§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many specialist playgrounds there are that cater for disabled children; what assistance is available for disabled children who wish to take on a sport professionally; how much has been invested in disabled persons' sports since 1997; and if she will make a statement. [112743]
§ Mr. CabornDCMS does not hold information on the specific numbers of playgrounds that cater for disabled children. The Department launched a Children's Play Review in October 2002, which includes research into provision for disabled children. Elite disabled sport is supported by the UK Sport World Class programme, which has been given £4.6 million in exchequer funding since 1997. In addition to this, the DCMS also funds grassroots disability sport through Sport England, which from 1998–2003 allocated £4,240,056 to the English Federation for Disability Sport. The EFDS works to improve opportunities to participate in sport for all people with disabilities.