PE access ‘failing’ disabled children as 320,000 don’t get 30 minutes exercise a day

Charities have warned that 'deep-rooted inequalities' must be overturned for the Paralympics to set a meaningful legacy.

Access to PE is failing children with special needs and disabilities, as around 320,000 do not get enough exercise, i can reveal.

It comes as the Paralympic Games commences in Paris on Wednesday, with more than 4,000 athletes from around the world set to inspire children with disabilities across the UK.

But Adam Blaze, chief executive of Activity Alliance, warned that “many layers of barriers and attitudes” against disabled people playing sports must be broken through for a legacy to be created.

“Once the gold dust settles in Paris, we won’t see a huge surge in activity unless there is a more concerted effort across society to change attitudes and embed better practices,” he told i.

A ParalympicsGB spokesperson said all disabled children must “have the opportunity to take part in PE and sport at school”, and teachers and schools must be empowered to deliver “inclusive PE and sport for all children”.

“Asking children to sit on the sidelines cannot be the right thing to do,” they told i.