Every Body Moves stages successful Sheffield launch | Every Body Moves
27/03/2023

Every Body Moves stages successful Sheffield launch

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ParalympicsGB and Toyota have announced the launch of the ground-breaking Every Body Moves initiative to empower disabled people to become active in a way that is right for them.  

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

Every Body Moves has been developed thanks to a renewed commitment from Toyota to promote inclusive sporting opportunities.  

To launch Every Body Moves, more than 150 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 in Sheffield last week.

They were joined by Paralympic gold medallists Hannah Cockcroft, Jonnie Peacock and new ParalympicsGB chief executive Dave Clarke.

Hannah Cockroft and Johnnie Peacock at the launch of Every Body Moves

Clarke 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 successes we have already achieved to empower more disabled people to become active in a way that is right for them.  

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

Cambridge-born Peacock added: “Moving in a way that works for you is a great way to look at it. There are the obvious physical benefits. But for me it’s more about the social aspects as well, being aprt of a team or community can really benefit your life.  

“Every Body Moves powered by Toyota is just about happiness. It’s about getting people involved in sport and physical activity and making sure there is something accessible to everybody.”  

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 disabled people at the heart of the programme to enable even greater numbers to enjoy the benefits of becoming more active.  

Halifax’s seven-time Paralympic champion Cockcroft said the initiative would bring new possibilities to everyone, from those looking to emulate her unprecedented success to those looking to add a bit of movement into their daily routine.

Cockcroft said: “There was nothing like this when I was younger and I really, really wish there was. I didn’t find wheelchair racing until I was 15 years old and in terms of the sport, that’s quite old - one of my rivals won her first ever Paralympic medal at 15.   

“I hope that this is a game-changer because it would have been for me growing up, definitely.”

Jake Oakley, coach with Every Body Moves Club of the Year, the Sheffield Steelkings Para Ice Hockey Club, said: “There is a sport or 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!”  

Sheffield Steelkings, the UK’s largest para ice hockey club, were awarded Club of the Year, presented in person by Steve Burrows, Managing Director of Burrows Toyota which runs Toyota dealerships in Sheffield, Rotherham and Worksop.  

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 relationship with the Olympics and Paralympics - the pinnacles of sporting success - is well known, but as part of our mission to achieve better mobility for all, it’s great that this initiative will reach the grassroots of sports, 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 has 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 a 2022 Sports Industry Award in the Active and Wellbeing category. Grants totalling £500,000 were also awarded via the Toyota Parasport fund to grassroots organisations to support inclusive provision during and post-pandemic.