£125,000 for PE inclusion training

Sep 9 2012

More than £100,000 will go towards training teachers on how to fully include disabled children in physical education and sport, the Scottish Government has announced.

The £125,000 funding boost was awarded following the success of Scottish athletes at the London 2012 Paralympic and Olympic Games, where a total of 24 medals were won.

The training for both PE and classroom teachers will be provided by Scottish Disability Support and aims to give them the knowledge, skills and experience to fully include disabled young people in PE and sports.

Speaking on the day of the Paralympics closing ceremony, sport minister Shona Robison said: "There is no doubt that these Paralympic Games have been the biggest and best ever. Scottish athletes have more than played their part in both ParalympicsGB and TeamGB, with an impressive medal haul.

"That is why I am pleased to announce this funding that will aid existing efforts to help disabled children in PE and sports.

"During London 2012, we've seen how much sport can add to people's lives, that is why it's so important that all children have the chance to take part. As London 2012 draws to a close, we must also look ahead to what's next.

"We have had a taste of the excitement, atmosphere and success of having these Games so close to home, I hope that everyone will continue the legacy of the Olympics and welcome the athletes home to Glasgow on September 14, and look forward to the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow in 2014."

Gavin MacLeod, chief executive of Scottish Disability Sport, said: "This funding will allow Scottish Disability Sport to implement a programme of disability inclusion training across Scotland.

"This training will support education staff to include disabled pupils in PE and will have significant impact on the sporting lifestyles of many young disabled people."

The official victory parade for Scotland's Olympic and Paralympic heroes will be held on Friday in Glasgow, the host city for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.