Sights are set on integration for all participants.
In many sports inclusion and diversity are all too often considered to be in place after one or two physical changes to buildings, for example adjustments to entrances and toilets. Whilst accessibility is certainly important, a change in mindset to actively encourage people facing barriers through the doors of a local facility can be a challenging concept.
Rayan Sammut, British Shooting’s Head of Community & Engagement, recently invited the co-founder of International Mixed Ability Sports (IMAS) to chat with some grassroots club members about the Mixed Ability model. The online evening workshop highlighted that many clubs have already taken the next steps to welcome, recruit and retain new disabled members.
During the PowerPoint session IMAS Trainers, who all have lived experience of disabilities, joined members from various disciplines, including target, pistol and clay pigeon shooting to raise awareness of the challenges and solutions of engaging new disabled participants. Topics included:
Appropriate language;
Trainees agreed that not knowing the right descriptive words for specific disabilities contributes to the ‘fear factor’ of introducing ‘difference’ into a community club, the concept of becoming disability confident leads to a more relaxed approach.
Dealing with additional needs;
Club members shared their own stories of how other participants had made simple, minor adjustments to accommodate them without making activities separate, or labelling people which can create an ‘us and them’ impression.
Understanding Mixed Ability;
IMAS Trainer and bench rest target shooter Harrison Stedman explained how East Grinstead Target Shooting Club value him the same as any other member. “I started bench rest target shooting in January 2025.
I chose this sport because I can’t run around and I wanted to be part of a regular club not a disabled one. My shooting club don’t treat me any differently apart from giving me practical help with my equipment and asking my mum how to explain things to me to help improve my shooting technique.”
Richard from the North West has a condition which means his ability to walk or stand for long periods has deteriorated. He commented, “although I’ve heard negative comments from some members about seated shooting, wheelchair athletes are now being welcomed into both of my clubs at Wigan TS and Altringham Rifle and Pistol Club.”
“NSRA Dispensation Certificates allowing participation in some open competitions are also appreciated, I hope one day this will extend to all of them.”
Rayan, who had kindly invited IMAS to share the Mixed Ability message said, “Target shooting is uniquely placed to embrace a Mixed Ability approach, as people of all abilities can participate shoulder to shoulder, training, competing and socialising together. It was great to hear in the session how clubs are already finding creative and practical ways to ensure everyone can take part, demonstrating how Mixed Ability can be beneficial for everyone involved.
Our challenge now is to make more people aware of these successes, encouraging more clubs to adopt this approach and helping local communities recognise target shooting as a sport where people of all abilities can participate, progress and feel a genuine sense of belonging.”
Summing up the evening, IMAS Director and Co-founder Mark Goodwin said, “Tonight has differed from the usual grassroots sports club presentations, because both those delivering the message AND the audience focused on the positive, and the changes they have either initiated or benefited from.”
“If clubs want to attract new members of all abilities, the first step is to prioritise community engagement and communicate a welcoming message for disabled people who may well live nearby but would previously never have contemplated crossing the threshold.”
Mark added, “I’ve been amazed by the good practice evidenced this evening; it would be incredible to see member clubs proactively recruiting new shooters from marginalised communities and adopting the Mixed Ability model.
For more information, please contact Rayan at rayan.sammut@britishshooting.org.uk
or Mark at m.goodwin@mixedabilitysports.org
0 Comments