Transformative power of sport for those with life-changing injuries

The Paralympic Games in Paris was a brilliant reminder of the power of sport.

Not only did the Games entertain, but they also played an important role in showcasing the amazing stories of individuals who have had to rebuild their lives following life-changing injuries.

Cyclist Dame Sarah Storey winning her 19th gold medal, Daniel Pembroke MBE achieving a world record javelin throw, and Krysten Coombs securing a silver in the badminton. 

All these individuals have overcome physical barriers and unseen hurdles to take part in the Games.

It became an environment that helped me get through the toughest of times.

Participants also includes sportsmen such as Great Britain wheelchair rugby captain Gavin Walker MBE who went to his first training session in 2011 when recovering from an accident that resulted in a spinal injury. 

Walker said about this decision: “It became an environment that helped me get through the toughest of times.”

Since joining that local club, he has gone on to represent his country in three Paralympic Games, winning gold in Tokyo 2020. 

How sport helps

Walker is just one of more than 105,000 people in the UK living with a spinal cord injury, but his powerful story shows how sport can immeasurably improve the rehabilitation of those who have experienced life-changing events.

Working closely with those who have been involved in catastrophic injuries, we have seen first-hand how sport provides physical, mental and social benefits, enabling individuals to be active and live a full life after injury. 

It also helps prevent secondary health conditions, such as heart disease or obesity, and boosts the mental health and self-esteem of participants by creating a sense of achievement, community, and belonging among other players.

While the Paralympics movement has increased awareness of disability sports in society, there is more work needed to ensure those with disabilities receive the right support following injuries. 

Three quarters (74%) of wheelchair users would like to take part in more sports or physical activity, but barriers remain in society to participation.

There are too few disabled sporting opportunities in the UK as the cost of equipment and lack of accessible facilities present challenges to the formation of new clubs. 

Qualified disabled sports coaches remain rare gems, meaning few disabled people have the opportunity to find and be involved in sports. Worryingly, as a result, data shows disabled people are almost twice as likely to be physically inactive (43%), compared with those without a disability (23%).

Clearly, there is a real opportunity to break down these barriers to participation in the years ahead and create a level playing field across disabled sports. 

Greater support for individuals with disabilities, more accessible facilities, and removing societal stigmas are all vital to creating a more inclusive society.

Raising awareness

The insurance industry has an important role in raising awareness of this issue. Sport is often not at forefront of rehabilitation plans, largely because of a lack of facilities and understanding around its potential in supporting patient recovery. 

This highlights the importance of charities, like WheelPower in providing access to programmes across the UK.

Together, Clyde & Co and WheelPower have been working to raise awareness of these barriers and opportunities among insurance professionals, giving industry professionals the chance to see first-hand how sport is enriching the lives of claimants. 

This includes recently bringing insurers to the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement at Stoke Mandeville Stadium to experience wheelchair sports and raise awareness of disability sport in the UK.

Beyond this event, Clyde & Co regularly publishes insights from its spinal injury subject matter group, bringing together legal expertise with external voices who are on the frontline of the regenerative potential of sport. 

Exploring issues, such as how sports can benefit spinal injury patients’ rehabilitation and the latest medical and technological research in the space, means that there are a pool of resources for the insurance sector to access.

For those working with claimants who have experienced life-changing injuries, the event serves as a reminder that there is a real person at the end of every claim. 

We all have a duty to raise awareness of these barriers and support initiatives which aid the rehabilitation process. Only by doing so can we break down stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding disabilities while promoting a more inclusive and accepting society. 

Sport enables greater independence for individuals, it is an incredible rehabilitation tool and should be at front of mind for all in the industry.

Let’s ensure this latest Paralympic Games in Paris isn’t a wasted opportunity but a real catalyst for positive change and championing the benefits of moving more, being active and playing sport for disabled people.

Additional commentary from Martin McElhatton, chief executive of WheelPower