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Written question asked by Caroline Dinenage (Conservative) on Friday, 10 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 April 2026. It was answered by Stephanie Peacock (Labour) on Monday, 27 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Exercise: Learning Disability

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had discussions with Special Olympics Great Britain on the difference in participation in physical activity between people with intellectual disabilities and the national average.

Answer

The Government believes that opportunities to play sport and get physically active should be available to everyone. We are committed to breaking down the barriers that contribute to the persisting inequalities in participation and want to ensure that everyone can experience the physical, mental and social benefits that come with being active.

Our Arm’s Length Body Sport England engages with Special Olympics Great Britain and other sector partners to understand participation rates amongst underrepresented groups including people with intellectual disabilities, and how access for all can be improved. The most recent statistics from Special Olympics Great Britain outline that as many as 59% of people with a learning disability do not participate in sport. Sport England recognises these challenges, and has invested £1.5 million across 4 years into Special Olympics Great Britain as part of its Uniting the Movement strategy.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
124556
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Learning disability Special Olympics Great Britain Exercise
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk