ParalympicsGB has launched the Equal Play campaign, with a mission to ensure equal access to school sport for all disabled children. The campaign calls for inclusive PE and school sports, advocating for the same opportunities for disabled children to engage in physical education as their non-disabled peers.

Andy Dalby-Welsh, CEO, London Youth Games said: “London Youth Games is fully in support of the Equal Play mission, demonstrated through a range of inclusive initiatives. As a former international blind cricketer, I have experienced and witnessed the positive power of sport for disabled people.  We believe that sport is a fundamental right for all young Londoners, and we are dedicated to creating life-changing opportunities through sport, especially ensuring that no child is left on the sidelines.”

Firstly, our ParaGames competitions provide a platform for athletes of all abilities to compete and thrive. We currently offer 12 inclusive events dedicated to young disabled Londoners through the Open Games and 9 inclusive events through the School Games. These include Boccia, Inclusive Basketball, Sitting Volleyball and Dance. 27,077 disabled young people have taken part in these inclusive events since LYG began, showcasing LYG’s long-term dedication to inclusivity in sport.

Hilmy Shawwal was a participant whose journey began at the London Youth Games. This year, he made history as the first wheelchair racer to represent Tanzania at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. Reflecting on his experience, Hilmy said, “Representing my borough was always one of the biggest things for me. My first London Youth Games wearing the Ealing top was really special for me. I wasn’t expecting to win a medal at all and I got a silver that day. I surprised myself and it was a massive buzz. I told myself that if I keep coming here every year, who knows what will happen.”

This season, LYG added a new Inclusive Basketball event to the Open Games, gaining 70 young participants. This new addition to our events programme highlights the ongoing commitment to ensure that all young people, regardless of ability, have access to a range of sporting opportunities.

London Youth Games has also introduced three new Adapted Inspire Festivals, aimed at breaking down barriers to sport for disabled young people in Years 7-10. Designed to bring together disabled students and their peers in a fully inclusive setting, these festivals provided an opportunity for students to try out a variety of 7 sports, including Paralympic disciplines. Over the course of the three events, 277 young people participated, experiencing the joy of physical activity in a supportive and inclusive environment.

These festivals align closely with Paralympics GB’s vision of equal access, encouraging young people to develop a lifelong passion for sport, regardless of the challenges they face. The goal is not only to engage young disabled people in physical activity but also to create environments where they feel fully included alongside non-disabled peers.

With coaching resources under strain, we launched the LYG Inclusive Coaches programme to provide specialised training for coaches working with disabled young people. 21 new coaches were trained to work with disabled youth this season, in order to help more young participants to develop skills and enjoy physical activity in a supportive environment. This initiative supports the “Equal Play” campaign’s focus on ensuring disabled children have access to properly trained professionals who can deliver inclusive PE.

London Youth Games also fosters inclusivity through its GamesForce volunteering programme. This year, 82 disabled volunteers participated, providing valuable opportunities to build connections, expand social circles, and gain hands-on experience.

We have been grateful to Greater London Authority and Peter Harrison Foundation whose support has enabled us to develop our Disability Inclusion work.