Organisers of the event say people with a learning disability face significant barriers when it comes to participating in sport, pointing out that more than half of sports clubs in the UK do not have facilities for disabled people to take part in sports and almost two-thirds of sports clubs do not have suitably trained staff.

Despite the success of the London 2012 Paralympics, a report published by the English Federation of Disability Sport claimed that around 60 per cent of disabled people said a lack of awareness of opportunities or a lack of available opportunities prevents them from taking part in sport.

The two-hour session in Bexley was part of a programme aimed at removing some of the barriers for people with learning disabilities and consisted of a group discussion and a practical running and jogging-based activity.

"Sport can have a transformative effect on the lives of people with a learning disability, giving them opportunities for enjoyment and achievement and participating in a sport like athletics also brings significant health benefits," said director of sports and development for SOGB, Andy Heffer.

"We hope that this is just the start of many such sessions across the country."

The 15 participants were joined by three volunteers and representatives from Mencap, SOGB and England Athletics.

Fifteen participants with a learning disability took part in the pilot session in Bexley yesterday ©England Athletics



The session yesterday proved to be a big success according to national disability manager for England Athletics, Tamsin Fudge, who revealed an action plan is in place to deliver more opportunities in 2014 and 2015.

"England Athletics is proud to be working in partnership with Mencap and Special Olympics GB to deliver specific participation goals detailed within our strategic plan," added Fudge.

"Our partnership will expand the athletic experience for individuals, and increase the appeal of athletics both recreationally and competitively.

"The focus group and taster session with Bexley Mencap was a great example of how England Athletics, Mencap and Special Olympics GB will work together.

"This pilot will create the foundation for further collaborations nationally and will be the beginning of a regular Run England session in Bexley."

SOGB is the largest registered charity providing year-round sports training and competition opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

It has announced a squad of 48 athletes for the upcoming Special Olympics European Summer Games in Belgium, which are set to take place from September 13 to 20.

More than 2,000 athletes with learning disabilities from 58 European countries will take part in 10 sports - including athletics, artistic gymnastics, football, bocce, badminton, unified basketball, cycling, judo, table tennis and swimming.

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