Topic 7: Physical Activity and Inclusion

7.1 Supports and Barriers

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Group 1: Women

Women in Sport

Intro Task

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In Pairs, Discuss some of the barriers that prevent Women participating in Sport and some supports that exist to overcome these

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CSPAA 2018 Survey

�Barriers to physical activity levels for Women

Barriers to female participation in physical activity

1. Lack of Role Models

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In the past, there has been less coverage of female athletes in the media, leaving young girls unsure if they can participate in certain activities

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Task

• Name five male professional footballers?
• Name five female professional footballers?
• Name five male or female athletes with a disability?

Spot the difference?

One group more important than the other?

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• If you are a young boy or girl, what message does the image portray to you?

Barriers to female participation in physical activity

Sociocultural Factors:

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Historically, sport has been viewed as a male dominated area. This stereotyping has often made it challenging for females to get involved, particular in certain sports (eg boxing, rugby)

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Also in many cultures, it is frowned upon or even forbidden for women to get involved in sport.

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Finally, In the Irish Sport Monitor (2015), when asked for the most common factors for ceasing sport, women were more likely to cite family commitments (26%)

Barriers to female participation in physical activity

• Lack of clubs
• In some areas, women and girls may not have access to sports teams such as soccer, rugby. While clubs may exist in their area, these clubs may not provide teams for females.
• Lack of facilities and equipment
• Facilities in many areas may be inadequate or may not cater for women. Some clubs may have changing rooms that cater for men only with no provision made for women. In other cases, men may monopolise the existing facilities.
• Lack of coaches
• Clubs may be able to provide coaches for male teams but not not be able to cater for female teams. This may deter females from getting involved.

Media

Supports for Women

Media/NGB Campaigns

Supports to female participation in physical activity

• Funding
• Specific Targeted funding is now available to implement women only programmes
• Role Models
• High Profile Figures such Rachel Blackmore (Jockey) and Katie Taylor (Boxing) are championed in the media

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Group 2: Physical Disability

�Barriers to physical activity levels for people with Physical Disabilities

Barriers

• Transport/Accessibility
• Is there sufficient wheelchair accessible vehicles and do venues have wheelchair accessible facilities?
• Cost/Equipment

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How Much does this cost?

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Answer: €15000

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• Availability of Facilities

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Question: What clubs offer physical disability services in Navan?

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Coverage in the Media

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Task: How many Irish medalists can you name?

Paralympics Ireland: More Than Sport

“The campaign features a number of athletes from this year’s panel and is a massive drive by Paralympics Ireland to raise vital and necessary funds for the road to Rio 2016 to supplement recent government funding that was allocated toward the cost of the Games and the Performance Programme.”

People with physical disabilities: Supports

• “Active Disability Ireland” “Sport Inclusion Disability Charter
• Local HSE health promotion departments
• The Irish Heart Foundation
• NGBs
• Offer adapted training programmes for coaches and volunteers. Special bodies include Special Olympics Ireland, Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland and Paralympic Council of Ireland