ParalympicsGB and Toyota have today announced the launch of the groundbreaking Every Body Moves initiative to empower disabled people to become active in a way that is right for them.
Drawing on the lived experience of disabled people throughout the UK, Every Body Moves is an evolution of the award winning Parasport powered by Toyota platform which has grown to become the nation’s largest online destination connecting people with thousands of inclusive sporting and physical activities.
Every Body Moves has been developed thanks to a renewed commitment from Toyota to promote inclusive sporting opportunities. It comes at a time when new research* on behalf of ParalympicsGB reveals disabled people’s physical activity levels have been disproportionately impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and cost of living challenges:
- Disabled people are almost twice as likely as non-disabled people (17% compared to 10%) to say they are unable to find accessible and inclusive activities near them.
- Disabled people are twice as likely as non-disabled people (30% compared to 15%) to say they are feeling lonelier and more isolated now than before the pandemic and cost of living challenges.
- 82% of disabled people could name at least one reason why taking part in physical activity and or sport is important to them.
- Almost half (48%) of disabled people agreed that being part of an inclusive community involved in physical activity is important to them.
The everybodymoves.org.uk platform features more than 7,000 inclusive sessions and a range of virtual workouts, hints and tips, and has been co-produced with disabled people.
It will aim to improve accessibility standards for physical activity listings and will place the lived experience of disabled people at the heart of the programme to enable even greater numbers to enjoy the benefits of becoming more active.
To launch Every Body Moves, more than 150 disabled people took part in a ‘come and try’ session for different sports and activities from archery and dance, to wheelchair basketball and table tennis, at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield today (20 March).
They were joined by Paralympic gold medallists Hannah Cockcroft, Jonnie Peacock and new ParalympicsGB chief executive Dave Clarke.
Dave Clarke said: “Every Body Moves is an exciting initiative aiming to connect with even more disabled people across the UK and promote inclusive sport. I would like to thank Toyota for their ongoing commitment to building on the successes we have already achieved to empower more disabled people to become active in a way that is right for them.
“Our research demonstrates the importance of this launch given the disproportionate impact of the pandemic and cost of living challenges on the disabled community, something which I have experienced first-hand myself as a disabled person.
“Disabled people tell us that representation is a crucial part of breaking down barriers to participation in physical activity and this is why it is so important we celebrate the benefit of movement for Every Body.”
Jonnie Peacock said: “Sport is everything. There’s a social element, there is the physiological response, you’re actually getting fitter and also the fact that you actually get a rush of dopamine when you move.
“Every Body Moves powered by Toyota is just about happiness. It’s about getting people involved in sport and offering everyone something accessible to them.”
Jake Oakley, coach with Every Body Moves Club of the Year, the Sheffield Steelkings Para Ice Hockey Club, said: “We are proud and excited to be involved in the Every Body Moves campaign. We know from experience that sport and physical activity can play a pivotal role in transforming wellbeing, building friendships and boosting confidence.
“There is a sport or activity out there for everyone. No matter a person’s age, gender, religion, ethnicity or impairment – our message is simple, get out there, find your thing and have fun!”
Stuart Sanders, Director Communications and Product, Toyota (GB) commented: “We’re looking forward to our continued partnership with ParalympicsGB in evolving the Parasport platform as Every Body Moves. Our relationship with the Olympics and Paralympics – the pinnacles of sporting success – is well known, but as part of our mission to achieve better mobility for all, it’s great that this initiative will reach the grassroots of sports, enabling everyone to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of physical activity.”
Since the partnership between ParalympicsGB and Toyota started in 2018, the digital hub has expanded to feature thousands of inclusive activities across the UK, with more than 650,000 unique website visitors. The programme’s success was reflected in the fact that it won a 2022 Sports Industry Award in the Active and Wellbeing category. Grants totalling £500,000 were also awarded via the Toyota Parasport fund to grassroots organisations to support inclusive provision during and post-pandemic.
*Source: Savanta interviewed 2572 UK adults (aged 16+) online between 17th -19th February. The sample included a boost for people with a long-term physical condition, mental condition and/or disability, bringing the total of those with a long-term condition and/or disability interviewed to 1053. Data were weighted to be demographically representative of UK adults by gender, region, and social grade.