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Matt Brinkley

My Visit to the House of Lords for the Launch of "The Power of Sport"

I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the launch of The Power of Sport at the House of Lords. This event hosted by Lord Bird (Co-Founder of The Big Issue) marked a significant step forward in championing inclusion and accessibility in sport and fitness for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions. The research was a collaborative effort by the Disability Policy Centre, Soda, and Nimbus Disability, and it sheds light on the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities as both participators and spectators of sports, while also providing actionable recommendations to make sports and fitness more inclusive, including government policy recommendations.


Arriving at Parliament


Arriving at Westminster and navigating to the entrance gate was less of a challenge than I had pictured in my mind! Having swapped tracksuit for a smart casual attire, I certainly felt comfortable in my surroundings with many others dressed the same.


What an experience it was going into the historic House of Lords itself. After a security check and some relaxed networking in the holding room, we were shown to our event room where a drinks reception took place and further networking took place. Later after the event I had an exercise session planned back in Colchester, so I made sure I didn't taste the bubbles and kept to orange juice!!


Ellie Robinson and Matt Brinkley

I connected with some remarkable individuals and heard about many innovative businesses and charities to boost accessibility and inclusion.


The visit had a feel of both an important and momentous occasion, attended by a diverse group of people, including policymakers, sports professionals (including Paralympians), advocates for disability rights, and individuals with lived experiences of disability. As the speeches started the atmosphere was one of anticipation and inspiration, everyone seemed eager to discuss the findings of the research and work towards a future where sport is accessible to all.


Highlights from the Speakers


The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Lord John Bird, who co-founded the well known social enterprise supporting homeless people The Big Issue, who emphasised the importance of the research and the need for inclusivity in society. The speakers included Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP, (Minister for Social Security and Disability), Rt Hon Robert Halfron who shared powerful insights into how diverse opportunities can impact the lives of people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.


It was inspiring to hear from Ellie Robinson MBE as a Paralympian who shared personal stories about her journey at grassroots level and the relationships made through participating in sport.


Chloe Schendel-Wilson, co-founder of The Disability Policy Centre discussed the key findings of the research paper, which highlighted the existing barriers that people with disabilities face when it comes to participating in or viewing sports. These barriers range from lack of accessible facilities and equipment to attitudes within society and a shortage of trained staff who understand the needs of individuals with disabilities. The presentation made it clear that there is still a long way to go in terms of achieving true inclusivity in sports, but there are action steps to get us there.


What stood out to me was that change can happen and we can all be changemakers to improve accessibility in sports and physical activity.


Next Steps


The Power of Sport research paper is more than just a document; it is a catalyst for change. It provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of sports accessibility and offers recommendations for how it can improve. By highlighting both the challenges and the opportunities, the research encourages us to rethink how we approach sports and fitness for people with disabilities.


As I left the House of Lords, I felt an enhanced sense of purpose and commitment to advocating for Making Fitness Accessible. The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to participate.


I am excited to see the positive changes that will come from this research and am committed to supporting these efforts in any way I can.


Stay tuned for change!

Matt

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