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Accessible sports

Options for inclusive or adapted sport in Somerset

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Part of
Accessible sports

Options for inclusive or adapted sport in Somerset

1

Parasports

Sports for specific disabilities

Parasports
2

Pan-disability sports

Sports for a range of additional needs

Pan-disability sports
3

Mainstream sports

Sports with a range of adaptations

Mainstream sports with adjustments

About the adjustments

A lot of sporting activities can make special adjustments so you can join in with everybody.

information

Age restrictions to join each sport vary, so please check first.

Archery

Archery is a highly accessible sport and para-archery was one of the original Paralympic sports.

 You may use assistive devices in archery, including draw or release aids, mouth tabs and wheelchairs. Find out more at Archery GB.

Cycling

Cycling is for everyone, not just the sporty or able-bodied.

Cycling solutions for those with disabilities or ailments are not widely known. There are lots of options for adjustments from different seating heights and positions, handlebar adjustments and frames, pedal locations, stability of wheels, using mirrors for example. Learn about options for adapted bikes at Cycle Scheme, and about improvements to accessibility of cycle routes on Sustrans. We have produced a series of cycling maps to help you to explore the county

Golf

Golf is a game for all.

Rules can be modified, or equipment and devices used, to let disabled golfers play alongside able-bodied golfers. See England Golf and Disabled Gold Association for more information.

Running

Some people who are visually impaired use a Guide Runner who is attached to them with a band at the wrist or hand.

The guide provides everything a runner with vision has, from informing the runner how far they are on the track, to where they are in comparison to other racers or what they must do to win. Visit Run Together to find a Guide Runner close to you. Somer Athletic Club in Midsomer Norton support all sight levels and all abilities.

Martial Arts

Martial arts are sports where two people use punching, kicking, throwing or pinning against each other.

Some types of Martial Arts are for self-defence and some are for combat. Some use sticks or weapons and some use just your body.  They also focus on mental and spiritual development.  There are lots of different types of martial art, each comes from a different part of East Asia.

British Taekwondo support clubs to be inclusive to disabilities, find out more at British Taekwondo. Participants with disabilities can enter mainstream events and following British Judo Performance pathways, the Disability pathway has been integrated with the support where required. Find out more about adaptive judo at British Judo and International Blind Sports Federation Judo. Para-karate is where the rules of karate are adapted for mental and physical disabilities. Find out more at the English Karate Federation.

Tenpin Bowling

Tenpin bowling is where you roll a bowling ball down a lane towards ten pins, aiming to knock them all down.

Bowling rinks usually offer moveable ramps to access lanes, ball ramps and bumpers for use with or without wheelchairs, and lightweight balls, see more at Hollywood Bowl for Taunton and Yeovil.  If you can’t get to a centre have a look at Bowl Abilities bowl at home activities.

Find out more about visually impaired tenpin at British Blind Sport.

Snowsport

Although there usually isn’t much snow in Somerset, there are opportunities to practice snowsports on a dry slope.

For physical disabilities there are several types of adaptive kit available to enable you to ski seated or with outriggers or tethers, find out more at Snowsport England or Disability Snowsport UK.  Find out more about competing in para snowsport at GB Snowsport’s para pathway. Or follow Mendip Activity Centre and Exeter Adaptive Ski Club locally.

Surfing

Riding a wave towards the shore while standing or lying on a surfboard.

Surfboards may be adapted with extra pads, grips and handles, or the surfer might ride laying down or on their knees. Some surfers might also work with water support, for example as guides for the visually impaired to call them into waves, or pushers for those who struggle with paddling to launch into a wave.  Find out more at Surfing England Adaptive Crew. Or follow Adaptive Surfing Hub in Croyde North Devon, Calvert Trust Exmoor, Surf Southwest who are all part of The Wave Project making surfing as accessible as possible to all young people locally. Also find adaptive surfing at The Wave inland surfing lake near Bristol.

Last reviewed: December 12, 2023 by Helly

Next review due: June 12, 2024

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