COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on Oxfordshire's children and young people, with 1 in 2 children not doing enough activity to protect their health and well-being, and nearly 1 in 5 children experiencing severe mental health difficulties. On top of this, only 34% of disabled children currently feel confident taking part in sports.

In response to this critical need, we are delighted to be collaborating with national charity Access Sport to launch Access Sport Oxfordshire, a new county-wide inclusive sports programme set to benefit hundreds of children in greatest need across Oxfordshire.

Launching Access Sport Oxfordshire

Access Sport has been working in Oxford city since 2014, helping to increase inclusive sport for children and young people most in need. We are pleased to announce that in response to fast-growing need and with generous support from Mark Beard, High Sheriff in Nomination for Oxfordshire starting April 2022, we are expanding Access Sport's provision across the whole county.

Access Sport Oxfordshire launched this month with a focus on:

• Sporting opportunities for children and young people with a disability
• Sports initiatives in the most disadvantaged areas of Oxfordshire
• Training and development of coaches and leaders, including new opportunities for young people to train as coaches.

Transforming Lives

Access Sport Oxfordshire will work with sports clubs and local communities to expand existing sports programmes and launch new ideas, with planned activities including inclusive athletics, BMXercise sessions and disability cycling.

Paul Brivio, Chief Executive at Active Oxfordshire, says:

"Sport has the power to transform young lives, by improving mental health, physical health and life chances. But too many children still don't have the opportunities they deserve, and Access Sport Oxfordshire will help to change this by bringing inclusive sports to young people facing disadvantage right across the county. We're delighted to be able to build on the fantastic work of Access Sport to date so that every child in Oxfordshire can enjoy an active life."

To find out more about Access Sport Oxfordshire, please visit www.activeoxfordshire.org/access-sport-oxfordshire