SIDO Evaluation Executive Summary - Sligo Sport and Recreation ...

It was noted that the challenge still remains to bring peoplewith disabilities into mainstream sports clubs and activities.However, a number of local sports clubs, predominantlyinvolving minority sports have fully integrated people withdisabilities as members. The environment also needs to becreated for bigger sporting organisations and sports clubs toembrace inclusion and increase opportunities for people withdisabilities to access these sports locally. One stakeholdercommented: “Disability sports should not be somethingspecialised, but should be totally inclusive.”It was also noted that the project needs to continue as “There can be big problems for people isolatedat home who find it difficult even to talk to other people. Accessing sport and recreation gives peoplethe confidence to take on other activities.”With respect to the levels of motivation to participateby people with disabilities, it was suggested: “Thereis a need for a significant campaign nationally.Target people with disabilities, and society ingeneral. Target people in specific settings suchas schools.” This message was also reinforcedby another stakeholder who commented that:“The media tend to promote disability events,but rarely in the sports section. The emphasisin media tends to be Disability. Needs a morepositive spin. Need for more education of themedia.” It was felt that continuing the project wouldplay an integral part in providing a resource for themedia to access information.The need for raising the awareness levels amongst the general public in relation to sport for people witha disability was further highlighted with one respondent pointing out: “The awareness-raising role hasto be sustained. Awareness-raising doesn’t get cracked in a few years. Career opportunities for somepeople with disabilities could be looked at through this programme. It is also important to continue todevelop the network of stakeholders already involved.”Finally, in relation to the centres in which activities are run, one person noted that there needs to be moresupport from staff in these centres. Hence, there is an on-going role for the project to build capacity withincentres through continued training and education opportunities.5.3 Future development of sports and recreation activitiesAs the availability of increased opportunities for sports and physical activities for people with disabilitieshas been a feature of the project, respondents were asked what if any, additional sports or recreationalactivities would they like to see the project introduce in the future. The answers included:✲ Track and Field events.✲ Additional Aerobics programmes.✲ More ‘Come and Try’ days.✲ Swimming.✲ All of the activities on the ‘Come and Try’ days available throughout the year.✲ Table Tennis and Basketball.✲ Spinning Classes.✲ Gym and Leisure Centre Facilities.10 Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership