Cerebral Palsy Sport launch inclusive It’s Okay to Play Project

August 14, 2020 

UK disablity sports charity Cerebral Palsy (CP) Sport has launched ‘It’s Okay to Play’, a project that aims to make it easier for people with cerebral palsy and associated impairments to access sports and activities on similar levels to their family members and peers.

According to the organisation, cerebral palsy affects about one in every 400 children born in the UK and is the most common form of physical disability in the world. CP Sport works to raise aspirations, promotes inclusion and supports people with cerebral palsy and other impairments to play, participate and enjoy sport and active recreation. 

"People with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities have told us they are very passionate about sports and enjoy watching and supporting a team, but they had very few real opportunities to participate," states the organisation. 

Supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, the project provides key information, helpful ideas and games that will help lead to happier and healthier lives. 

It's Okay to Play includes two new resources, one for education sector and health professionals who work with yong people and adults with physical impairments and the other for families: 

The first provides teachers and physical education (PE) leaders with tools to be able to run fully inclusive sessions and activities that break down barriers and perceptions. Subject to government guidance  on the coronavirus and the return of sport and recreation, the project will help ensure that within schools, people with a physical impairment are able to take part in PE and extracurricular activities. 

The second includes tips for families and caregivers on how to be active with family members who have physical impairments. It provides the confidence to play in home settings, to go into the local community and to access green spaces and parks with the ultimate goal of encouraging the family to be active together. 

The family resource is also included as part of its Virtual Challenge Series, a fun new participation event taking place between August 2020 and January 2021 which consists of three themed challenges – Distance, Time and Numbers - lasting one month each.

CP Sport hopes that the materials will support more people with physical impairments to enjoy the benefits of being active, helping them to become more confident and build stronger ties to their communities. 

Download the It’s Okay to Play resources here.