Disability Sports Coach in Berlin for Special Olympics talk

An invitation to talk about our Inclusive Activity Leader (IAL) graduates on a global stage was one not to miss!

Our CEO Peter Ackred and Project Officer Hannah Paton were in Berlin at the invitation of Special Olympics GB.

Hannah said: “We explained about the benefits of the IAL programme in opening up sports coaching for disabled people.

Fully accessible

“Our findings show that the course is fully accessible for disabled people wanting to teach inclusive sport, when given appropriate support.

“Disabled and non-disabled people were training side-by-side by side on the course and this was hugely beneficial in breaking down barriers.

“All participants really benefited from the knowledge and experience of our own coaches to pass the course.”

The programme is being run by Disability Sports Coach (DSC) with the support of Nike. Graduates have all passed a Level 1 or 2 Multi-Skills Development in Sport Course, qualifying them to teach disability sport.

Programme graduate Alex Blayden, 24, who is autistic, now works as a paid freelance coach for Disability Sport Coach.

Role Models

Peter Ackred, CEO of Disability Sports Coach said: “The real benefit of IAL is that our graduates can go on to support the next generation of disabled people to take part in sport.

“They will be the role models of the future and their success has also created a clear pathway for others to take up a career in disability sports coaching.”

He added: “Our graduates passed the courses with few adjustments allowed by the examining body, but I would like to see more being permitted to widen participation.”

Peter continued: “It’s our responsibility to now ensure that we bring the IAL findings to life and share them with the sports and education sector.”

Peter and Hannah saw the Special Olympics in full flow in Berlin, observing boccia, swimming, athletics and football, describing it as “really impressive”.