Within each of the nine regions a Federation of EFDS will support the strategic delivery of disability Sport. Each are involved in coordinating the grass roots development of disability sport and physical activity by working closely with relevant agencies to help build capacity at a local level.
EFDS has six key objectives which are reflected in the work delivered locally:
1. Education
To improve the quality and quantity of PE & school sport for young disabled people in special and mainstream education.
2. Sport
To develop sporting pathways for disabled people
3.Community
To develop and enhance the inclusion of disabled people in community-based sport and physical activity opportunities.
4. Empowerment
To empower disabled people to take a full and active role within sport.
5. Training
To improve skills, knowledge & understanding of the community to effectively deliver sport for disabled people
6. Marketing/Information/Promotion/Lobbying
To increase awareness and understanding of sport for disabled people
As an integral part of the IFI, all facilities will need to produce a Sports Development Plan to map out how they will develop and promote other forms of physical activity outside the gym environment.
Through the scheme to date numerous examples of good practice have occurred:
- Over 100 disability audits have occurred mapping the opportunities for disabled people available near the local IFI facility.
- New sports clubs have been developed when previously there was none.
- New sports specific and multi-sports coaches have received training through Inclusive Sport, NGB and Sportscoach UK.
- Disability sports directories have been printed and made available on the web.
- Disabled people have joined sports clubs and set themselves new sporting challenges.
- Competition opportunities have been promoted and linked to regional and national opportunities.
An example of what can be achieved is provided by Hull University Sports Development outcomes:
- The facility held a “open day” and invited local people to try Goalball and Boccia.
- The local RNIB use the sports hall for Goalball and Boccia on a regular basis with new players welcome to join in the sports.
- A new sport to be developed at centre is Blind cricket which n partnership. with the “Actionaires Club” have held successful “have a go days” and are looking to formalise a new sports club.
- The Hull deaf football team train and compete at the centre and East Riding FA Ability Counts Disability team train every week on the Astroturf.
For more information on your local disability sport contacts please log-on to www.efds.co.uk and look under “regions” to find your regional, county or local authority disability sport development officer’s details.
