Disabled girls “half as likely” to dream about elite sport

While last year’s Paralympic Games inspired 80% of disabled girls to do more sport, only 36% of them dream of reaching the top in sport – compared to 61% of disabled boys.

The figures, which suggest that disabled girls are not getting the support they need to be physically active and play sport, come from a report published by Women in Sport this week.

Called A game of inequality: The reality of sporting dreams for young disabled people, the report shows that the 2024 Paralympic Games had a hugely positive impact, with 67% of those surveyed saying the Games “made them want to be more active and play more sport”.

But while the visibility of disability sport is improving, the report outlines how real-world access, inclusion and support still lag behind the ideals promoted by the Paralympic Games.

According to the report, disabled girls are more likely to say they don’t know where to find opportunities in their local area and that they worry about getting there and back.

Barriers and challenges facing disabled girls wanting to play sport include fewer local opportunities (44%), negative attitudes about disabilities preventing success (42%) and a feeling that disabled people aren’t encouraged to excel in sport (35%).

“Inequality in sport is compounded for disabled women and girls,” the report reads.