is a vital step to achieving this.”