Campaign to Get More Disabled Children Playing Sport in Primary Schools Supported by Paralympian Ellie Simmonds

Five-time Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds is lending her support to a new campaign aimed at getting more disabled children and those with special educational needs involved in sports at primary schools. The initiative, called Super Movers for Every Body, is a collaborative effort between BBC Teach, the Premier League, and ParalympicsGB.

In England, there are 1.5 million children with special educational needs or disabilities, yet only one in four disabled children participate in physical activities at school. The campaign seeks to address this disparity by providing primary schools with over 3,000 inclusive sports equipment packs, including items like foam javelins, audio balls, and blindfolds.

Ellie Simmonds emphasized the importance of inclusivity in sports, stating, “No matter who you are and no matter what disability you have, you can move, you can get active, you can be included.” Campaign ambassador and Paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockroft echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of ensuring that all children have the opportunity to participate in physical education and sports.

The organizers of the campaign hope that Super Movers for Every Body will help eliminate the exclusion of primary school students during PE lessons. David Clarke, CEO of ParalympicsGB, emphasized the importance of representation in sports, noting that featuring disabled athletes in the campaign materials can help break down barriers to participation.

Helen Foulkes, head of BBC Education, underscored the inclusive nature of the program, stating, “Super Movers for Every Body is a program designed to be inclusive and accessible to all, embodying the belief that sports and physical activity are for everybody.” With the support of prominent figures like Ellie Simmonds and Hannah Cockroft, the campaign aims to make sports more inclusive and accessible for all children in primary schools.