Is there a difference between para sport, disability sport & inclusive sport?

Guest Blog – Mark Bullock

Here are some of my thoughts in a very brief blog….

Para sport is high performance sport with the pinnacle being the Paralymic Games, both summer and winter. At this level classification is required where people with impairments that impact on sporting performance in a similar way compete against each other with a view to making the competition as fair as possible.   However, it should be noted that not all sports are played at the Paralympic Games. For example amputee football, cerebral palsy football, powerchair football and sailing are currently not on the Paralympic programme.

Disability sport is where people with a disability play and compete with other disabled people in local competition.  Disability sport may overlap with para-sport but would also include sports activities and events where participants are not on a pathway to compete at the high performance level.

Inclusive sport is where disabled people take part alongside non disabled people maybe with some rule modifications or maybe not. Inclusive zone basketball creates zones for wheelchair users and non-disabled players.

Wheelchair tennis allows a wheelchair player to have a second bounce when competing with non disabled players.  Sports like boccia and sitting volleyball can be played by all from a seated position. Sighted people can play goalball. Non-disabled people can play wheelchair sports. For more information on inclusion in sport and the inclusion spectrum visit: www.ukcoaching.org

Parallel London is a great example of a fully inclusive event with a set of fun funs.  It has a 10k, 5k, 1k, 100m and a Super Sensory 1k.

The distinction between the 3 elements I have identified is not clear-cut and people may move between the different areas throughout their career, or the same person may take part in sport in aspects of two or more of these categories at the same time. I believe the key is providing a broad range of opportunities at all levels across a variety of activities so that disabled people have the choice to participate in activity that suits them best and provides pathways for everybody’s aspirations.

It is excitingly that TGBSS is taking an inclusive approach with powerchair football, para Athletics, Boccia, wheelchair tennis, sitting volleyball and para badminton all confirmed providing opportunities for everybody to try something and get active.  I am sure it will be a great event and I would encourage everyone to go along and have a look, try some sports and maybe become regular participants.

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