Getting Started

The inspiration for the modern Olympic movement - Baron Pierre de Coubertin - was quoted in 1824 as saying:

"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."

Paralympians are living examples of people who have triumphed over adversity and who have indeed fought well. Few people can fail to be moved to see an athlete with missing limbs sprinting faster than the vast majority of us have ever moved! It is to this ideal that young disabled people and not so young disabled people should be guided.

It is impossible to cover all the disability sports here so please click on the links below to find more information about participation opportunities for disabled people with all impairments.

Kit you'll need

Some disability sports require quite specialized kit and this will often be personally fitted.

However, the usual rules apply with any new sport and you should start with the basics and this will often simply mean some comfortable clothing.  Your club will be able to provide the equipment you will need to get started in your chosen sport and you can invest in your own kit as you progress.

All athletes need to be well hydrated so make sure you have your drinks bottle close whenever you training or competing.

What's Good

A disability no longer means that you cannot start or have to stop playing a wide range of sports.

Each year many thousands of men, women and children become disabled due to an accident or illness. Thankfully there is now a great network of organisations and clubs to provide help and resource for these people and many others with disabilities to achieve their sporting dreams.

Useful Links