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Cerebral Palsy Sport is the sports organisation for people with cerebral palsy, providing sporting
opportunities to individuals of all ages and at all levels from the recreational right through to paralympic
competition.
It is also an advisory agency for disability sport issues and is recognised and respected within
the international arena.
It was a founder member of the British Paralympic Association and is also a member of CP ISRA,
the international sports organisation for people with cerebral palsy, which in turn was a founder member of
the International Paralympic Committee.
Cerebral Palsy Sport's primary aim is to attract more people to become involved in sporting
activities for the pursuit of excellence or for fun and enjoyment. Among the activities covered by CP Sport are
athletics, boccia, bowls, football, swimming and table cricket.
Sporting activities offer fantastic health benefits to people with disabilities but it is the
social advantages that are perhaps the most important to our members. Through their activities with CP Sport,
our members grow in confidence and build life-long friendships as they compete and socialise with others who share
the same difficulties as themselves in an environment where they are no longer made to feel different from their peers.
In addition to sports provision, CP Sport has a training and educational arm offering specialist
advice with a focus on increasing the skills and knowledge of individuals who support children with cerebral palsy.
Working with a network of dedicated volunteers across a variety of sports, the organisation is
able to co-ordinate programmes of activity from regional levels through to world class sporting opportunities.
Cerebral Palsy Sport is a registered charity. We receive no government or Big Lottery funding and
rely entirely on donations and in kind support from individuals, charitable trusts and business organisations.
About Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy affects around one in every 400 births and can be caused from lack of oxygen at
birth, damage to the developing foetus, a viral infection, certain drugs or poor nutrition. It is the most common
form of severe disability amongst children worldwide. The number of babies born with cerebral palsy is not declining.
It affects each individual differently and difficulties include:
- Limited movements
- Uncontrolled movements
- Epilepsy
- A learning difficulty
- Visual impairments
- Hearing impairments
- Muscle spasm / muscle floppiness
- Muscle stiffness or weakness
- Difficulties eating
People with the condition may find themselves marginalised in society and may have psychological
problems due to frustrations caused by their disability.
Cerebral Palsy Sport aims to change all this by improving the physical and mental well being of
people with cerebral palsy. By engaging children and adults with the condition in sport, we help to build self-confidence,
friendships and support networks. Individuals come to events and relish the opportunity to participate in sport in an
inclusive environment where they are no longer made to feel 'different'.
However, we can't do all this without the help of our supporters. Visit our
fundraising and
volunteering pages to see how you can
help change people's lives through sport.
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