Every Body Moves

ParalympicsGB and Toyota have launched the ground-breaking Every Body Moves initiative to empower disabled people to become active in a way that is right for them. The launch was on Monday 20 ^th of March at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, and Toyota Sheffield were invited to be involved.

What is Every Body Moves?

Drawing on the lived experience of disabled person throughout the UK, Every Body Moves is and evolution of the award winning parasport powered by Toyota which has grown to become the nation’s largest online destination, connecting people with thousands of inclusive sports and physical activities.

Every Body Moves has been developed thanks to a renewed commitment from Toyota to promote inclusive sporting opportunities. It comes a time when new research on behalf of ParalympicsGB reveals disabled people’s physical activity levels have been disproportionately impacted by Covid-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis:

• Disabled people are almost twice as likely as non-disabled people (17% compared to 10%) to say they are unable to find accessible and inclusive activities near them.
• Disabled people are twice as likely (30% compared to 15%) to say they are feeling lonelier and more isolated now than before the pandemic and cost of living crisis.
• 82% of disabled people could name at least one reason why taking part in physical activity or sport is important to them.
• Almost half (48%) of disabled people agree that been part of an inclusive community involved in physical activity is important to them.

The everybodymoves.org.uk platform features more than 7,000 inclusive sessions and a range of virtual workouts, hints, and tips and has been co-produced with disabled people.

It will aim to improve accessibility standards for physical activity listings and will place the lived experience of disable people at the heart of the programme, to enable even grater numbers to enjoy the benefits of becoming more active.

The Event 

To launch Every Body Moves, more than 50 disabled people took part in a “come and try” session for different sports and activities, from archery and dance to wheelchair basketball and table tennis, at the English Institute of Sport.

They were joined by Paralympic gold medalist's Hannah Cockcroft, Jonnie Peacock and new ParalympicsGB Chief Executive Dave Clark.  

Dave Clark said “Every Body Moves is an exciting initiative aiming to connect with even more disabled people across the UK and promote inclusive sport. I would like to thank Toyota for their ongoing commitment to building on the success we have already achieved to empower more disabled people to become active in an away that is right for them.”

“Our research demonstrates the importance of this launch given the disproportionate impact of the pandemic and the cost of living challenges on the disable community, something which I have experienced first-hand myself as a disable person.”

“Disabled people tell us that representation is a crucial part of breaking down barriers to participation in physical activity and this is why it’s so important we celebrate the benefit of movement for Every Body”

Stuart Sanders, Director Communications and Product, Toyota (GB) commented “we’re looking forward to our continued partnership with ParalympicsGB in evolving the parasport platform as Every Body Moves. Our relationships with the Olympics and Paralympics – the pinnacles of sporting success – is well known as, but as part of our mission to achieve better mobility for all, it’s great this initiative will reach the grassroots of sport, enabling everyone to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of physical activity.”

Since the partnership between ParalympicsGB and Toyota started in 2018, the digital hub was expanded to feature thousands of inclusive activities across the UK, with more than 650,000 unique website visitors. The programme’s success was reflected in the fact that it won 2022 sports industry award and wellbeing category. Grants totaling £500,000 were also awarded via Toyota parasport fund to grassroot organisations to support inclusive provision during the post-pandemic.

Burrows Involvement

Steve Burrows was delighted to be asked to present the trophy to Every Body Moves club of the year, the Sheffield Steelkings para ice Hockey club.

Jake Oakley, coach with Every Bod Moves Club this year, the Sheffield Steelkings para ice Hockey club, said: “We are proud and excited to be involves in everybody moves campaign. We know from experience that sport and physical activity can play a pivotal role in transforming wellbeing, building friendships and boosting confidence.

“There is a sport activity out there for everyone. No matter a person’s age, gender, religion, ethnicity or impairment- our message is simple, get out there, find your thing and have fun.!”

Burrows team members from Toyota Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley also participated in a number of the activities including wheelchair cycling and wheelchair basketball. They had a great time.

It was great for Burrows to be involved in such a prestigious event being held in south Yorkshire.