Opening doors: why accessibility in sport matters more than ever
Opening doors: why accessibility in sport matters more than ever
Sport has long been a unifier - bringing people together, building confidence, and improving physical and mental wellbeing. But for many people living with a disability or mobility challenges, accessing sport still comes with barriers.
At AJM Choice, we believe that mobility should never be a barrier to participation. Sport should be inclusive by design, not exception. That’s why we’re proud to support initiatives and organisations championing greater accessibility across the sporting landscape.
Progress in inclusive sport
Organisations like Sport England have made huge strides in promoting inclusive participation. According to their Active Lives survey, disabled people and those with long-term health conditions are still twice as likely to be inactive compared to those without - despite a strong desire to be involved.
Their Uniting the Movement strategy highlights the importance of reducing inequalities in access to physical activity, and funding now focuses on creating environments where everyone can engage, regardless of ability.
At a grassroots level, bodies like the English Indoor Bowling Association (EIBA) are doing fantastic work to make sports like bowls more accessible. With a nationwide network of affiliated clubs and partnerships with organisations like Disability Bowls England, they’re helping to ensure that the sport is open to all - no matter a person’s age, mobility, or experience level.
The role of mobility in supporting participation
Participation in sport isn't always about elite performance, it’s about being part of something. For individuals with limited mobility, the right equipment can be the key to accessing and enjoying sport in a meaningful way.
Whether it’s a lightweight manual wheelchair designed for manoeuvrability, powerchairs that provide independence on and off the court, or specialist seating that supports postural needs, mobility solutions enable access, comfort, and confidence.
We often hear from individuals who simply want to rejoin their local sports clubs or continue being active with their peers, but face challenges around fatigue, seating, or uneven surfaces. These are very real barriers - but they are barriers we can overcome with the right support.
Partnerships that make a difference
AJM Choice is proud to be an official sponsor of the English Indoor Bowling Association (EIBA) in 2025. We’re supporting a sport that exemplifies inclusive practice, with a strong emphasis on community, social connection and physical engagement for people of all abilities.
Through collaboration with clinicians, sports organisations, and mobility specialists, we’re helping to create accessible pathways into sport - whether someone is returning after injury or exploring adaptive sports for the first time.
Looking ahead
True inclusion in sport requires action on multiple levels - accessible facilities, inclusive coaching, and supportive equipment provision. It also requires a change in mindset: to focus not on limitations, but on potential.
Mobility solutions are not just medical devices, they’re enablers of freedom, fun, and community. And as more sporting bodies take steps toward accessibility, we’re here to support that movement every step of the way.
If you or someone you support is looking for the right mobility equipment to rejoin a sport or start a new one, get in touch with the AJM Choice team. We’re here to help make sport possible - on your terms. Contact us by email at choice@ajmhealthcare.org or call us on 0330 128 1260.
