ParalympicsGB and Toyota have joined forces to launch Every Body Moves, an initiative aimed at empowering disabled individuals to engage in physical activity in a way that suits them. Every Body Moves builds on the success of Parasport powered by Toyota, which has become the UK's largest online platform for connecting people with inclusive sporting and physical activities. The initiative was developed with the help of disabled individuals throughout the UK, and the platform features over 7,000 inclusive sessions and virtual workouts, co-produced with disabled people.

The launch of Every Body Moves comes at a time when new research, conducted on behalf of ParalympicsGB, reveals the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and cost of living challenges on disabled individuals' physical activity levels. According to the research, disabled people are nearly twice as likely as non-disabled people to say they are unable to find accessible and inclusive activities near them. Additionally, they are twice as likely to feel lonelier and more isolated now than before the pandemic and cost of living challenges.

Therefore, this launch aims to address these challenges and promote inclusive sporting opportunities for disabled individuals. The platform will improve accessibility standards for physical activity listings and will place the lived experience of disabled individuals at the heart of the programme, enabling even greater numbers of people to enjoy the benefits of physical activity.
To celebrate the launch of Every Body Moves, more than 150 disabled individuals took part in a 'come and try' session for various sports and activities at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield. Paralympic gold medallists Hannah Cockcroft, Jonnie Peacock, and new ParalympicsGB chief executive Dave Clarke were also present.
Dave Clarke noted the importance of Every Body Moves given the disproportionate impact of the pandemic and cost of living challenges on the disabled community.
Disabled people have stressed the importance of representation in breaking down barriers to participation in physical activity, and Every Body Moves aims to do just that.

Since the partnership between ParalympicsGB and Toyota began in 2018, the Parasport platform has expanded to feature thousands of inclusive activities across the UK, with over 650,000 unique website visitors. The success of the programme was reflected in its receipt of a 2022 Sports Industry Award in the Active and Wellbeing category. Grants totalling £500,000 were also awarded via the Toyota Parasport fund to grassroots organisations to support inclusive provision during and post-pandemic.
Stuart Sanders, Director Communications and Product, Toyota (GB), expressed excitement about the continued partnership with ParalympicsGB in evolving the Parasport platform as Every Body Moves. Sanders noted that Toyota's mission to achieve better mobility for all makes it essential for initiatives such as Every Body Moves to reach the grassroots of sports and enable everyone to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of physical activity.

In conclusion, the launch of Every Body Moves represents a significant step towards empowering disabled individuals to engage in physical activity in a way that is right for them. Drawing on the lived experience of disabled individuals throughout the UK, the platform provides access to thousands of inclusive activities and virtual workouts. As the programme continues to evolve, it is likely to have a significant impact on improving accessibility standards for physical activity listings and promoting inclusive sporting opportunities for disabled individuals across the UK.

Source: Paralympics.org.uk 

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