A new report by the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) has revealed that despite the euphoria of the 2012 Paralypmic Games, disabled people are still experiencing a number of barriers which prevent their full participation in physical activity.

EFDS, which is the national body and charity dedicated to disabled people in sport, has undertaken a study into disabled people's lifestyles and their participation in physical activity. The research highlights some stark findings:

· There is a clear untapped demand for sport and physical activity, with 70 per cent of those surveyed saying they want to do more.
· 64 per cent of disabled people surveyed would prefer to take part in sport and physical activity with a mix of disabled and non-disabled people, however only 51 per cent currently do. Therefore, the research highlights a clear mismatch between preference and availability.
· Over half of disabled people surveyed (51 per cent) are not enjoying their experiences of sport in school, compared to 69 per cent enjoying taking part in sport or physical activity with friends outside of school.
· Over 60 per cent of those surveyed claimed that either a lack of awareness of opportunities or a lack of available opportunities is what prevents them from taking part in sport and physical activity.

Barry Horne, Chief Executive of EFDS, said ahead of the report release:

"This report highlights that there is still a big gap between ambition and reality when it comes to disabled people's participation in physical activity. There has been a huge focus on elite level participation and the Paralympics produced fantastic role models but the real work and change is required at the grassroots level."

"If people are being turned off participating in sport because of their experience at school for example, it creates a much greater challenge to engage people later in life when their behaviours and attitudes towards sports participation are more deeply ingrained. For disabled people who are keen to be active and want to be included, the development, delivery and active promotion of appropriate opportunities is essential."

"The fact that disabled people's participation in sport is much lower than non-disabled people is a serious concern, especially as the benefits of physical activity to health and well being are widely known. Our research will help inform policy and practice that enables full participation at every level of sport."
The importance of the research has also been recognised by leading disability sports figures, who have also commended the findings to others.

Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson was quick to point out the value of the research. She said:

"EFDS have produced research which is both telling and timely as we seek to broaden opportunities for sporting participation and physical activity amongst disabled people. The findings should be used to influence and drive forward a key area of work."

Ollie Hynd, MBE, Paralympic, Double World and European Champion swimmer said:

"This research should be carefully considered in order to help make sport and physical activity count for disabled people. Sport and physical activity has played a huge part in my life, and in making me who I am today. It is really important that disabled people have the chance to focus on their abilities, and not disabilities, through sporting opportunities."

As well as the barriers to sporting participation, the research also highlights a number of positive experiences which present opportunities for policymakers and sports providers:

· 69 per cent of those surveyed stated that playing sport or being active was important to them.
· The top three reasons people surveyed gave for taking part is 'because it is fun', 'to keep fit' and 'to keep healthy'.
· Whilst only half of those surveyed enjoyed sport at school, disabled people who attended a special school were more likely to have enjoyed PE at school (69 per cent).
· The language used to describe opportunities plays a big role in how they will appeal to disabled people. Different language is needed depending on the target audience. For example disabled women prefer the descriptive term 'recreational activities' whilst disabled men surveyed preferred to use the term 'sport'.

Lisa O'Keefe, Director of Sport at Sport England said:
"Last summer's Paralympic Games sent a very clear message that disabled people can play and excel at sport. To capitalise upon the momentum generated and convert interest into taking part, it is important for those delivering sport to have a good understanding of peoples behaviours, choices and motivations. This survey helps by providing valuable insight into the needs and requirements of disabled people, helping to shape our future work in creating more opportunities to enable disabled people to play sport"

To read the full report and for more information on EFDS, please visit www.efds.co.uk

ends

Notes to Editors:

Interviews are available upon request with EFDS's Chief Executive Barry Horne or Chair Charles Reed all day on September 9. Case studies can be made available for interview/filming. To arrange an interview, or for further information, contact:
Chris Whitaker – efds@chriswhitaker.co.uk Mobile: 07803 874234 or
Emma Spring, Research and Insight Manager- espring@efds.co.uk Mobile 07817 787 542

For more information on EFDS please visit our website: www.efds.co.uk
Find us on Twitter @Eng_Dis_Sport, Facebook and LinkedIn

Key research information:
1. Sample and methodology

The research is based on a total sample of476 disabled people aged 14 or over from across England. This was a mixture of disabled people and representatives of disabled people (for those whose impairment was too profound to complete the survey without support). The total sample is a combination of two surveys, a main survey conducted with people with all impairment types and an easy read version with people with a learning disability containing fewer questions and more images to help explain the content. The survey was available in a number of formats to be accessible to all impairment typ

2. About EFDS

The English Federation of Disability Sport has a vision that disabled people are active for life. EFDS is the national body for disabled people in sport throughout England. Key areas of expertise include:

· Providing advice, guidance and information on sport for disabled people.
· Working with partners to engage more disabled people in sport and physical activity. Partners include National Governing Bodies of sport, National Disability Sports Organisations, education networks, as well as local county sports partnerships, local authorities, disability charities and other third sector organisations.
· Developing and rolling-out national programmes to improve access to sport and physical activity by disabled people, such as Sainsbury's Active Kids for All PE training.
· Providing a comprehensive calendar of participation opportunities through Disability Sport Events. These are delivered to increase the number of disabled people participating at all levels and support the identification and development of talented performers.
· Managing the Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) with a national coverage of 400 IFI Mark accredited gym facilities. The IFI Mark is fundamental in addressing inequality in physical activity; to reach inactive populations, raise awareness of the benefits of exercise and create demand.
· Influencing and supporting delivery partners to be more inclusive and to provide a greater range and quality of sporting opportunities for disabled people.
· Providing a range of inclusive and high quality training opportunities to increase the number of disabled people involved in sport and physical activity.
· Actively raising the profile of all disabled sportswomen and sportsmen, as well as increasing the opportunities available for disabled people to participate at all levels.
· Fundraising to provide more opportunities through EFDS and attracting additional funds to sport for disabled people.
· EFDS receives funding from Sport England as its national partner for disabled people in sport.