§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has to increase sports facilities and opportunities for those with disabilities; and if he will make a statement. [5820]
§ Mr. Banks[holding answer 1 July 1997]: This Government is determined to promote sport for people with disabilities, it is our aim to maximise opportunity for all people, no matter what their ability. There is an enormous amount of untapped talent, which given the right opportunities and encouragement could become our next generation of successful Paralympians.
I am taking a particular interest in disabled sports events. In the last two months. I have opened the World Blind Sailing Championships and the British disabled water skiing facilities at Heron Lake. I have attended disabled rugby at Loughborough University, a coaching session by the London Community Cricket Association for the disabled, fundraising for the Special Olympics organised by Sainsburys and been to the British retinitis pigmentosa awards. I shall also be opening the Special Olympics in Portsmouth later this month.
We as a nation should take pride in the achievements of our disabled sportspeople. The success of our Paralympic team in Atlanta last year, winning 122 medals in total, 39 of them gold medals, was a considerable achievement and shows what can be done with effort and determination. As I said in the sport for all debate last week, we need more media coverage of these international events.
To ensure we build on this success, the British Academy of Sport and the regional centres of sporting excellence will address the provision for people with disabilities as an integral part of our overall strategy.